New College introduces a higher education scholarship

New College Swindon has launched a Higher Education Scholarship. Named after the college’s former Principal, The Graham Taylor Higher Education Scholarship is open to students who are starting the first year of a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in September 2018 at New College Swindon.

There is one scholarship awarded per academic year and applications close on 31^st August 2018. The scholarship will be awarded by 17th September 2018 and the award includes the tuition fees for either a HNC or HND programme, equivalent to £5,500 or £11,000 respectively. There are no restrictions on the duration of study (part time or full time).

A selection panel consisting of senior academic staff and senior management team will consider the HE scholarship applications. They will look at the personal circumstances of those who meet widening participation criteria and consider achievements of the academic merit applicants.  All applications are anonymised and the decision of the panel is discretionary and final.

When making their decision, the panel will look at whether the applicant has provided clear rationale for applying for a Higher Education course at New College and if the applicant has identified how the Scholarship will be beneficial to their student experience. The panel will also look at the future ambitions of the applicant and if these relate to the Higher Education course they have applied for.

Higher National Certificates and Higher National Diplomas (HNC/HNDs) are vocationally focused courses at Levels 4 and 5 that reflect the requirements of professional organisations and meet the National Occupational Standards for each sector or industry. A range of study options and formats for HE are available at New College, including flexible learning and Higher Apprenticeships. The HNC/HND options on offer at New College include, Art & Design, Business & Enterprise, Creative Media, Early Years, Health & Social Care, Hospitality Management, Media Make-up, Public & Emergency Services and Criminology.

Head of Higher Education at New College, Sam Bramfitt said: "We are thrilled to be launching this scholarship as part of New College's exciting developments in the Higher Education area.  Our provision has been growing each year, especially in 2018 with three new foundation degrees in partnership with the University of Gloucestershire.  Our new HE Centre will provide a great environment for Swindon students who choose to stay local to take advantage of the high quality and affordable courses we have on offer."