Disability Awards
Guidance Notes for 2012/13
Various awards exist at the University of Birmingham to help students with disabilities. The University recognises that
students with a disability often incur extra costs, and that these are not always met by statutory funding, and that
furthermore a disability may prevent students from taking a part-time job, which would otherwise subsidise funds.
Eligibility
1.
Any student with a disability (including dyslexia, mental health conditions etc) registered at the University of
Birmingham may apply. However, proof of disability must be provided in all case (e.g. a medical letter or
diagnosis) and all candidates must provide a letter of support from their personal/welfare tutor. Incomplete
applications will not be considered.
2.
In assessing applications, the panel will take proportionality into account. For example a full-time
undergraduate on a 3 year degree course may receive priority over a part-time student attending university
one day a week.
3.
The Holmes Award and Marsland Award are open to both UK and international students. The Brittain Bursary
is open to international students only.
4.
Applications will be means-tested (see application form). If successful applicants are in receipt of meanstested state benefits, e.g. Income Support, we advise them to inform the Benefits Agency of any award made,
as this may have an impact on their existing benefits.
5.
Priority will be given to students classed as independent, i.e. receiving no parental financial support.
6.
The personal statement provided by the student on the application form must include details of why the
programme of study was chosen, and the career aspirations of the individual.
7.
Successful students may re-apply in subsequent years if their circumstances are exceptional, but reference
will be made to previous applications.
All award applications must be submitted to the Student Funding Office by the closing date stated on the
application form.
More information about the awards:
Holmes Award
Nicholas Holmes is an alumnus of the University, and is keen to assist students with disabilities. With this in mind, The
Holmes Awards have been established. These are worth up to £1200 per year (although this is usually as 2 awards of
£600 each).
Marsland Award
Edward Marsland was an ex-Vice Chancellor on the University, and he established the fund that this award is paid from
in 1987. The award itself is worth £200, and is intended to assist students with disabilities with their studies. The award
is also (exceptionally) open to staff.
Brittain Bursary
Desmond Brittain was a member of the Guild of Graduates, and this award (of approx £500) is financed jointly through
the income from his legacy and through an annual donation from the University’s Guild of Graduates – to whom a
letter of thanks should be sent.
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Disability Awards Application Form 2012/13
(Homes Award/Marsland Award/Brittain Bursary)
1 - Personal Details
Title
Surname
Forename(s)
University ID Number
Address for all necessary
correspondence
E-mail address
2 - Programme Details
Department/School
Programme of Study
Length of Programme
Qualification sought
3 – Other Awards
Please give details of any other awards or sponsorship that you currently hold or have applied for:
Name of Award
Value of
Award
Specify any conditions attached
4 – Bank Details
Please indicate the account into which you wish the scholarship money to be paid.
Name of Bank
Address of Bank
Sort Code
Account code
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5 – Financial details
Are you in receipt of any benefits
e.g. income support, Disability
Living Allowance, JSA, ESA, Housing
Benefit, Tax Credits etc?
Yes / No
If yes, please give details
Are you in receipt of a Student
Loan and/or Maintenance Grant?
Yes / No
If yes, please specify the type of
support and amounts received
Do you have access to any other
financial resources (e.g. savings,
employment, etc?)
Yes / No
If yes, please give details
Are you in receipt of Disabled
Students Allowance?
Yes / No
If yes, please give details.
If no, why not?
6 – Supporting Statement
Please provide any further information you feel may support your application, e.g. why you chose the programme you
are on, academic achievements, extra-curricular activities, career aspirations and how this award could benefit you.
Please also describe your disability and how this award will assist your studies in light of this. Please use an additional
sheet, but limit this section to one side of typed A4 or a maximum of 500 words. Any additional words above these
limits are likely to be ignored.
7 – Declaration
I confirm that I have read and understood the notes of guidance and the basis on which an award may be made and I
agree to my information being shared for administration purposes.
I have supplied evidence of my disability and a statement from my personal tutor. I also confirm that the information I
have supplied is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
Date
Print name
Signature
All applications and supporting documentation must be submitted by Friday 7 December 2012 to:
The Student Funding Office
G13, Aston Webb Building
University of Birmingham
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