Southampton benefits from Sagentia support for UK STEM education

The University of Southampton is one of a select number of UK universities whose students are eligible for the Sagentia STEM Bursary scheme.

Following the successful launch of the scheme last year, Sagentia, the leading global science, technology and product development consultancy, is offering up to 10 further bursaries of £2,500 to support science and engineering students during the academic year starting September 2014. The scheme, which also offers selected students valuable paid placements at Sagentia’s operations in various locations in the UK, is part of Sagentia’s continuing commitment to the development of science and engineering skills in the UK.

Students who are currently studying or have accepted a place on a range of science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) courses at the University of Southampton, University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, University of Bath, Loughborough University, University of Strathclyde and University of Surrey are all eligible for the bursary.

Professor Dame Wendy Hall, Director of the Web Science Institute at the University of Southampton, says: “We are delighted and very proud to be a partner university in the Sagentia bursary. As a global leader in technology development and consultancy, Sagentia recognises the importance of the high-quality undergraduate education provided by the University of Southampton, and the scholarships and internship opportunities will be a great incentive to our students, as well as a great boost to the development of the UK's expertise in science and engineering.â€?

Sagentia is looking for applications from young people studying chemistry, computer science, electronic engineering, engineering, geology, geosciences, life sciences, mathematics, materials science, mechanical engineering, physics, product design or similar subjects. A proportion of the bursaries will be allocated to students from households with an annual income of less than £42,000.

Martyn Ratcliffe, Chairman at Sagentia, says: “Strong science and engineering skills are the driving force of Sagentia’s success and will play a vital role in creating sustainable economic growth in the UK. We are delighted to be able to offer financial support and professional experience to the next generation of innovators for the second year. The first year of the bursary scheme highlighted the deep wells of talent among the UK’s undergraduate population. If the dedication, skills and commitment displayed by our bursary recipients is an indication, we have every reason to be confident in our future.â€?

As part of the scheme, Sagentia gives preferential consideration to bursary recipients for both its 10-week summer placements and its one-year placements. Having been awarded a bursary in 2013, Sam Johnstone is this year joining Sagentia as a graduate in Mechanical Systems and Design. “The Sagentia bursary offered a great opportunity to help finance my University degree, while becoming involved with a company that is highly relevant to my future career plans. Receiving the bursary has given me the freedom to pursue my academic studies in more detail, and helped me fund my engineering-related hobbies. The graduate role is a fantastic opportunity to combine the technical engineering skills I have gained with the challenge of consultancy work.â€?

Bath University student, Leanne Yip Heung Win, is joining Sagentia on a one-year placement in Mechanical Systems and Design: “There are very few technology and product development companies that provide bursaries. The Sagentia STEM bursary has given me the opportunity to further my potential without a financial burden. I applied for the one-year placement because of the support that Sagentia gives students and because of its own successful position. The placement gives me an opportunity to gain vital engineering experience and be part of a truly innovative team.â€?

The closing date for applications is 19 September 2014. Information about the scheme is available on the Sagentia website: www.sagentia.com/careers/sagentia-stem-bursary