Scholarships and Bursaries

Finance and sources of additional income are one of the key determining factors in your choice of whether to undertake university education, and where to study.

In Electronics and Computer Science we have done all we can to ensure that the additional income we receive from tuition fees is passed directly to our students to benefit them as they are studying and also to enhance the whole student experience. We have done this in a number of ways, in order to spread the benefit to all students on the course but also to provide strong incentives on the basis of academic excellence.

Zepler Scholarships

For 2012 entrants the following conditions apply:

In the first year of study, we will award Zepler Scholarships of £1,500 each to the top 10 per cent of ECS students within each degree stream subject to students achieving a first class mark.  This is based on the aggregate mark for the year and successful students will receive payment on their return to study in the autumn term.

The above awards apply to all UK, EU, and overseas students. These awards are not means-tested and are non-

For 2011 entrants, the following conditions apply:

In the first year of study, we will award Zepler Scholarships of £1,000 each to the top 10 per cent of ECS students within each degree stream, based on their first Semester results. This award is conditional on achieving at least 70 per cent at the end of Semester 1. In second and subsequent years of the degree programmes, the top 10 per cent of students in each degree stream will receive £1,000 based on results from the preceding year, provided they achieve at least 70 per cent overall in that year.

The above awards apply to all UK, EU, and overseas students. These awards are not means-tested and are non-repayable.

For entrants prior to 2011 the following conditions apply:

Students who achieved AAA in A levels were eligible to receive a Zepler Scholarship of £1,000 in their first year of study. For students entering ECS who had taken alternative examinations from A level, we awarded Zepler Scholarships to the top 10 per cent of students within each degree stream in their first Semester examinations.

The above awards were conditional on achieving at least 70 per cent in the ECS examinations at the end of Semester 1 and applied to all UK, EU, and overseas students. In second and subsequent years of the degree programmes, the top 10 per cent of students in each degree stream receive £1,000, provided they achieve at least 70 per cent overall in that year. This applies to UK, EU and overseas students.  These awards are not means-tested and are non-repayable.

UK Electronics Skills Foundation Scholarships

Students studying Electronics are eligible for industrial scholarships from the new UK Electronics Skills Foundation – Southampton is one of only five UK universities in this new scheme intended to provide talented engineers for UK industry. Successful candidates are matched with sponsoring companies for scholarships that include annual bursaries, paid summer work placements and mentoring. For further information see: http://www.ukesf.org

Power Academy Scholarships

Students studying Electrical or Electromechanical Engineeering or Electronic Engineering with Power Systems are eligible for scholarship funding from the UK Power Academy. This provides bursaries of £2,200 each year, a contribution towards tuition fees, paid summer work placements, and industry mentors. For further information see: http://conferences.theiet.org/power-academy/about/index.cfm

Sponsorships

In addition to the funding provided by ECS and the University, our students also have the opportunity to be sponsored by companies during their degree programmes. ECS has a strong relationship with leading employers, providing its own ECS Careers Hub web site to inform students of summer placement and graduate opportunities, as well as holding its own annual Careers Fair exclusively for our students. This is attended by high-tech, blue chip, and international companies, keen to employ our students for the knowledge and skills they have developed during their courses.

Books and Equipment

We give or loan core textbooks to every student for almost every first-year course. If courses involve extensive course notes prepared by lecturers then these are provided to students free of charge. Many items of equipment are available on loan to students through ECS Labs, or provided free on laboratory-based courses.

Student support

Our Senior Tutor has a role which is dedicated to helping any students with problems. Eric Cooke teaches programming to first-year students, but his commitment to student welfare has been recognized throughout the University. ‘What is most satisfying about being part of ECS is that the staff, students, and ideas you are exposed to every day are the best you get anywhere,’ he says. ‘ If I can help just one of the people who cross my path, then it’s worth my while. I tell my students “If you’re good enough to turn up, then I will do my best to help you get through.”’

ECS sponsors a Careers Event specifically for its students, and it also provides support for the Electronics and Computer Science Society which runs a full programme throughout the year of social events, academic talks, and careers advice. Students in ECS undertaking the Student Ambassadors programme also can expect support from the School for any visits/programmes they are involved in with local schools and colleges.