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Does anyone know how DEI information is used by UCAS/Universities?

Do some ethnic backgrounds receive preferences under some sort of quota system? if it didn't matter they wouldn't ask so it's clearly used information.

The prospect of applications being affected by Ethnicity seems rather insane in modern Britain, does anyone have any details on this?

Reply 1

Stiffy Byng

Original post by Wamuel

Do some ethnic backgrounds receive preferences under some sort of quota system? if it didn't matter they wouldn't ask so it's clearly used information.
The prospect of applications being affected by Ethnicity seems rather insane in modern Britain, does anyone have any details on this?

It would be unlawful for a university to discriminate against an applicant or student on the grounds of ethnicity.

Information on ethnicity is collected to monitor the demographics of the student population.

There is a Government limit on non UK students entering UK medical schools. There is no other quota.

Reply 2

Wamuel

Original post by Stiffy Byng

It would be unlawful for a university to discriminate against an applicant or student on the grounds of ethnicity.
Information on ethnicity is collected to monitor the demographics of the student population.
There is a Government limit on non UK students entering UK medical schools. There is no other quota.

Thankyou for your concise and informative reply, have a good day.

Reply 3

Admit-One

Universities Forum Helper

DEI info isn't passed to admissions teams.

Original post by Wamuel

if it didn't matter they wouldn't ask so it's clearly used information.

It's used after the fact to monitor the impact of outreach programmes.

Reply 4

McGinger

No quotas - this isnt the US.
As above, just for stats purposes by both UCAS and the Unis.

Reply 5

PS Reviewer

Most equalities data is only passed to universities after students have started their course.

The exceptions to this include things like free school meals, carer, care leaver where the information is collected specifically to assist with contextual admissions and disability which is passed on to allow universities to make reasonable adjustments to admissions/selection.

Reply 6

Stiffy Byng

Original post by McGinger

No quotas - this isnt the US.
As above, just for stats purposes by both UCAS and the Unis.

In 2023, the US Supreme Court ruled that "affirmative action" to favour applicants from minority ethnicities is unlawful.

Reply 7

PS Reviewer

https://www.ucas.com/about-us/policies/privacy-policies-and-declarations/ucas-privacy-policy

It’s not a secret - ucas are clear about what data is shared and when. The privacy policy is brought to the attention of applicants at the point they register with UCAS and again when they submit their application to UCAS.