Review finds EDI at the heart of MDX postgraduate research

A review of MDX postgraduate research demonstrates the University’s commitment to inclusivity and that EDI is not “just about checkboxes”

An equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) Review of Middlesex University postgraduate research, with Advance HE, found MDX has established an open and inclusive research environment that creates and explores new ideas and approaches to tackling problems faced by societies.

It has concluded that the postgraduate (PGR) community is one of the most diverse in the UK based on student ethnicity, origin, professional backgrounds and age.

Commenting on the Review, Dr Nico Pizzolato, Director of MDX Postgraduate Research Studies, said:

“The EDI review is an important exercise that enhances our ability to learn from the postgraduate researchers themselves. It is heartening to learn that our diverse community of postgraduate researchers feels at home here; creating an inclusive environment is always a work in progress.

“Although our commitment to EDI was evident and our general policies were visible, the report has shown that there is more we can do to embed EDI in the PGR student experience, for example by introducing other specific policies. The number of PGR students from the Global South is one of our strengths and the study reveals that these students require more tailored financial support, English academic writing skills, and general support for adjusting to university life in the UK.”

Other key findings from the Review include:

• The overwhelming majority of PGR students and staff recognised the University as a diverse institution in terms students, though they perceived supervisors as less diverse.
• Two thirds of PGR students were aware of Middlesex’s diversity when they applied and for one in five said this played a role in their decision.
• Higher Education Statistics Authority (HESA) data confirms that MDX has a more ethnically diverse PGR body compared to most universities.

John Soper, Director of Inclusion at MDX, added:

“Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion aren't just checkboxes – they are the foundation of fairness and innovation. When everyone takes ownership in reviewing processes, we move from shared responsibility to shared progress, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued, the University has a framework for assessing Equality Impact which is available to all, and I encourage all colleagues to make use of this.”