UCP To Offer A £7500 Malcolm Bradbury Scholarship Bursary For BA (Hons) Creative Writing Students From September 2022

UCP To Offer A £7500 Malcolm Bradbury Scholarship Bursary For BA (Hons) Creative Writing Students From September 2022

University Centre Peterborough are very happy to announce that their bid for annual scholarships from the Malcolm Bradbury Trust has been agreed from September 2022. This funding will support a creative writing undergraduate each year, and they will undertake extra-curricular work to promote literacy and literary engagement in Peterborough.

In memory of the late author, screenwriter and academic, the Malcolm Bradbury Trust is a registered charity seeking to advance and promote the literary arts through educational initiatives. The Trust aims to support and fund educational opportunities for new writers and creatives, meanwhile expanding the reach of their support to a diverse cohort of students and young people across the UK.

Peterborough has one of the poorest literacy rates in the UK, and our aim is to produce graduates who can return their skills and knowledge to the city and wider region through employment and cultural initiatives. More than 50% of children living in six Peterborough neighbourhoods are estimated as being in poverty according to 2021 government statistics. Education and aspiration are hugely important in tackling these social issues and bursary holders can act as advocates for learning and inspire others who have experienced similar journeys.

Liz Knight, UCP Director said, “This is a huge opportunity for citizens in the greater Peterborough area and for the centre to be involved in the wider community through the activities that will promote reading and writing. We are hugely grateful to the Malcolm Bradbury Trust for recognising and supporting the work we do.”

Andrew McDonnell, course leader said, “The bursary will be offered to students from PE postcodes based on under-represented backgrounds and/or socio-economic background. The bursary will support living costs that allows the student time to develop and promote literacy activities in the city that will provide them with valuable work experience.”

Students at UCP are taught in small classes with innovative teaching that prepare them for Postgraduate life. HE Manager, Claire Swales, said, “UCP offers a unique learning experience, and we have high student satisfaction rates. This bursary will mean we can take that experience into the wider community in new and exciting ways.”

Matthew Bradbury, Chair of the Trust said, “The Trustees of the Malcolm Bradbury Trust are delighted to have the opportunity to support Creative Writing Students at UCP. As a charity we are very focussed on supporting areas with poor literacy rates and students from deprived backgrounds. We look forward to a long and productive relationship with UCP and its creative writing students and faculty.”

UCP offers a wide range of degrees, including two pathways in English Literature and Creative Writing. This year sees the first BA Hons English Literature with Creative Writing cohort graduate from UCP. The students have produced an anthology of their work called The Other Side which will be published by the award-winning Gatehouse Press in June 2022 and a public event will be held on the evening of the 15^th June at UCP. Entry is free, but limited to pre-booked tickets which can be obtained here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ucp-anthology-launch-event-tickets-296346850407

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