First Generation Scholarship programme

Pre-entry consists of the following opportunities:

• a place on our First Generation Summer University Taster - an event on campus experiencing what University life is really like
• a range of development sessions including; Personal Statements, Time Management, Managing Motivation, Exams and Revision Techniques, Student Finance and Budgeting, and Building Confidence for Success
• access to pre-entry guidance to support your university application
• networking opportunities with current students with similar life experience

You will need to attend one of our summer taster events and at least two development sessions to stay on the programme.  Online options are available for those living further afield.  

If you progress through the programme onto a full-time undergraduate degree at Manchester Met, you’ll qualify for a First Generation scholarship of £1,500.* This is in addition to other financial support at the University you may also be eligible for.

We continue to support you throughout your degree, with a particular focus on employability. You’ll have the opportunity to meet alumni and successful business professionals through networking sessions, mentoring and employer visits.

The on-course activities include:

• a tailored programme of activities to help you achieve graduate success
• professional mentoring to support your development and prepare you for employment 
• the opportunity to gain relevant paid work experience as a First Generation Student Ambassador

*Scholarships (the £1,500 bursary and bespoke employabilty opportunties) are funded through donations made to the First Generation campaign. 

In order to meet the application criteria you should:

1. Be in Year 12 (lower sixth) in a state-maintained post-16 institution at the point of application.
2. Be a home (UK) student, or expect to be by the time you apply for higher education.
3. Live or study at an institution in the North West (the counties of Lancashire, Cumbria, Cheshire, Merseyside and Greater Manchester, as defined by the Office for National Statistics).
4. Have attended a UK state high school (meaning you did not have to pay for your education).
5. Be currently studying a two-year Level 3 qualification, this would traditionally mean A-levels or BTEC qualifications.
6. Be from a family where neither your parent(s) or guardian(s) have attended university and obtained an undergraduate degree, or equivalent qualification, in the UK or abroad (does not apply to care leavers).
7. Have at least six GCSEs (or equivalent such as BTEC) between grades 9 to 4 (A-C) including English language and maths.

* We consider applications on an individual basis and therefore may make exceptions based on individual circumstances (especially for those from our priority groups, or where a parent studied later in life). Please contact us if you would like to discuss your situation.

Additional Criteria

In some circumstances we may seek a reference to comment on your suitability for the programme.

Additionally, in the event of being over-subscribed we will prioritise applicants according to the following criteria:-

• Applicants who are, or have been, looked after by their Local Authority.
• Applicants who are estranged from their families.
• Children of military families
• Applicants who live in a ‘low participation’ neighbourhood. These are areas where low numbers of young people progress to university (you can check your postcode at www.hefce.ac.uk/postcode. Priority will be for those in the lowest POLAR4 young participation quintile).

Unfortunately not. Acceptance onto the programme doesn’t mean you’ll have an unconditional offer, as you’ll still need to meet the conditions of any offer made.

However, it will mean you’ll benefit from the support and advice of the programme throughout the application process.

The programme requires that you are classed as a ‘home’ student, as well as be living or studying in the North West.

Use this tool on the UKCISA website to check if you fit into the ‘home’ student category.

Even if you don’t quite have the qualifications, there is no harm in putting in an application. We look at a range of other factors which may mean we can accept you onto the programme.

We expect you to have GCSE maths and English language at C (or 4) or better. If you’re re-sitting either subject and hope to improve your mark, it’s still worth applying if you meet the rest of the criteria. Just let us know in your personal statement you are re-sitting.

If you have GCSE equivalent qualifications you should list these on the application form and we will take them into account. Please note we may ask to see copies of your certificates.

If you’re applying for the Foundation in Art and Design, you’re still welcome to apply to the programme. If accepted, you’ll progress in the same way as everyone else.

However, please be aware the scholarship is only paid to you when you enter the first year of your full degree (which would be your second year at university).

There’s nothing to stop you applying or even taking part in both programmes.

However we’d ask that you consider your capacity to do both, and that if offered a place on our programme you keep us informed should you wish to withdraw at any stage.

No, the bursary will not affect any other financial support you are entitled to. It is entirely in addition to your other entitlements.

You are required to either live or study in any of the counties which make up the North West (Lancashire, Cumbria, Cheshire, Merseyside and Greater Manchester)so if you place of study is in this region you can still apply if you live outside the area.