The Plus Programme at the University of Leeds enhances the postgraduate experience by providing financial aid and tailored support. It assists students in navigating the challenges of postgraduate study and prepares them for future success, focusing on both academic and personal growth.
The challenge
Postgraduate study marks a significant transition for students, whether they are advancing directly from an undergraduate degree or returning to academia after a break. The leap in academic demand, the intensity of coursework, and the unique nature of postgraduate courses can be daunting. Recognising these challenges, the Plus Programme provides tailored support to help PGTs navigate this critical phase of their educational journey.
The Plus Programme actively enhances the academic experience and well-being of postgraduate taught students (PGTs). Initially designed for Leeds Masters Scholars (LMS), the Programme expanded in 2020 to include a broader community of PGTs. Now, it welcomes students who narrowly missed out on LMS, former Plus Programme undergraduates, and those who self-refer, ensuring that more students benefit from its comprehensive support.
The approach
The Plus Programme is dedicated to ensuring that PGTs are happy, successful, and well-prepared for their future careers. This comprehensive support begins with helping students transition into university life and continues through to their progression out of university.
To remove financial barriers and promote success at the Masters level, the Plus Programme offers the Leeds Masters Scholarships. These scholarships are available to students from low-income and under-represented backgrounds, funded through a combination of alumni donations and institutional funding. This ongoing commitment highlights the strategic priority of supporting diverse student populations.
Additionally, a small number of ring-fenced scholarships are often available each year from individual Schools and Faculties. Past examples include scholarships from Leeds University Business School (LUBS) and the School of Performance and Cultural Industries.
The Plus Programme facilitates a smooth transition to postgraduate study through various initiatives. A key event is the postgraduate welcome event held in September, which includes workshops focused on academic skills. These workshops cater to different student needs: those transitioning directly from undergraduate studies can attend sessions on developing recently used skills, while those returning to academia after a break can join workshops designed to help them reacclimate to the academic environment.
To support students' progression after completing their PGTs, the Plus Programme collaborates with the careers team to develop the PGT Next Steps Mentoring Scheme. This initiative connects Masters students with industry professionals, providing valuable insights and networking opportunities. Additionally, the programme works with the PGR diversity team to diversify the pipeline and offer information on pursuing a PhD, demystifying the process for interested students.
Spotlight: Prepare for Postgrad
It paid attention to every aspect you might be worried about, becoming a postgrad.
The Plus Programme’s "Prepare for Postgrad" online module is available over the summer before students begin their Masters. This module helps students brush up on academic skills, fosters a sense of belonging, and provides guidance on maintaining a social life at university. It also includes resources on reflective learning and planning next steps, ensuring a well-rounded preparation for postgraduate study. Engagement with the module has grown significantly over the years, with increasing numbers of students participating each year.
Student testimonials highlight the module's impact: “I enjoyed how varied it was. It paid attention to every aspect you might be worried about becoming a postgrad. Finances, socialising, your future, and the degree itself.” Another student appreciated that “everything was equally comprehensive and answered questions before I had thought of them!” Additionally, “The learning journal and action plan really helped to reflect on my experience.”
The impact
The Plus Programme has significantly supported the postgraduate community at the University of Leeds. Over the years, the number of PGTs enrolled has steadily increased, peaking at 347 in 2021/22.
Despite a slight decline to 293 in 2024/25 due to fewer Leeds Masters Scholarships awarded, the programme continues to play a vital role in enhancing the academic experience and well-being of PGTs.
Liv Powell, Senior Plus Programme Officer, explains, “We pick up our postgraduate students in three main ways. Either they were on the Plus Programme as undergraduates, so that access just kind of continues. They hear from us to say we're still here to support you. The second most common way is through the Leeds Masters Scholarship.
“If they receive a scholarship, they're automatically enrolled. If they don't receive a scholarship but meet some of our eligibility criteria, we enrol them and let them know they still have access to all of this. The third way, which is slowly growing, is self-referrals. If a student is already at Leeds and hears about the Plus Programme, they can complete a short online form. We also pick some people up through the 'Prepare for Postgrad' module, which ends with information about the Plus Programme.”
In terms of support, Liv Powell highlights, “We run activities like the welcome event and social events, as well as workshops and employability-focused activities such as mentoring schemes and skills workshops. Engagement varies due to the intensity of Masters courses. It's quite high earlier in the term when students have more time before their courses pick up. However, engagement dips later in the year as dissertations take up more time. We adjust our offerings accordingly, focusing more on workshops and further study in the spring rather than socials.”
