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Postgrad Solutions Study Bursary Winners 2022
Apply for a Postgrad Solutions Study BursaryBryonie Cooper, MSc in Clinical Psychology and Mental Health, Swansea University
“This bursary really helps more than I can say!”
Bryonie Cooper is studying an MSc in Clinical Psychology and Mental Health at Swansea University.
When the 24-year-old student found out she’d been awarded a Postgrad Solutions Study Bursary worth £500 she couldn’t believe it. She says, “When I first found out that I’d been awarded the bursary, I felt a mixture of shock and disbelief, I don’t often win things!
She continues, “But that quickly faded to relief. One of the biggest obstacles for my postgraduate journey was finances as my family are unable to support me. I’ve had to work in between my degrees to save for my masters so this bursary really helps more than I can say!”
Bryonie has found our website to be very helpful in her postgraduate journey, saying, “Postgrad.com has been the most useful site when applying for my masters. Not just from looking at different courses, but offering information on the process and, importantly for me personally, writing that all important personal statement. It offered all the information I could think of.”
Having just started her masters degree, Bryonie is excited about her future studies saying, “Although I am barely two weeks into my course, I am looking forward to it with anticipation. Finally, I will be able to fully focus and explore the parts of psychology that really excite me. So far, I am particularly interested in my Psychosis module and am excited to begin my Affective Disorders module next term.”
Bryonie considered several masters options before deciding on the program offered at Swansea University as she explains, “When choosing my masters course, there were many fantastic options, but few appealed to me as much as Swansea University. It’s one-year course and cheaper tuition fees were practical bonuses, but it was really the course topics and structure that made me choose Swansea in the end. That, along with their wide range of lecturers spanning a myriad of different expertise and subjects.”
And after visiting Swansea University, Bryonie quickly fell in love with the modern campus and nearby picturesque beaches, explaining, “I was confident I’d be able to make my home here. The university itself is a great place, but it’s the city of Swansea that really sells itself to me. Coming from a small countryside village, I’m easily impressed by the conveniences of metropolitan areas, but there is something particularly special about Swansea. I couldn’t say if it was the proximity to the beach or the bustling energy of Wind Street, but there is something that just makes you feel excited to be here.”
The British student chose to study Clinical Psychology and Mental Health because she has been aware of mental health struggles, particularly within her own family, from a young age. She explains, “I was always keenly aware how hard things were for my family, mostly due to how often they were dismissed for their complaints and continuously refused the proper care and treatment they needed.”
She continues, “As I got older, this pattern continued and expanded. As my friends got older and we began to experience the turmoil of adolescence, from hormones, adult relationships and exams. The struggles I’d seen my family experience were now passing onto my peers. Being familiar with these types of emotions, I was able to offer a more sympathetic ear than others my age, and most of my teachers too.”
Bryonie found her ability to empathise with her friends and offer them much-needed support to be personally very satisfying. Then, when she started studying A-level Psychology she started seriously considering exploring pathways to becoming a counsellor. She says, “I was fascinated with the clinical aspects and research and developments into treatment. I knew it would be a hard journey to get to the level where I’d be able to make a true difference and offer individuals the support that I’d seen so many denied, but nearly eight years on I’m still determinedly making my way.”
She is the first generation of her family to go to university, so feels a considerable amount of pressure to do well and achieve her goals. She explains, “I hope to make my family proud and continue onto my PhD, so that my grandparents can finally say that they have a doctor in the family! I want to go on to become a counsellor, as I’ve dreamt for so long.”
Apply for a Postgrad Solutions Study BursaryTunisha Kapoor, MA Energy and Environmental Change, University of Westminster, London
“It was a wonderful surprise!”
Tunisha Kapoor is studying an MA in Energy and Environmental Change at the University of Westminster in London.
The 36-year-old postgrad from India was really pleased when she found out she’d been awarded a Postgrad Solutions Study Bursary worth £500, as she explains, “It was a wonderful surprise because I had applied a while ago and thought I had not been selected. I felt very grateful to get this news out of the blue.”
