The Educational Experiences and Career Aspirations of Black and Ethnic Minority Undergraduates

Although there is a considerable body of literature on black and ethnic minority students and schooling we know relatively little about those who are successful within the school system or about their experiences within higher education. This article focuses on the educational experiences of a small sample of black and ethnic minority undergraduates in Britain, examining both their schooling and their more recent experiences of higher education. It draws on these students' life histories to examine the impact of their educational experiences on their subsequent occupational choices. In particular it considers their attitudes towards teaching as a career. A number of exclusionary processes within higher education are identified and analysed and some consideration is given to the need for future policies and practices which might contribute to greater inclusivity.