More than £100,000 awarded to support local students

At a celebration event on Tuesday 4 March at Solent’s city-centre campus, recipients of this year’s bursary, alongside alumni who benefitted from the scheme during their degree, came together to thank donors and meet the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor James Knowles.

Solent’s Local Student Bursary Scheme is generously funded by alumni, staff and friends of the University. Every year, between 25 and 30 students from some of Southampton and Portsmouth’s least advantaged communities receive £1,000 to support them in their studies.

For BA (Hons) Photography alumni, Luke Wateridge, the scheme provided financial support that enabled him to thrive in his studies. Since graduating, Luke has had success as a photographer, with his work exhibited both here in the UK and in Berlin. He says:

“Being able to buy materials and a computer with this bursary meant I could put my all into my BA at Solent, which gave me the opportunity to push myself and achieve a first. Thanks to everything my bursary allowed me to achieve, I’m hopeful of one day becoming a lecturer.”

The scheme also previously supported mature student, Jim Elston, who studied Photography. Jim credits Solent’s bursary scheme for helping him to find success while at university:

“The bursary kick-started my post grad activities, which have included exhibitions and commissions. Without the help and support I received this would have been much more difficult, and I cannot stress how beneficial and important these bursaries are.”

Solent is committed to breaking down barriers to higher education, giving students the means to thrive while they study. The Local Student Bursary Scheme is one way the University does this – thanks to the generous support of donors – awarding students across a variety of departments essential funds which go towards their studies. Chair of the Board of Governors at Solent, Richard Smith, had the opportunity to meet with recipients at the recent celebration. He says:

“Ensuring students have the resources they need to thrive in higher education is something we’re committed to at Southampton Solent University, and it is with thanks to dedicated donors that schemes like the Local Student Bursary continue to have a significant impact.

“We have seen first-hand how these bursaries make a difference in the lives of our local students, who not only achieve great things while at university, but go on to carve out successful careers, often boosting local economies in the process. As we celebrate its five-year mark, I look forward to seeing the impact it will have long into the future.”

In the 2024/25 academic year, 29 bursaries of £1,000 each have been awarded to undergraduates on a range of courses, from BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing and BA (Hons) Film Production to BSc (Hons) Business Management and BA (Hons) Fine Art. Created to help students based locally with the associated costs of studying for a degree, Solent’s Local Student Bursary Scheme supports those who can benefit the most from a financial boost.

Kaitlyn Cousens, a BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Therapy student who is also carving out a career in football, credits the scheme for supporting her as she pursues both passions. She says:

“With this financial support, I am now able to focus more intently on my training and coursework without the constant worry of needing to find part-time work. It allows me to dedicate the necessary time and energy to excel in both areas, ensuring that I can give my all to my education while pursuing my dreams in football.

“Moreover, this bursary does more than just provide financial assistance; it serves as a powerful source of motivation. Knowing that there are people who believe in my potential inspires me to aim high in both my academic and athletic careers. I am determined to make the most of this incredible opportunity and strive to achieve excellence in everything I do.”

At Tuesday’s celebration, donors received wooden notebooks, as is tradition for a five-year anniversary, engraved using facilities at Solent. Together with students, alumni and staff, they celebrated the scheme’s milestone, which has had a significant impact on recipients in the last five years.