PPrincipal of the University of Aberdeen, C Duncan Rice, has warmly welcomed the Royal Bank of Scotland support, announced today by Chancellor Gordon Brown at Lochgelly High School in Fife: “I am delighted that The Royal Bank of Scotland has made such a major contribution to this important area of social inclusion. This University is fully committed to opening its doors to people of all ages and educational achievement who could benefit from the University experience.
“In discussion with the Bank, the first £100,000 will be dedicated to our Summer School for Access which will now be known as The Royal Bank of Scotland Summer School for Access. The Summer School is one of the University’s most successful initiatives for enabling entry to University courses for those who may not come to us via the traditional routes.
"Since its inception ten years ago, over 1000 mature students from all over the North of Scotland and from a wide range of backgrounds, have successfully attended the Summer School and have gone on to study for full University degrees.
“Thanks to the generous support of The Royal Bank of Scotland, the University will continue to offer first class support and resources to those for whom a university education might otherwise not be possible. We shall be announcing at a later date how the remaining £240,000 of support will be implemented.”
As a result of the £100,000 support, twenty-five bursaries of £1,000 each will be offered for each of the next four years. The students will receive £500 at the beginning of their Access course and the second £500 at the start of their University Degree course.
In addition to The Royal Bank of Scotland bursaries, the University will provide accommodation free of charge during the Summer School course and will also waive the School fee, amounting to £1,200 of additional support. For the holder of a Royal Bank of Scotland Summer School Bursary, the actual value is therefore £2,200. This will be of enormous benefit to those for whom financial constraints might prevent them from coming to University.
The Royal Bank of Scotland Summer School for Access is a 10-week, full-time programme of study for school-leavers and mature students whose formal qualifications are not a true reflection of their potential.
The University also offers part-time programmes to degree studies with a choice of day or evening classes so it is possible to study while remaining at work. These classes are also available by distance learning across the North of Scotland.
Further information from:
Christine Cook, Executive Director of Public Relations, Tel: 01224 272014
Sarah Barclay, The Royal Bank of Scotland, Tel: 0131 523 5659