Tunisha chose to study this course because she feels that climate change is one of the biggest challenges in the world currently and she has always been very interested in this field. She says, “I thought returning to school would be a good opportunity to learn and contribute to this cause.”
So far, Tunisha is finding the MA to be very fulfilling. She says, “I am enjoying learning about the different facets of energy policy and politics as well as interacting with people from different parts of the world who share similar interests.”
She chose to study her masters at the University of Westminster because her specific MA program had a comprehensive course structure which combined diverse yet interconnected fields from energy policy to politics and law. And she has not been disappointed with her choice. She explains, “It has given me the opportunity to meet people with diverse backgrounds who are all passionate about this field. Also, being an interdisciplinary degree, it combines modules from sustainability studies, law and international relations.”
Tunisha has a diploma in business administration from India and after two years of working in the corporate sector she realised that she was not finding this to be a fulfilling career path. She says, “I made the transition to the social sector and have been working on issues of health, financial inclusion and public policy since 2014.” She continues, “I wanted to continue working in the development sector but on issues of environment and energy transition which was the reason I chose this course.”
Speaking about Postgrad.com, Tunisha says, “The website is very useful and easy to navigate with a lot of relevant content for prospective students.”
Apply for a Postgrad Solutions Study BursaryChioma Atukpawu, MA Social Work, Middlesex University London
“I was extremely happy and most importantly extremely grateful.”
Chioma Atukpawu is studying an MA in Social Work at Middlesex University.
Chioma, 26, from Britain, was very relieved when she found out she’d been awarded a Postgrad Solutions Study Bursary worth £500. She says, “I was extremely happy and most importantly extremely grateful.” Continuing, she says, “Having access to this bursary will certainly relieve some unwanted pressure and tension in relation to my tuition fees for the course. And for this reason, I am extremely thankful.”
Chioma is very pleased with her choice of course so far, “I can certainly say that I’m currently enjoying every moment of my course. I really cannot wait until I graduate and make a positive impact on someone’s life.”
She chose to study at Middlesex University because the social work faculty there has such a great program. Talking about her experience studying at Middlesex so far, she says, “I really enjoy the way they’ve made education fun for students. The resources that have been made available to all students are great, such as 24-hour access to the library, how friendly the staff are, and being able to borrow books for a lengthy time frame (52 weeks).”
Chioma chose to study social work at postgraduate level because she has always had a strong interest and passion for this profession. She explains, “It is an area of great interest and personal significance to me. Helping others who are deemed vulnerable gives me great gratification, knowing that my input could positively help an individual’s life, for example providing them with important information that could be utilised in the best effective way to overcome any barriers, that they may be facing in their day-to-day life.”
She continues, “The main reason why I have chosen to select social work as a career to pursue is due to the fact this would allow me to assist people in realising their potential goals and aspirations.”
As an undergrad Chioma studied law, a subject that she has found to be relevant to her ongoing studies, she says, “Completing a law degree emphasised that the law plays a fundamental part in social work.”
Chioma has always found herself surrounded by social care issues and this has contributed to her desire and passion to help people within her community. She says, “I want to make sure people are aware of the relevant health care and services support that is available to them when needed.”
Speaking about our website, she says, “I would certainly advise all students to go through this option and perhaps try and utilise all the help provided by Postgrad.com.”
Apply for a Postgrad Solutions Study BursaryFriedrich Wolfgang Mangelmann, MSc Accounting and Finance, University of Leicester
“It will help me relax a bit with regard to funds and make it so I’m able to focus on my studies more.”
Friedrich Wolfgang Mangelmann is studying an MSc in Accounting and Finance at the University of Leicester.
Friedrich was in disbelief when he was initially contacted about the bursary, as he explains, “I was honestly surprised. I initially thought it was a scam email, as I’m sure almost everyone these days receives hundreds of them a week.”
He continues, “But once I realised it wasn’t, I was incredibly grateful, it came at an amazing time. It will definitely help me relax a bit with regard to funds and make it so I’m able to focus on my studies more.”
