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Vice-Chancellor ’ s Fund helps QMU student join Study China Program
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FIRST YEAR FILM and Media student from QMU has fulfilled a lifetime dream to study in the Far East , thanks to support from the University ’ s Vice- Chancellor ’ s Fund .
Neil McLeod applied to the Vice- Chancellor ’ s Fund to help finance his travel and living costs , as part of the Study China Program .
His successful application to the Fund allowed him to study Chinese history and culture , as well as learn Mandarin , in Shanghai during the summer of 2015 .
Set up by QMU ’ s Principal and Vice- Chancellor , Professor Petra Wend , and funded solely by generous donations , the annual award of up to £ 500 per applicant , aims to fund travel , either wholly or in part for suitable overseas academic , professional or vocational initiatives .
Commenting on his successful application and experience , Neil McLeod , said : “ Studying in Shanghai was an incredible opportunity that has helped enhance my learning . I would never have been able to fund my time with the Study China Programme without the support of the Vice Chancellor ’ s Fund .”
As with all beneficiaries of the Vice- Chancellor ’ s Fund , Neil was required to produce an evaluation report of his studies , outlining how the experience benefitted him personally and academically , and QMU as a whole .
Neil has shared his study experience in Shanghai through an online blog : http :// neilstudieschina . tumblr . com
Some of the awards that have been made by the Vice-Chancellor ’ s Fund in the past have been to support a range of activities , including fieldwork for a research project and Masters dissertations , professional placements , attendance at international conferences and summer schools , as well as visits to overseas universities for collaborative research purposes . Such projects actively benefit QMU , the wider community and have led to publishable papers .
If you are interested in supporting the Vice Chancellor ’ s Fund , see the feature on page 31 ❒
IN NOVEMBER , OVER 20 students from QMU celebrated their 2015 scholarship and awards success at a special event in Edinburgh ’ s Dovecot Studios .
The occasion showcased the QMU scholars and award winners of 2015 , including students who were supported by individual donors and organisations including Santander Universities , Alzheimer Scotland , Dakota Hotels , Ryder Cup bursary scheme , as well as by the University ’ s Vice-Chancellor ’ s Fund and Student Development Fund .
The award-winning students were joined by the companies and individuals whose generous support has helped boost their academic experience and personal
Students at the Dovecot Studios
development , and made extraordinary student projects possible .
Speech and Language Therapy student , Monia Molino , received the Carol Spragge Bursary , providing support for her master ’ s thesis which focuses on the links between children ’ s communication difficulties and social disadvantage .
Monia commented : “ The support I receive allows me to concentrate on my thesis without financial stress , which is of great importance to most students . Moreover , winning the bursary has made me more confident and conscious of my academic abilities .”
Monia is passionate about her area of study , as is former member of staff , Carol Spragge , who funds the bursary .
Students celebrate with QMU friends and supporters
Monia concluded : “ I am very grateful to Carol Spragge for giving me the opportunity to research this important specialist area , and to make a positive contribution to the wellbeing of children .”
Professor Petra Wend , QMU ’ s Principal , said : “ The University is grateful for the continued support of organisations , individuals and QMU graduates , which greatly enhances the experience of those students who receive scholarships and awards .
“ Awards and scholarships like this enrich students ’ academic experience , build their confidence , broaden their horizons and allow them make a real contribution to their field or to serving society ’ s needs .” ❒
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