Addressing whether the Plus Programme meets the needs of PGTs, Liv Powell notes, “Particularly with employability, we've noticed that widening participation students at the Masters level still have the same career support needs. They need access to support and networks. We introduced the PGT Next Steps Mentoring Scheme a few years ago, working with careers to create it because there wasn't anything like that for Masters students. It has always had great engagement and is popular with students when launched in term one.
“In terms of meeting the transitional needs of PGTs, the Prepare for Postgrad module has made a positive impact. Over the past couple of years, the average number of users has been 268, with 56% being classed as engaged, which we're quite happy with given that participation is entirely optional. Students appreciate the clear information and the focus on various aspects, not just academics. The module's reflections and action planning have helped students start their Masters feeling more prepared."
Regarding engagement with Plus Programme initiatives, Liv Powell adds, “Employability activities are really popular. Students who take part often provide positive feedback on how helpful the activities have been, whether in figuring out their next steps or learning more about specific industries through our mentoring schemes. Feedback about our work with the PGR diversity team has also been positive, with students appreciating the connection and support with applications and demystifying the process.
“The Leeds Masters Scholarship has received praise for allowing students to focus on their studies without financial stress. Some students have said that the scholarship enabled them to pursue their postgraduate degrees, highlighting its importance in their academic journey.”
Spotlight: financial support
This scholarship is not only financial support but also recognition of my aspirations and the barriers I have had to overcome. It has provided me with the stability to pursue my studies without the constant burden of financial strain.
Financial support is a key aspect of the Plus Programme. Liv Powell explains, “Through the Leeds Masters Scholarship, we address financial concerns, particularly with the rising cost of living. The scholarship increased from £5,000 to £7,000 for the 23/24 academic year to keep pace with rising tuition fees and living costs.
“We've received positive feedback from students, with many stating that the financial support gave them the resources, time, and freedom to pursue their academic interests and professional goals without worrying about working too much. Some students have said that without the Masters scholarship, they would never have been able to obtain a postgraduate degree.”
One student shared, “Had it not been for the Leeds Masters Scholarships, I would have never undertaken my MSc degree. The scholarship allowed me to further my career ambitions, to bypass the barriers of student debt, and remove financial worries/uncertainties. All of which, and in particular the last point, allowed me to focus on my studies, and enjoy a well-rounded social/student life, with other classmates, societies, and professors (whom I played badminton with) alike.”
The impact of financial support was also emphasised by a student who said, “Being a recipient of the Leeds Masters Scholarship has been life-changing for me! As someone who had to pay my own way through university, while also sometimes being depended on to be a support to my family, receiving the scholarship allowed me to enjoy my time at university so much more because finance wasn't too much of an issue! I'm very grateful for the weight the scholarship has taken off my shoulders.”
A mature student shared their transformative experience: “Receiving the Leeds Masters Scholarship has had a significant impact on my academic and personal journey. As a mature South Asian woman, a mother, and someone navigating disabilities, I have encountered challenges that made higher education difficult to access. This scholarship is not only financial support but also recognition of my aspirations and the barriers I have had to overcome. It has provided me with the stability to pursue my studies without the constant burden of financial strain.
“With this support, I can focus on my research examining psychiatry, colonialism, and the mental health experiences of South Asian immigrant women. This work is both personal and academically necessary, contributing to a broader understanding of historical and systemic influences on mental health. The scholarship has enabled me to engage deeply with my studies, access resources, and participate in academic discussions that would otherwise have been difficult to navigate.
“Beyond academia, this opportunity has reinforced my sense of agency. Balancing multiple roles, I can now approach my education with greater confidence and clarity. It has affirmed my place in academic spaces and strengthened my belief in the value of my work. Most importantly, it has given me the support to continue striving towards my goals.”
Next steps
The Plus Programme is set to revamp its welcome event, incorporating time for reflections and goal setting. This change is inspired by positive feedback from both undergraduates regarding reflective elements in their own welcome events and the 'Prepare for Postgrad' module. Additionally, the programme is enhancing collaboration with the PGR diversity teams by trialing joint socials, such as 'speed friending' events.
To continually improve the sense of belonging, early-year surveys will be conducted to tailor offerings to each cohort's needs.
Next year, the focus will be on consistency in events, with a set schedule and clear communication to help students plan their participation effectively.
If you would like to find out more about how the Plus Programme supports PGTs, please email the Plus Programme team: theplusprogramme@leeds.ac.uk.