The 29-year-old American decided to pursue this degree to help him make a career change from marketing, which was the focus of his bachelors degree. Explaining this decision he says, “The marketing field is shifting from being people oriented, both in their interactions and their main research, to being entirely data driven. I enjoy the person-to-person connection, being an accountant enables me to continue with that kind of connection.”
Friedrich chose the University of Leicester for his studies because of the academic accolades it has received over the years as well as its proximity to family. Speaking about his choice of institution he says, “I really enjoy the business campus. It’s built on top of, or alongside, the university’s founder’s house, which just makes it beautiful to be in and feel the history. There’s also a wonderful communal garden that I like to spend some of my time in, not to mention the proximity to Victoria Park.”
He is really enjoying the MSc program so far, saying, “I’ve been enjoying how the credit-bearing courses are set up compared to in the US. I get access to the readings well in advanced so I am able to review the material we will cover prior to class.” He continues, “For me this is very useful as I can use the class time to verify my understanding rather than having to try to make sure I understood it properly during class.”
Speaking about our website, Friedrich says, “Postgrad.com is an amazing platform, I was using it for my pre-application, during application and post application process. Now I am using it to research my post-graduation plans.”
He continues, “It’s been the light at the tunnel for me, especially as there are not many sources for international students to use for research on anything postgrad. I 100% recommend this platform to everyone, and I have already sat down with a few friends to introduce the site to them.”
Apply for a Postgrad Solutions Study BursaryMelissa Bondar, PhD Drama, University of Greenwich
“School is so expensive and this is so helpful!”
Melissa Bondar is studying a PhD in Drama at the University of Greenwich.
She was delighted when she found out she’d been awarded a £500 bursary from Postgrad Solutions, explaining, “I laughed with relief. School is so expensive and this is so helpful! I’m really grateful.” She continues, “I found Postgrad.com when looking for different funding opportunities and find the funding information that can be found on the site really useful.”
Melissa chose the University of Greenwich because her primary supervisor teaches there. Discussing this decision further, she says, “His theatre company has been doing cutting edge work in immersive and post-immersive theatre since well before it became so popular. His company also has some phenomenal risk and orienting practices for performances, which is specifically what I wanted to study.”
The 38-year-old American is doing the course because she ultimately wants to teach drama at university, having spent the last two decades working in this field. So far, she is finding her studies really enjoyable, explaining, “I like my research topic and the school provides a lot of great opportunities to explore related interests and fine-tune some skills that still need work. The highlight has been organising the 2022 PhD Symposium with one of my classmates.”
Melissa was a stage manager for 18 years before starting her PhD program, and this influenced her interest in examining risk in performance. She explains, “I worked for several immersive theatre companies, which broadened my idea of what constitutes risk and got me particularly interested in how we deal with psychological risks and the ethics surrounding them. I did my MA at the University of Sheffield, where I had several great lecturers focused on the topic of immersive and intimate theatre – this also helped pique my interest in the topic.”
Discussing her course further, she says, “I enjoy all the opportunities that the school provides – there’s a large number of diverse research groups and guest speakers. I also love that it’s based in London which has a wide variety of immersive theatre groups to go see and study.”
Apply for a Postgrad Solutions Study BursaryGeorgia White, MSc Interpreting and Translating, German and Spanish, Heriot-Watt University
“This has meant that I can focus on my studies without as much financial pressure.”
Georgia White is studying an MSc in Interpreting and Translating, German and Spanish at Heriot-Watt University.
The 23-year-old British student was delighted when she found out that she’d been awarded a Postgrad Solutions Study Bursary, saying, “I was really happy to discover I had won the £500 bursary from Postgraduate Solutions as this has meant that I can focus on my studies without as much financial pressure.”
Talking about our website, Georgia says, “I think that Postgrad.com is a really good tool for anyone thinking of undertaking a postgraduate degree as it helps you to balance your goals and finances more easily.”
Georgia chose the MSc in Interpreting and Translating because she has always loved learning languages but didn’t know to put this skill to good use, this course is really career focussed and offers a very practical approach.
