University ranked top for ethnic minority students

The University of Bradford moved up 25 places in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide's overall rankings

The University of Bradford has a higher proportion of black and ethnic minority students than any other university in England and Wales, according to an annual guide.

Students from black and ethnic minority backgrounds account for 85.5% of the university, according to The Times and the Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026, with 73.5% of entrants the first in their family to go to university.

The academic institution moved up 25 places in the guide's overall rankings to 86th out of 130 universities.

Paul Watson, the university's director of student experience and teaching excellence, said the rankings were "clear evidence our strategy is working".

"By putting students first, providing opportunities and driving forward world-class research, we are delivering on our commitment to excellence," he said.

'Diverse city'

In late 2024, the university topped the English Social Mobility Index (SMI) for the fourth year in a row.

The SMI rates how well higher education institutions do to improve their students' life chances.

Mr Watson said the SMI ranking "highlights our national leadership in social mobility and student success".

Professor Uduak Archibong, who provides strategic oversight for equality, diversity and inclusion across the University of Bradford, said: "The university is located in a very diverse city."

"We are very deliberate in ensuring we promote social mobility, social justice, social inclusion - it is what we do," she added.

"It is really important for us as a university located in a very multi-cultural and multi-ethnic city to do this."

Elsewhere in the guide, the university's radiography course ranked 10th nationally, with its physiotherapy course ranking 11th.

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