More than 100 students will each be awarded a £10,000 scholarship at Newcastle University to allow those from under-represented groups do a master’s degree.

The Postgraduate Support Scheme was launched last year to support those unable to pursue further study through issues such as financial barriers or family responsibilities.

Newcastle University has almost tripled the numbers of students who will benefit, increasing from 48 in 2014-15 to 146 this academic year.

Professor Suzanne Cholerton, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Learning and Teaching at Newcastle University, said: “These scholarships have the potential to significantly change the lives of students who receive them, and we are delighted to almost triple the number of students who will receive a scholarship this academic year.

“Social mobility is one of the biggest challenges facing the UK today and the scholarships mean those students who might have been deterred from undertaking postgraduate education because of lack of funding can now do so at a world-leading institution."

Newcastle University has been allocated £730,000 and the University will match this funding. The deadline for applications is June 2.  

The intention is to support those who are ordinarily under-represented in postgraduate education; perhaps because of lower finances, disability, personal caring commitments or because an applicant lives in an area where progression to postgraduate education is less common.

In its Autumn Statement, the Government confirmed that £50 million would be provided to institutions during 2015-16 to offer scholarships for postgraduate students.

Tanya Thirtle, of Hebburn, South Tyneside, was among the first to receive a postgraduate scholarship award at Newcastle University last year, and says the funding has been vital for her career development.

The 36-year-old, who is doing a Master’s in Sociology and Social Research, said: “The scholarship award has been life-changing, without it I would not have been able to afford to do a master’s degree.

“Everyone should have the opportunity to advance themselves academically and the postgraduate scholarship award is a great way to enable people from lower economic backgrounds to do this.

“It is fantastic that almost triple the numbers of people will be given the funding for the next academic year at Newcastle University - it makes me proud to be studying at this university.”

In the North East a total of 610 students will benefit. Northumbria University will give the highest number of postgraduate scholarship awards, allocating £775,000 to 155 students.

Durham University’s allocation is £750,000 for 150 students; the University of Sunderland has designated £445,000 to 89 students; and Teesside University has been allocated £350,000 for 70 students.

To find out more about Newcastle University’s postgraduate scholarships click here

published on: 15 April 2015