Although she has only just started her studies, Georgia is really enjoying the course so far, enthusing, “My highlights so far have been getting to know some talented linguists and interpreters, as well as developing my own language skills and confidence.”
Georgia chose to study at Heriot-Watt University because it is renowned for its state-of-the-art interpreting facilities and languages department, and she’s not been disappointed. “I enjoy the community feel of the university as well as the great facilities it has to offer. The location of the university is also something which appeals to me as it is surrounded by nature and greenery.”
Explaining her route to this masters degree, Georgia says, “I have always been a keen language learner, this was really fostered at my high school which had a great modern languages department. I went on to do my undergraduate degree at the University of Edinburgh in German and Spanish literature and culture. This degree gave me a well-rounded knowledge of both languages I was learning, as well as an in-depth look at their surrounding cultures all over the world.”
After graduation Georgia took a gap year so she could earn some money while working out what she wanted to do next. She explains, “During this year I worked in a restaurant where I furthered my passion for languages and communication when talking to tourists from far and wide. I then decided to take this passion a bit further by undertaking my postgraduate studies.”
Apply for a Postgrad Solutions Study BursaryLyndsay Hall, MA in English Literature, University of Winchester
“The bursary has just given me more breathing space to get through this year and focus on my studies, so I really appreciate it.”
Lyndsay Hall is studying an MA in English Literature at the University of Winchester.
She was delighted when she found out she’d been awarded one of the Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries worth £500, saying, “I was so excited to receive the email telling me I had won. With the cost-of-living crisis, I knew that I wasn’t going to be able to take on a second part time job whilst also studying for my MA.”
Lyndsay explains, “I live alone and my salary can only stretch so far to accommodate all the cost increases. The bursary has just given me more breathing space to get through this year and focus on my studies – I really appreciate it.”
She applied for her bursary via our website and describes Postgrad.com as “A great website and blog. It is full of insightful information and interesting perspectives, and I have used it to help me navigate postgrad study alongside working.”
Since studying Criminal Behaviour as an undergraduate, Lyndsay has been working in a fulfilling career in publishing. However, during lockdown she realised how much she missed learning. She explains, “Feeling I had never really lived up to my own academic potential (an ADHD diagnosis this year gave me a lot of answers as to why) I decided to embark on a new academic adventure.”
The 34-year-old British student chose to study at the University of Winchester for several reasons. Firstly, the location of the university, being just 15 minutes from her home, is ideal. Secondly, Winchester offers their MA courses as evening options, and Lyndsay wanted to be able to balance her full-time job alongside part-time study, she still wanted to attend an in-person taught course, which Winchester caters to perfectly. Finally, the MA course itself is the ideal course for Lyndsay, as she says, “If I could have written a master’s course covering all my favourite literature areas, then Winchester’s course came pretty close to that.”
Lyndsay chose to study English Literature because she wanted to study something she was truly passionate about. She hasn’t been disappointed, as she explains. “I love my course, last year I studied a unit on Austen, Contemporary Gothic Fiction and Adaptations. I can’t pick a favourite as I have loved every single unit I have covered.”
She continues, “The thing I love most about postgraduate study is writing my own essay questions. So, all the coursework I have done so far, have all been in areas I am really interested in writing about.”
Lyndsay moved to Winchester from nearby Fareham in 2019. “Winchester is a beautiful, historic city surrounded by literary culture and I have loved the city for as long as I can remember.” She continues, “I also love history, so I am a big fan of Winchester’s long history and the important part it played within the wider history of the UK.”
Apply for a Postgrad Solutions Study BursaryNadia Hassim, Masters in Creative Writing, University of Cambridge
“To say that I was elated is an understatement.”
Nadia Hassim is studying a Masters in Creative Writing at the University of Cambridge.
