Midwifery Widening Participation bursary

In the School of Nursing and Midwifery
Doctor, woman and patient folder in healthcare consultation, hospital support and advice for test results. Client and medical professional with documents folder, paperwork and discussion in office
The School of Nursing and Midwifery with funding from NHSE (National Health Service England) is delighted to offer a significant bursary for midwifery students from a range of our Pre-registration courses to support future midwives financially. This bursary is an opportunity to promote the entrance of students from a wide range of backgrounds into the midwifery profession.
As a society we all benefit from having professionals working within healthcare specialities that reflect the diversity of our society. Widening that lived experience helps to enhance and knowledge and profession insight needed to become a rounded healthcare professional.

The University of Plymouth is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion within the body of students. We have an exciting opportunity to be able to offer a bursary that will widen participation for midwifery students from diverse backgrounds.

Sarah FitzpatrickDr Sarah Fitzpatrick
Lecturer in Midwifery (Education)

The award value is for Tuition Fees and £6000 living expenses per year of course. It is available to students starting their 2 or 3 year midwifery course from September 2024 and is designed to support students from the following groups:
  • From an identified diverse background, particularly those individuals from a black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds.
  • Care leavers.
  • Young adult carers.
  • Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) communities.
 

FAQs

How do I apply?
Check the criteria applies to you and make your application using this form .
When do I need to apply by?
Applications close on 30 October 2024, applications after that date will not be considered.
How is the award paid?
We will endeavour to make payment relating to the living costs stipend in or around December of the current Academic Year, to those applicants of the award who are successful. The payment will be remitted by the University directly to your bank account. Your tuition fee will be adjusted by the internal allocation of funds, and the University will communicate the adjusted fee payable to the Student Loan Company, if applicable. Students are reminded it is their responsibility to ensure that information held by the Student Loan Company is accurate. Further information, including fee information, can be obtained from the Student Accounts Team.
What happens if I leave the course?
Payment in respect of living costs is repayable to the University, on a pro-rata basis, from the date of withdrawal. Failure to repay may result in referral to the University of Plymouth’s debt collection procedures. Your tuition will be adjusted in line with the Fee Policy (see Interruption or Withdrawal From Study: Liability for Fees). Students are reminded it is their responsibility to ensure that information held by the Student Loan Company is accurate. Further information, including fee information, can be obtained from the Student Accounts Team.
Why is this bursary available?
The money has been provided by NHSE to support the University’s ambitions around widening participation.
Am I eligible?

Previous recipients

“The bursary has had a significant positive impact on me. This support has provided me with the motivation to succeed, for which I am deeply grateful. Coming from a family with limited financial resources and having never been afforded privileges, receiving this award has been truly remarkable.
I believe it is essential to increase diversity within the midwifery profession, as having advocates from all walks of life is crucial. For patients, this is particularly important as it helps them feel seen, heard, and valued. While I firmly believe that a competent midwife will treat all individuals with respect, I acknowledge that, as humans, unconscious biases can sometimes influence our actions. Reports have indicated that women from minority backgrounds face higher mortality rates and, in some cases, may be overlooked on hospital wards, which is wholly unacceptable. A more diverse midwifery workforce could help address these disparities by breaking down barriers, fostering greater understanding, and allowing a diverse team to learn from one another.”
Cheyenne, recipient of the Midwifery Widening Participation bursary for 2024/25
 
Nursing student