23 June 2009

NWDA awards bursaries to post-grads studying in England’s Northwest

The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), together with the North West Universities Association (NWUA) has today launched a unique region-wide project, offering post-graduate bursaries to students taking part in masters programmes at all 15 universities within England’s Northwest.

The project, named Graduate Plus was launched at the University of Chester, Warrington, where Daniel Tock was awarded a £1,250 bursary to continue his Msc studies in Maths. Based in Chester, Daniel graduated from Chester in Pure Maths in 2009.

Graduate Plus will award up to 200 graduate bursaries valued up to £1,250 to students studying at one of the region’s 15 universities. The bursaries will be awarded to those students who wish to take a one year masters programme directed at the high growth sectors. This includes low carbon products and services, digital & media, life sciences, pharmaceuticals and advanced manufacturing.

The project has been developed after the findings of a report from the Joint Economic Commission for the Northwest that looked at the effects of the recession on regional labour markets.

Entitled ‘Skills Needed for the Upturn,’ the paper concluded that a number of opportunities will arise as the region emerges from the economic downturn, which if handled correctly, would speed up recovery, ensuring that those entering the labour market are equipped with the correct skills to secure employment in priority sectors.

The paper also discussed evidence that suggests the number of people taking up post-graduate study is increasing – a regular occurrence during a recession. Graduate Plus will ensure this increase will be able to benefit the Northwest economy, retaining talent in the region and ensuring the Northwest is driven by high level skills necessary for a knowledge economy.

Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive at the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) said:

“In response the current economic climate it is essential the Agency continues to act on opportunities for growth in order to meet the skills demanded by priority sectors. The increase in graduates choosing to continue their studies to post-graduate level presents a unique chance to encourage them to explore job opportunities within these sectors.

“I am delighted to present the first bursary to Daniel Tock and wish him well with his future studies and career.”

Prof Tim Wheeler Chair NWUA Board and Vice-Chancellor University of Chester said:

“The universities in the North West welcome the NWDA's commitment to developing and retaining higher level skills in the region.  The Graduate
Plus bursary scheme will encourage talented students to continue their
education in the North West and will develop their capability in subjects, which will have the most positive impact on the region's economy. 

“The NWUA has had a long and productive partnership in working with the NWDA to achieve common goals of unlocking the region’s potential.  This is the latest joint initiative in helping realise that strategy.”

Daniel Tock, Post-Graduate at the University of Chester said:

“The Graduate Plus scheme is a great example of the real help post-graduates need to continue with our studies. I am delighted to be the first student to be awarded with the bursary, which will allow me to continue at the University for another year, making good use of my skills within the region in the future.”

The NWDA allocates the funding of the Graduate Plus scheme, but is not involved in the application process. Each university in the Northwest deals with its own application process. For details on which courses are covered by the Graduate Plus scheme, please contact the universities directly."

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Notes to Editors

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The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) leads the economic development and regeneration of England's Northwest and is responsible for:

• Supporting business growth and encouraging investment
• Matching skills provision to employer needs
• Creating the conditions for economic growth
• Connecting the region through effective transport and communication infrastructure
• Promoting the region’s outstanding quality of life