The 23-year-old student came to the UK from South Africa to pursue her postgraduate studies because she’d found her dream course. She explains, “I knew I wanted to do a postgraduate degree but nothing in South Africa appealed to me. After doing some research, I found multiple universities offering a masters in Creative Writing including Cambridge.” She continues, “I applied and allowed myself to dream about it, not thinking they’d ever get back to me. I assumed a smaller university might accept me, but Cambridge emailed back asking for an interview and I couldn’t believe it!”
When Nadia found out she was the lucky recipient of a Postgrad Solutions Study Bursary worth £500 she was delighted. She says, “To say that I was elated is an understatement. I’m not sure many people are aware of how difficult it is to get a bursary for a humanities postgraduate degree and on top of that, a part-time one.”
Nadia continues, “Most bursaries and scholarships are catered to STEM subjects. I searched everywhere for funding and couldn’t find anybody who wanted to help out. When I received the email that I had won I ended up crying a little. I’ve been stressed about funding because the exchange rate of the pound to the South African Rand is difficult on my family, but I can help my parents out a little with this.”
She is very much enjoying her course, and although she has only completed the first module, she has already learnt so much starting with the joy and beauty of poetry writing. Another aspect of her postgraduate studies that Nadia really appreciates is the institution itself, she explains, “A highlight other than the material I get to study is where I study. Madingley Hall feels like a castle. The experience of studying in a building so old at an institution that has been around for years has been surreal.”
Nadia was born in South Africa and has lived there for her whole life until now when choosing to study her postgraduate program at the University of Cambridge has given her the opportunity to live and study in England. She explains, “South Africa is a country I love and miss a lot, but studying at Cambridge has allowed me to move to England and experience an entirely different culture.”
She continues, “Aside from thoroughly enjoying my studies, the connections I’ve managed to make with my classmates have been fulfilling and the lecturers have taught me a lot. Being around people who are so different to you religiously, culturally and more, is a very humbling experience.”
Nadia has always had a passion for writing and has written stories since she was a child. She explains, “My mother has kept every little story I’ve written, as bad as they are, and saved them. Once I finished my undergraduate degree, I went through all those stories and decided it was time to follow my lifelong dream of studying something I truly love. My biggest wish since I was young is to have my book published and I’m hoping studying Creative Writing at Cambridge will help me achieve this goal of mine.”
Nadia grew up in a very close-knit family. Her parents both grew up poor due to Apartheid and worked extremely hard to get to break the poverty cycle. And this determination and work ethic has been instilled in Nadia. She explains, “I grew up and watched them go through many struggles. It’s largely because of them that I’ve worked my hardest to get where I am.” She continues, “I’ve always been surrounded by hard workers, so it reinforced the idea in my head that I need to achieve big things. With regards to choosing writing as my academic path, my mother has a PhD in medieval English women’s literature. I’m certain my love for stories and English comes from her.”
Speaking about her bursary application, Nadia says, “Not only is it easy to navigate but the application is fair and quick. Lots of websites had me spending hours on essays and other things only to be rejected. Postgrad.com was probably my easiest application and it ended up reaping the biggest reward. It also does not matter what your degree is, everybody has an equal chance to win.”
Apply for a Postgrad Solutions Study BursaryPetra Cernianska, MSc Physician Associate Studies, University of Aberdeen
"This is a massive help towards my tuition fees!”
Petra Cernianska is studying an MSc in Physician Associate Studies at the University of Aberdeen.
The 36-year-old Slovakian student was delighted when she found out she had been awarded a Postgrad Solutions Study Bursary worth £500. She says, “I could not believe it. I was pleasantly shocked! I feel very privileged to be chosen for the grant.”
Petra continues, “This is a massive help towards my tuition fees and comes in handy, especially before my examination week which is approaching. Takes that weight of a worry away, allowing me to fully concentrate on my exams.”
Petra is enjoying with the course so far, explaining, “I love my course. I really enjoy every single lecture.” She continues, “Practicing clinical procedures is a highlight to date, as small changes lead by the medical knowledge will improve the health condition and can also take the pain away.”
The University of Aberdeen was Petra’s first choice for her postgraduate studies as it gave her the chance to cooperate with university staff on the development of the learning resources for NHS employees, an opportunity from which she has gained much of valuable knowledge.
