Students campaign against Bursary Cuts

Proposals to cut the ‘Ones to Watch’ scholarship have caused a stir in UCLan’s Student Union this week.

Students at the University of Central Lancashire’s have set up a campaign in an attempt to change the universities decision to cut the ‘Ones to Watch’ scholarship.

The decision appears to have been made without any consultation; none of the UCLan staff, or liaison officers, knew about this.

Education officer Peta Carter said, “I don’t know when this came in, we just stumbled on it”.

Communications Officer at the University, Ed Walker, describes UCLan’s previous scheme as one of the best bursary schemes around. At the moment each student is offered £1000 a year if less than £60,000 is coming into his or her household. The cuts the university is suggesting are £1000 for first years then £300 for each additional year.

“Second and third years are when all that work counts and you don’t want to be going out and doing part time work, but if your losing £700 out of your pocket during a year your going to a have to make up those hours, you have to still find that money to cover the cost of being at university”.

The campaign is still in the information gathering stage, a facebook group has been set up so that students can write their opinions on the discussion board. Many of the students believe that they would not be able to cope without the extra £700 a year.

Mature student Jamie Weston wrote: “Personally, I have no idea how I'm going to make it through next year if these changes go ahead.”

Many of the students rated the idea as ridiculous and one student from Ireland, Colm Dodd, wrote: “As an international student I only get a grant to pay for my course, I can't get maintenance. The One's To Watch made things a small bit easier. I'm lucky that I am finished soon. I couldn't afford to stay another year”.

Another UCLan student believes that the bursary is a valuable resource for any student. Cheryl Pennant-Jones writes, “Without the ‘Ones to Watch’ scholarship in my first year, I might have managed fine, but this year, it's important for my rent and I'd struggle without it.

“As others have said, if anything, the money's needed in later years more than in the first. If UCLan really have to limit these bursaries to one year, it should be the last”.

The University's executive officers have held meetings this week with students and colleagues of Vice Chancellor Malcolm McVicar, in a bid to arrange an interview with the Vice chancellor and hopefully change his mind.

Financial Problems cause University Drop Outs

Studies show that students are more likely to drop out of University due to financial problems.

Research for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation showed that money problems and the fear of running into debt are the main reasons that young people, from disadvantaged families, are more likely to drop out of university.

The researchers found that better financial help, especially non-repayable bursaries, enables more students to complete their degrees.


The Queensland University of Technology (QUT) report found that students from disadvantaged backgrounds, who received a scholarship or bursary, are 40 per cent less likely to drop out of university.

In 2005 the public account committee found that five years after their last report on university drop out rates, just over a fifth of students still quit their original course.

Education officer, Peta Carter, at the University of Central Lancashire, claims that the university is very keen in preventing students from dropping out. Most universities often experience ‘drop-outs’ after the first year.

“We also appreciate that there is a drop out between second and third years”.

Universities offer a ‘Ones to Watch’ scholarship for students who qualify for the maximum maintenance grant. Students will receive a 300-pound bursary each year, however some universities may pay out more.

For the last two years the University of Central Lancashire has offered one of the best bursaries around, 1000 pounds a year, non-repayable scholarships of 1000 pounds or more are usually offered to high achievers by top ranking institutions such as Newcastle University, Royal Holloway and the University of London.

However it has been suggested than UCLan may be changing its policy so that students receive the government minimum.

Bursaries offered by universitys could help decrease the amount of debt that students will find themselves in once they have graduated. With the introduction of top up fees students must take out larger loans to cover the costs, which leaves them in more debt.

Peta Carter claims that the University offers the full 1000 pound bursary in an attempt to ease their students debt once they have left.

"No University wants to be seen as a cheap university, we charge the highest rate, however we are giving one thousand pounds back to the students each year".

Bursaries also help to encourage students to attend all their lectures and workshops, which helps to increase performance.



Above: Studnets at Staffordshire find out how top up fees and loans affects student life.

Concern for Manchester United's performance

Rio Ferdinand caused concern for Sir Alex Ferguson after leaving with his foot in a protective case in Manchester United's 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough.

BBC Sport quoted Ferguson in saying; "Hopefully it's not serious with Rio but he was limping for too long, the danger was to keep him on when he was limping and not at his full level."

With Vidic sidelined and crucial games against Arsenal, Blackburn and Chelsea coming up, Ferguson can not afford to be without his other first-choice central defender.

Bristol City star bags PFA award

Bristol City goalkeeper Adriano Basso has been named the PFA Championship player of the month for March.

The Brazilian's efforts have helped to keep City in the title hunt, including a penalty save against Watford, which he said was inspired by the Holy Spirit.

"We work very hard, we give our best, so it's something to be proud of," Basso told BBC Radio Bristol.

"The team get more confidence in me when I help by saves or by talking and organising the defence."