Exploring the experiences of Muslim doctoral students in UK higher education: challenges, implications, and pathways to inclusivity

Abstract

This study provides a much needed insight into Muslim doctoral students’ perceptions of UK higher education and their experiences through their doctoral study. The research is based on interviews with fourteen Muslim doctoral students from a range of academic disciplines and provides a qualitative snapshot of the challenges faced by Muslim doctoral candidates. These challenges encompass a complex interplay of personal, economic, and social factors, including Islamophobia, overt and covert racism, and marginalisation. This, alongside a number of themes including the representation of the racialised Muslim as a doctoral student, feelings of disillusionment and fatigue, and the presence of gatekeeping practices within higher education. From this study, it has been concluded that there is an urgent need for a critical examination of the existing systems and spaces in which doctoral education operates. An essential aspect of this is recognising and understanding how anti-Muslim sentiments within the Academy can profoundly impact the experiences of doctoral education and beyond. The study advocates for enhanced Muslim visibility, better representation, and improved mentoring support within doctoral education. Additionally, the paper calls for stronger measures and punishments against higher education institutions that fail to address prejudices and neglect to provide inclusive spaces for their students.