Another great advantage of studying at the University of Aberdeen is that the Aberdeen courses are designed to provide a professionally orientated education, with many of the courses including a professional accreditation. These postgraduate programs are taught by leading practitioners, and the University of Aberdeen also offers professional career services for life to maximise students’ employability.
Petra has always aspired to be a medical professional and this postgraduate course is the perfect route, as she explains, “The course had been brought to my attention by my line manager at the time, as she saw my potential and talent for care. I had enquired about the course, and I am really pleased to undertake this medical model of education leading to Physician Associate Education.”
Petra was raised in Slovakia, but her strong desire to work in healthcare from a young age, lead her to train overseas as a nurse assistant. She began her healthcare career as a Maternity Support Worker at St Mary's Hospital in London, and then moved to Aberdeen where she studied a BA in Health Sciences with the Open University while working at the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary as a Senior Healthcare Support Worker and raising her children!
In 2020, Petra became an Associate Practice Educator at the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and then submitted her application for the Masters in Physician Associate Studies, saying, “My colleagues never-ending support, lead me to submitting an application to The University of Aberdeen, where I finally was successful in securing a place as a Physician Associate. Everything is possible. Where there is a will there is a way. This is your life, dream, dream big, do not give up, it will come.”
Speaking about our website, Postgrad.com, Petra says, “I would strongly recommend the website for fresh undergraduates who are thinking of applying for their postgraduate studies. You have your options summarised on Postgrad.com, moreover it will explain the funding options, and you are just a click away from applying for a bursary.”
Apply for a Postgrad Solutions Study BursaryCameron Clark, PGCE, Teesside University
“My extensive university fees are now going to be a little easier to deal with!”
Cameron Clarke is studying a Post Graduate Certification in Education (PGCE) in Secondary English with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) at Teesside University.
The 24-year-old British student chose to study a PGCE after spending over two and a half years working as a teacher while traveling Asia, here he realised his passion for both English and students. He explains, “I decided to create a career out of it, as those who enjoy their work, do not work at all!”
Cameron chose Teesside University for his postgraduate course as the university was starting a brand new course and he was keen to be part of the new wave of teachers.
So far, he is really enjoying his course, saying, “The best thing about my course is the placement itself: being able to have a hands-on approach, learn on the job while gaining experience; being able to create rapports and relationships with a plethora of individual minds.”
Cameron found his passion for teaching at a young age whilst away from home in Asia. This inspired him to access the teaching environment in an unorthodox manner, by returning to the UK to study a degree in English Language, Linguistics and TESOL.
Speaking about winning one of our £500 Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries, Cameron says, “When I was first made aware that I had won, I sent an email checking that it’s genuine: I don’t tend to ‘win’ things. But after a quick response, I found that my extensive university fees were now going to be a little easier to deal with!”
He continues, “Postgrad is a great website that condense a volume of advice, information and opportunities to help support and guide students through their choices, courses and options.”
Apply for a Postgrad Solutions Study BursaryClare Hayman, MA Inclusive Education, University of Bolton
“I’m really happy I won £500!”
Clare Hayman is studying an MA in Inclusive Education at the University of Bolton.
The 47-year-old British student was delighted when she found out she had been awarded one of our Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries worth £500, saying “I’m really happy I won £500, it will help with my fees as a mature student.”
Clare decided to study an MA in Inclusive Education after recently completing a PGCE, and she’s really pleased with this decision, explaining, “The course is good and allows professional development skills to link to teaching practice.”
She chose to study at the University of Bolton because it offers this specific area of study, and it has proven to be a good choice so far. She says, “I enjoy being at a inclusive university.”
Prior to her postgraduate studies, Clare worked as a health and social care worker and this previous experience has created a great foundation for her current studies and new career path. She explains, “As a mature student I have had opportunity to develop my learning further into teaching and learning.”
Speaking about our website, Postgrad.com, Clare says, “The website is really accessible as a postgraduate student.”
Apply for a Postgrad Solutions Study Bursary
