Warm welcome for HEFCE PGT Scholars

27 Oct 2014

University welcomes 61 new postgraduate taught students who have been awarded funding under the Postgraduate Support Scheme

Manchester is a member of a consortium of six universities (Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield, Warwick and York), which secured £3m funding from HEFCE’s Postgraduate Support Scheme (a £25m programme to test models for supporting progression of UK students into taught postgraduate study, particularly amongst underrepresented groups and in areas of higher-level skills development and the professions).

The main focus of the Manchester project to date has been the successful delivery of a PGT scholarship scheme. £670,000 in scholarships has been awarded to 61 students (24 of whom were Manchester undergraduates) who began full-time master’s level study in September 2014. The scheme was significantly oversubscribed, with approximately five eligible applications for every award.

The outcomes of this and other funded scholarship schemes will inform HEFCE’s approach to the distribution of £50m National Scholarship Programme funding, which is being re-directed towards PGT from 2015.

An event to congratulate the scholars’ success in securing this award, and to underline the importance to the University of their continuing engagement in the project, was held on Thursday, 23 October.

In his inspiring welcome speech, Professor Clive Agnew congratulated the scholars on their success in securing HEFCE PGT Scholarships.

Professor Agnew said: "This event is to celebrate your success, both in beginning your PGT studies and in achieving your HEFCE scholarship. It’s also to underline the importance of your role as HEFCE scholars: through this project, the consortium is testing different ways of widening access to PGT study and the professions.

"Outcomes of activities this academic year will be cascaded across the sector and your input as HEFCE scholars will help inform approaches for future PGT cohorts. On behalf of the institution, and the sector, thank you in advance for your engagement – and congratulations once again."

Professor Pam Vallely, Medical Virologist and Faculty Associate Dean Graduate Education, said: "The scholars I spoke to were great, really motivated, and making huge personal sacrifices to do the programmes in some cases! I'm sure the project is going to be very successful based on this cohort."

The next phase of the project will test information, advice and guidance interventions to support progression into PGT amongst underrepresented groups, and it is hoped that a number of HEFCE Scholars will participate as Ambassadors.