The ‘New’ Intersectionality of Disadvantage? British Muslim Students and the Widening Participation Agenda

This chapter considers the ‘intersectionality of disadvantage’ experienced by British Muslim students and where more can be done to reflect this in HE policymaking, particularly in the Widening Participation (WP) and EDI agenda. It examines the success of this policy framework in increasing access for minoritised communities and Muslim students to date, arguing that the access regime needs to continue to develop, becoming more responsive to the lived experiences of ‘discrete communities’ as opposed to ‘BME’ communities in general. In order to support my claim that WP needs to evolve in ways that better incorporates British Muslim intersectional disadvantage, I explore the testimonies and lived experiences of the Aziz Foundation’s scholarship candidates and scholars. Lastly, as a way forward, I suggest some recommendations that, if acted upon, could strengthen the recognition of British Muslims and their needs in the access regime.