NERUPI is now taking bookings for the Degree Awarding Gaps Conference 2026, an in-person event exploring persistent disparities in higher education outcomes and practical approaches to achieving equity.

Despite over a decade of sector attention in UK higher education, persistent disparities remain in undergraduate degree outcomes across race, class, disability and other minoritised groups. Research has shown that these disparities do not stem from student deficits but from systemic and institutional factors manifesting as deep-seated cultural, pedagogical and curricula practices that underpin the degree awarding gap. Although the OfS’ 2018 target to reduce the Black–White degree awarding gap signalled a national commitment, progress in eliminating the gaps has been slow and uneven.

However, meaningful transformation is possible through strong institutional leadership, purposeful collaboration, innovative practice and sustained commitment to success for all. This conference brings together practitioners (access/outreach, student success, academic development staff) academics, researchers and students to interrogate root causes, explore solutions, and share practical approaches to embedding equity and belonging across higher education, with the aim of eliminating awarding gaps.

This event is kindly hosted by London South Bank University.

Conference Themes

• Race, ethnicity, and intersectionality in student degree outcomes
• Disability, neurodiversity, and inclusive learning
• Class, cost of living, and material inequalities
• Curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment reform
• Student engagement, belonging, and representation
• Institutional systems, leadership, and accountability
• Evaluating impact and measuring progress

Speakers

• Professor Zainab Khan, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic Resources and Transformation), London South Bank University
• Professor Tony Moss, Pro Vice-Chancellor Education and Student Experience, London South Bank University
• Marva de la Coudray, Director of Learning and Teaching, London Metropolitan University
• Louise Banahene, PFHEA, MBE, Director of Student Success and Educational Engagement, University of Leeds