ABSTRACT This paper aims to identify the barriers affecting black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) students’ access to, and attainment in, veterinary higher education in the UK. This will help acknowledge and understand why the veterinary sector is the least diverse profession in the UK (Gyles, 2018), with veterinary nursing being worse than veterinary medicine. In Part 1, the background and contextual information will introduce the reader to the racial issues that can affect access and attainment prior to and when attending university. This includes the current veterinary environment, facts and diversity figures among admission processes, and the potential benefits of a diverse student body and workforce.

Keywords BAME, veterinary education, diversity, racial issues, white privilege, Black Lives Matter

Author: Ciar Pembroke, RVN

To cite Part 1 of this article: VNJ Volume 37 May 2022 pp.46-50

To cite Part 2 of this article: VNJ Volume 37 May 2022 pp 54-58

Barriers affecting BAME students access and attainment in veterinary higher education Part 1.pdf

Barriers affecting BAME students access and attainment in veterinary higher education Part 2.pdf