![student ambassadors](https://www.mmu.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/page_header_half/public/2021-09/Ambassador%20Photo-v2.png?h=f7d24086&itok=mhEFPUqo)
First Generation Scholarship programme
Supporting young people from the North West who would like to go to university, but whose parents didn’t have the opportunity.
What is the First Generation Programme?
If you live or study in the North West* and your parents did not go to university but you would like to, First Generation is a programme that will support you on your journey.
We give practical support and application guidance to students in Year 12 and 13 to help you access and then transition to university.
If you progress through the programme onto a full-time undergraduate degree at Manchester Met, you’ll get financial and continued personal and professional support throughout your studies. This includes a First Generation bursary of £1,500, and access to a collection of exclusive opportunities to support your career readiness.
Your participation in the programme and associated activities are jointly funded by the University and donations made by graduates and other supporters of Manchester Met.
*The counties of Lancashire, Cumbria, Cheshire, Merseyside and Greater Manchester, as defined by the Office for National Statistics.
I want to see the world, meet and talk to new people. That's what university means to me - that you can go places.
Programme details
The First Generation Programme has a pre-entry and on-course phase. The pre-entry phase (Years 12 and 13) is open to all students who live or study in the North West and who meet the entry criteria.
You do not have to apply to Manchester Met if you take part in the pre-entry phase of the programme.
-
Pre-entry details
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.
-
Undergraduate details
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.
How to apply
We are currently open for applications from Year 12 (first year/lower sixth) students considering university for 2025 entry. We are now closed for Year 13 applications.
-
Apply now - Year 12
Apply now
-
Application Requirements
In order to meet the application criteria you should:
- Be in Year 12 (lower sixth) in a state-maintained post-16 institution at the point of application.
- Be a home (UK) student, or expect to be by the time you apply for higher education.
- 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).
- Have attended a UK state high school (meaning you did not have to pay for your education).
- Be currently studying a two-year Level 3 qualification, this would traditionally mean A-levels or BTEC qualifications.
- 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).
- 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).
![A group of first generation students chatting in a lecture theatre](https://www.mmu.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_two_column/public/2020-04/first%20gen%20media%20banner%20image.jpg?h=9d17662c&itok=so_zMwjb)
Attend our university taster event
Experience life on campus at our summer taster event - you'll get to take part in a variety of learning and social activities to give you an insight into what student life is like.-
Will I be guaranteed a place at Manchester Met?
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.
-
I'm not from the UK, can I still apply?
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.
-
I don’t quite meet the qualifications stated, should I still apply?
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.
-
Do I need GCSE maths and English?
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.
-
I’m applying for the Foundation in Art and Design, can I still apply for First Generation?
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).
-
I’ve applied to the Manchester Access Programme (MAP) at the University of Manchester – can I apply for First Generation too?
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.
-
Will the bursary have any impact on the other financial support I am entitled to?
No, the bursary will not affect any other financial support you are entitled to. It is entirely in addition to your other entitlements.
-
I don’t live in the North West, but I study at a college in the region, can I still apply?
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.
Contact us
If you have any questions about the First Generation programme or your application, you may find the answer in our FAQ section.
If not, please get in touch with the team on firstgeneration@mmu.ac.uk