Support and bursaries for students

We provide our students with various levels of support to allow them to thrive within the School of Social Sciences.

The university offers several bursaries for postgraduate taught and research programmes, as well as for undergraduate programmes, including the Cowrie Foundation Scholarships, The Raheem Sterling Scholarships, Undergraduate Access Scholarships, and The Manchester Bursary.

Laura Nuttall Scholarship

The School of Social Sciences are proud to offer the Laura Nuttall Scholarship, named in memory of our Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) graduate, Laura Nuttall.

After being diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme, the most aggressive form of brain cancer, in 2018 at the age of 18 and given 12 months to live, Laura dedicated herself to raising awareness and funds for brain tumour and cancer charities.

In keeping with Laura’s dedication to helping others who face barriers to education, and with the collaboration and support of Laura’s family, the School of Social Sciences will award one scholarship of £3000 per year for every year of their degree.

Eligible students will be:

• DASS-registered and a diagnosis of (one or more of) a physical condition, long term illness or learning difference, such as:
  • A learning difference (e.g. dyslexia, dyspraxia, or AD(H)D).
  • A visual impairment uncorrected by glasses (e.g. blindness or partial sight).
  • A hearing impairment (e.g. D/deafness or partial hearing).
  • A physical impairment or challenges with mobility (e.g. climbing stairs or uneven surfaces), or dexterity (e.g. using a keyboard or laboratory equipment).
  • A social, behavioural or communication impairment (e.g. an autistic spectrum condition or Tourette’s Syndrome).
  • A long-term illness or health condition which may involve pain or cause fatigue, loss of concentration or breathing difficulties – including any effects from taking associated medication.
• Undertaking their first undergraduate degree
• Enrolled on of the undergraduate programmes run by the School of Social Sciences
• Assessed for fee status as a 'home' student
• Classed as having WP (+/++) status

When there is significant demand, preference will be given to those who are care experienced/care leavers.

There is no application process and students who may be eligible need not take any action. All students who meet the criteria set out above will be considered.

The student who is selected to receive the bursary will be informed of this during their first semester of study.

To find out more about Laura’s legacy and her family’s ongoing work, visit ‘The Be More Laura Foundation’ website.

Please contact soss.socialresponsibility@manchester.ac.uk with any queries.

Graham Mckenna-Mayes Memorial Fund

The Graham McKenna-Mayes Memorial Fund seeks to support access, success and progression for underrepresented groups in Higher Education, particularly in the Greater Manchester area and is open to students applying to Law and Earth and Environmental Science (EES) courses.

The bursaries, launched and supported by Graham’s family and close friends, are specifically aimed at addressing obstacles faced by students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds and offer the first stepping-stone to a successful career after graduation in Law or EES. Eligible applicants do not need to apply and will be contacted if allocated one of the annual grants of £2,000.

Further information

• Pathways to law
• The Lemn Sissay Law Bursaries for students of Black heritage

Other sources of support

Students can find a range of tailored support and guidance for specific groups via the Student Support website. The School of Social Sciences also offers a wealth of support sources.

If you or someone you know has experienced or witnessed any form of bullying, harassment, discrimination, gender-based violence, hate or micro-aggressions, or have a safeguarding concern, you can report it anonymously or get support from a trained advisor. For more information, please see the Report & Support website.

Pre-University courses

We run academic courses for Year 12 and 13 students who are interested studying social sciences at The University of Manchester. We offer support for secondary schools interested in social sciences and adults who are interested in returning to education. 

Sexual Consent workshops

NUS research shows alarming rates of sexual harassment, assault and rape amongst university students. This workshop responds to demands that Universities take steps to address this issue and forms an important part of the School of Social Sciences’ agenda to create a safe learning environment for all students and promote socially responsibly graduates.

• We give all students the tools to communicate effectively in their relationships, avoiding misunderstandings and putting themselves at risk.
• We explore different people’s boundaries, dissect media messages and look in depth at what consent is and is not, so that there are no grey areas.
• We demonstrate how it is possible to safely intercept inappropriate behaviour and to ask for help.
• We start conversations about consent and appropriate behaviour amongst students, re-setting the terms of student interaction.
• The workshops have been shown to positively effect student life in the longer term, with students reporting sustained changes in attitudes and behaviour.

The workshops are a timetabled activity for all first year UG students during their induction and welcome package each academic year. They are facilitated by experienced external providers in a friendly, confidential and empowering way. The workshops offer students the opportunity to complete a number of interactive activities and provide access to important sources of support both within the university and externally.
For more details, please visit the Blackboard site of the SOCS10031 Dignity and Responsibility in Student Life (available only to UoM students and staff).