New scholarships confirmed for Black students

Varley Park – which provides 771 beds for University of Brighton students – will now be managed and operated by Every Student, a specialist UK-based affordable student accommodation operator, following acquisition by UOL Group Ltd, one of Singapore’s leading property and hospitality groups.

UOL will also fund a package of financial support and other opportunities for Black students to advance racial equity at Brighton. This reflects the commitment to advancing equity shared by both organisations.

In partnership with UOL, the university will now develop detailed proposals for the financial support package that will be specifically available for Black students that, to date, include:

• a six-week paid internship or £5,000 donation to fund an existing opportunity via the Black student internship fund
• accommodation bursaries for two students, each over three years, worth £7,000 per student per year
• two postgraduate taught studentships, each over five years, worth £12,000 per student per year.

Across the higher education sector, systemic disadvantage means that Black students are less likely to continue and complete their studies, less likely to be awarded a 1^st/2:1, and less likely to go on to graduate-level employment or further study than other ethnic groups. The support package funded by UOL will provide further targeted support for Black students as part of a range of measures at the University of Brighton designed to tackle deep-rooted societal inequity.

Professor Donna Whitehead, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Brighton, said:

“The sale of Varley Park unlocks vital investment that will allow us to deliver on our transformation plan, while continuing to provide high-quality accommodation and other facilities for our students.

“I’m particularly delighted that we have been able to secure additional financial support from UOL for Black students at the University of Brighton as part of our commitment to equity and to levelling the playing field for all members of our community.

“We know that, as individuals and as an institution, we have the power and duty to help drive societal change. I look forward to working with UOL and our university community to turn this into further meaningful action.”

Investing in our student and staff experience

The £43.5m sale forms a key part of the university’s transformation plan and will enable significant investment in digital infrastructure and building renovations across the university’s three campuses. These improvements will enhance the student and staff experience and support the university’s recently published strategy, Distinctively Brighton 2035.

Varley Park will continue to operate as student accommodation for University of Brighton students through a leaseback arrangement.