Representation of Ethnic Groups in Chemistry and Physics

As part of their agenda to address issues relating to student diversity in chemistry and physics, the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Institute of Physics commissioned this study to investigate patterns of ethnic-minority participation in the two subjects through the various stages of academic study and into the labour market.

The study presents a statistical picture of the progress of England- and Wales-domiciled students from different ethnic groups through the various stages of the educational system into undergraduate chemistry and physics courses. It then examines undergraduate achievement in chemistry and physics and the subsequent study outcomes of the students at postgraduate level. This leads to the identification of key differences between different ethnic groups' achievements and decision making.