Extra money available in scholarship pot for exceptional students

More than £120,000 in scholarships is available to exceptional students applying to Edge Hill University this year.

This is an increase of over £20,000 on last year's grants and will bring the total given out to date to in excess of £335,000. More than 200 students have benefited; 70 of these in the last academic year.

Applications are now being invited for the 2010/11 academic year. Entrance Excellence Scholarships are on offer to students who shine in one of four areas - sport, creative arts, performing arts and volunteering.

Anna Phelan, Scholarships Administrator, said: "I'm sure the financial package on offer in our Excellence Scholarships scheme would be welcomed by any student in the current economic climate. It's great to be able to reward someone for the activities they do in the community and in their spare time, with the hope that this money will help them develop their enthusiasm, skills and talents during their time at Edge Hill.

"I would stress to any student who is thinking of applying that they must really sell themselves in their application. The selection panels, quite rightly, have very high standards, the quality of past applicants has been excellent and there is strong competition for these scholarships every year. We want to choose the very best people and maintain this tradition."

Aspiring journalist Emma Murphy received an Excellence in Creative Arts Entrance Scholarship of £2,000 from University Chancellor Professor Tanya Byron at a ceremony in October 2009. She was rewarded after the University judging panel heard about her work with a youth magazine in her home town of Portsmouth.

Three years ago, she started to write for ‘RANT', a publication produced by Portsmouth City Council. Her role involved interviewing celebrities such as girl band, The Saturdays, to writing an advice column and articles about the dangers of pro-anorexia websites. Emma, who has been Assistant Editor of the magazine since January 2008, now organises meetings, writes article briefs, edits completed articles and mentors new recruits.

In addition, she also enjoyed a year's stint as a presenter and schedule co-ordinator for ‘RANT on the Radio', booking guests, planning the schedule, selecting the music playlist and interviewing guests. Emma's hope is that her scholarship will help her attain the qualifications and skills she needs to fulfil her dream of becoming a journalist.   

The deadline for applications is Friday 25 June 2010. For more information, including case studies of previous scholarship recipients, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships. This website also features downloadable application forms, as well as tips on how to apply.