University of Birmingham Postgraduate Access Scholarship in UK (Round 2)

The University of Birmingham offers Postgraduate Access Scholarships, described as scholarships worth £4,000 each with additional wrap-around support. The funding is for students from under-represented backgrounds progressing to postgraduate study, as part of the University of Birmingham’s £1.4 million scholarships for Home postgraduate students.

The scholarship is aimed at students who are domiciled in the UK for fee-status purposes (recorded as Home) and who are studying a 180-credit postgraduate taught Masters degree. Eligible qualifications include specific taught Masters listed on the page, and applicants must be commencing their studies in the academic year stated for this scholarship. It is also open to students of any nationality if they meet the Home fees and under-represented group criteria.

Selection is based on merit; meeting the published criteria does not guarantee an award. Applicants may need to provide evidence of identification within their selected group if verification is required. Applicants should prepare to submit evidence if they are successful and made an awardee.

• Domiciled in the UK for fee-status purposes (recorded as Home for fee-status), and meets the other eligibility criteria
• Studying a 180-credit postgraduate taught degree
• Studying full-time or part-time postgraduate taught Masters, including courses described on the page as lasting one year full-time or two years part-time, and part-time courses lasting over two years are also eligible
• Com­mencing your studies in the academic year stated for this scholarship
• Belonging to at least one of the under-represented student criteria listed on the page
• Under-represented student criteria options: Completion of a University of Birmingham (Birmingham Scholar) or another university’s Widening Participation Scheme
• Under-represented student criteria options: Care Leaver (once a care leaver, including spending three months or more in local authority care)
• Under-represented student criteria options: Disability (in receipt of DSA as an undergraduate and/or currently receive DLA or PIP)
• Under-represented student criteria options: Black and Ethnic Minority Background (applicants from a black and minority ethnic group are encouraged to apply)
• Under-represented student criteria options: Bereaved of or Estranged from Both Parents (under the age of 25; estrangement defined as no communication or functioning relationship with either parent and no physical or financial support from them for at least 12 months)
• Under-represented student criteria options: Caring Responsibilities for a family member or friend who could not cope without their support, due to illness, disability, mental health issue, or substance misuse
• Under-represented student criteria options: Household Income of £42,875 or less at permanent residence
• Students of any nationality can apply if they are eligible for Home fees and self-identify as belonging to at least one applicable under-represented group
• Applicants must have made an application to their intended eligible Masters programme by the deadline, through the relevant programme page on the Course Finder section of the University of Birmingham website
• Applicants must complete the Postgraduate Access Scholarships application form by the deadline
• International students are not eligible for scholarship funding (as stated on the page)
• Only eligible courses are the listed 180-credit postgraduate taught Masters degrees: LLM; MA (Taught); MSc (Pre-reg); MSc (Taught); MPH; MEd; MBA
• Ineligible courses listed on the page include MA/MSc by Research; MRes (combined taught and research); Integrated Masters degrees (examples listed); Intercalated Masters degrees; Postgraduate Diplomas (PGDip); Postgraduate Certificates (PGCert); Postgraduate Certificates of Education (PGCE); Postgraduate Research programmes (examples listed); Postgraduate taught degrees that receive governmental funding (example listed); Schools Direct programmes; Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) courses; LLB for Graduates; programmes delivered at the University of Birmingham Dubai Campus; all top-up programmes

• £4,000 tuition fee discount
• Additional support including: special induction event before starting postgraduate study
• Invitation to become a Birmingham Scholar upon starting postgraduate study
• Tailored study support from the Academic Skills Centre
• Study abroad opportunities
• Mentoring and careers opportunities
• Enrolment onto the Postgraduate Birmingham Award
• Access to an alumni mentor
• Access to the Masters Consultancy Challenge and employability skills sessions
• Access to a named postgraduate careers adviser for careers guidance support

1. Apply to your intended eligible Masters programme through the relevant programme page on the Course Finder section of the University of Birmingham website (must be done by the deadline).
2. Complete the Postgraduate Access Scholarships application form using the button at the top of the page or the embedded form (must be done by the deadline).
3. Submit your applications for the scholarship by the stated round deadline.
4. If you are unsuccessful in one round, your application will automatically be carried over to the next round and you do not need to re-apply.

• Completion of a University of Birmingham (Birmingham Scholar) or other University Widening Participation Scheme: a letter or reference from your previous university confirming completion of a University Widening Participation Scheme (if completed during undergraduate studies)
• Care Leaver: a letter from the Local Authority confirming you have been in local authority care for at least 13 weeks
• Disability: a Student Finance notification of award letter, and/or a letter confirming support received from your undergraduate university’s disability support office
• Black and Ethnic Minority Background: submit your completed Postgraduate course application, including ethnicity information
• Bereaved of or Estranged from Both Parents: either evidence of assessment of your status by Student Finance during undergraduate studies, or a Word document with further information
• Caring Responsibilities: a Word document giving further information about your caring responsibilities
• Low Household Income: a Student Finance notification of award