"This grant allowed me to live comfortably in a European country I would not have otherwise been able to." — Bethan Edwards, BSc Politics and International Relations
Supporting students
The bursary scheme was originally launched in 2015 in response to internal research showing that due to the nature of their courses, a significant proportion of Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences students faced placements with low or no pay.
Awards are offered between £200 and £1,000, with priority given to students who meet a wide set of criteria based on their circumstances or background.
Since 2015 more than 115 bursaries have been awarded, with 45 presented in 2019, the highest number given out so far.
A positive impact
The fund was assessed after the first three years and was found to be having a positive impact for students, especially in these areas:
- help with essential costs including travel, accommodation and food
- reducing the need to undertake additional part-time working
- supporting young carers with travel to return home where necessary
- supporting disabled students with additional costs (bespoke travel arrangements)
- more options for social activities
Overall feedback from students showed that the availability of the fund meant they were more likely to take up the offer of a placement knowing there was potential for help with their finances.
Professor David Galbreath, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences said: "The Faculty Placement Bursary illustrates how we support many of our students as they transition from studies to placement. As Dean, I am very proud that the Faculty plays a role in helping students in low or unpaid placements be able to make their placements work for their degrees. I am continually amazed and often envious of the placement opportunities that our students experience."
Ann-Marie Hartland, Director of Administration commented: "It is so rewarding to be able to support our students in realising their placement ambitions through this bursary scheme and to gain insight into the exciting opportunities they are engaging in. Due to the sheer quality of applications received this year, we were able to make an unprecedented number of awards. We are really looking forward to hearing about the experiences of our students on their placements and seeing the impact these awards have made."
The Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences Placement Bursary is also complemented by 5 further placements awards which are generously supported by alumni of the University. You can find more information by emailing undergraduatefunding@bath.ac.uk
Student testimonials
"If I hadn’t had the HSS Placements Bursary, there is no question about it that I would not have been able to complete this unpaid placement and have all the amazing experiences I've had. I am so very grateful, and the bursary has assisted in my living expenses massively." —Education student
"The bursary helped to enhance my placement experience in numerous ways. Most significantly, it meant that for the majority of my placement I did not need to try and juggle a part time job, which allowed me to work more flexibly and change my days on placement." —Psychology student
"I want to say a massive thank you to the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences for providing me with the placement grant. Your kindness and generosity is what allows students to strive for placements and opportunities that they may not have been able to do without the support that you give them." —Psychology student