Scholarships at UCFB & GIS

UCFB offers an excellent environment to develop in sport whilst studying for a degree. This scholarship is awarded to acknowledge the sporting achievements of applicants who have competed in any sport within the past two years, within their relevant age group. Some of the previous years’ awardees include Elliot - Ultimate Frisbee athlete who competed at the European Youth Ultimate Championships, Adam – Level 5 referee and member of Refereeing excellence programme, Haaris – Semi Professional squash player competing regionally across the UK and Sean – talented footballer who represents Manchester City and England amputee teams. This scholarship is inclusive to all athletes with all backgrounds and dis/abilities.

The scholarships are awarded in two tiers:

National level

For students who have represented their country or were a member of a national level development squad. Each scholarship is an award in the value of up to £1,500 which includes UCFB sports kit and travel support for training, competitions and events as well as development opportunities.

Regional level

For students who compete at a regional level. Each scholarship is an award in the value of up to £1,000 which includes UCFB sports kit and travel support for training, competitions and events as well as development opportunities.

These scholarships are aimed at helping to encourage the next generation of students and industry professionals through developing their skills and supporting them on their work placements and internships.

Each scholarship is an award in the value of up to £1,500 and is offered in the following format:

Year One – Training and skills development courses (value of up to £400)

Students will typically be able to choose from a range of professionally delivered training sessions on subjects such as:

• Public speaking, Assertiveness and building personal confidence, Time management, Stress management

• Governing body training/coaching qualifications

• There will also be opportunities to attend events with UCFB partners.

Additionally, as a part of this scholarship package, the student will receive a UCFB sports kit (value of up to £100) from the overall scholarship award.

Year Two – Support with travel costs and allowance (up to £1,000)

UCFB recognises the importance of work-based learning through placements and internships. In order to support students in gaining valuable experience and picking up additional skills, funding will be available in the second year to cover certain costs for up to two work placements/internships. This can include internships in the UK or abroad and covers travel and sustenance up to a maximum of £1,000 in total over the two placements. Placements can include opportunities provided by UCFB or placements organised by the students themselves.

Rachel Brown-Finnis

This scholarship is awarded to an individual who is passionate about inclusion and breaking barriers and has a strong commitment to furthering a professional career in the football and sports business industry by applying skills learned on a UCFB degree programme.

Alastair Campbell

This scholarship is awarded to an aspiring writer, broadcaster or journalist from under-represented demographic in football and sport who can demonstrate that their choice of UCFB degree will benefit them in their career ambitions.

Neil Doncaster

This scholarship is awarded to an individual with an experience in either sports/football coaching, player development or football operations who would like to make a positive impact on the football/sports industry. Applicants will be asked to demonstrate examples of leadership and commitment to values of equality, diversity and inclusion.

Paul Fletcher MBE

This scholarship is open to an individual who can demonstrate a passion for sustainability initiatives and addressing environmental issues within the sports industry and is looking to make a change in this area.

Brendan Flood

This scholarship is open to an individual who has taken a break from education and has now decided to return to study an undergraduate degree at UCFB. The student must demonstrate how the scholarship will contribute to their studies at UCFB and further their capabilities or forge a new career in the football/sport and business industry.

Offered in partnership with the Jason Roberts Foundation, the scholarship programme is open to an outstanding applicant holding an offer for any of GIS Master’s programmes held at our Wembley campus. Candidates should have an interest in football, have the ability to lead, possess experience with outreach work within a community and should be able to demonstrate that they have strived through adversity to achieve a goal.

The recruitment process will address the diversity criteria, ensuring that a range of candidates from socially diverse backgrounds, as well as from groups with other protected characteristics, apply for the programme.

The scholarship students will benefit from a partnership between UCFB/GIS and Jason Roberts Foundation. Recipients of the scholarship will be expected to not only commit themselves to an academically rigorous programme of study but also become involved in some of the activities and programmes carried out by the Jason Roberts Foundation.

Scholarship Value:

 FT: £1,500 (£1,000 tuition fees + £500 towards sports industry events and costs associated with involvement in projects with Jason Roberts Foundation.

PT: £1,500 (the tuition fee value of the scholarship will be divided into two years of study).

Offered in partnership with She Kicks Magazine, Women’s Football Magazine, this scholarship is open to an outstanding female applicant who can demonstrate that a UCFB degree can assist them with their career ambitions. Applicants will be selected based on their academic profile or extra-curricular activities such as community engagement or volunteering. Previous experience in football or sport is not necessary, just a commitment and drive towards working in the world of football and sports business and a belief that a career in football and sport is open to people of all genders and backgrounds.

The She Kicks scholarship will be awarded in the form of an internship at She Kicks magazine or a partner organisation, with all travel and accommodation expenses covered up to a maximum value of £2,000. Additionally, as a part of this scholarship package, the student will receive a UCFB sports kit (value of up to £100) from the overall scholarship award.

Previous interns had the opportunity to spend a week at the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France, working alongside She Kicks at the fan embassies based in Nice and Valenciennes. They also had an opportunity to work with She Kicks editor Jen O’Neill on the Women’s FA Cup Final with access to the media suite at Wembley Stadium.

This scholarship is open to all degrees but may particularly suit students on Football Business & Media, Multimedia Sports Journalism and Sports Business & Sports Broadcasting degrees.