The Plus Programme is a support network for students from backgrounds that are under-represented at university.
The programme:
- helps students to prepare for and settle into university life
- supports students to succeed in their studies
- offers enhanced careers support and encourages students to consider postgraduate options
- provides funding for personal and professional development opportunities which enables students to have a well-rounded experience.
Video transcript: Plus Programme - Staff Information
Beginning in the summer leading up to university, support for both undergraduate and postgraduate students includes:
- Transition Month (July) – information on independent study, social life and societies, wellbeing and finance
- Mentoring and coaching opportunities from professionals and peer-to-peer support
- Instagram and LinkedIn pages allowing Plus Programme students to meet, learn from each other and start building networks
- Year-round events designed to build skills and help students feel comfortable at Leeds, including bespoke welcome events
- Weekly updates on the best activities happening across campus.
Postgraduate students also have access to the Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding, which gives options for further grants.
Eligibility
Undergraduate students and postgraduate students on taught courses (such as Masters, diplomas and certificates) can benefit from the Plus Programme. They may include, but are not limited to:
- Students who do not have parental support (estranged)
- Care-experienced students (anyone who has spent time in care)
- Former young carers (someone under the age of 18, unpaid, who looks after a family member of friend who has a physical or mental health condition, or misuses drugs or alcohol)
- Students entering university from a neighbourhood where there is low participation in higher education
- Undergraduate means-tested scholars
- Students who are Leeds Masters Scholarship recipients
- Students who enrol on the Black Student Peer Mentoring Scheme, Asian Student Mentoring Scheme or BAME Postgraduate Coaching Scheme
- Forced migrants to the UK who are Sanctuary Scholarship recipients
- Students who have completed or been offered a place on an alternative admissions scheme including: Access to Leeds, Reach for Excellence and Realising Opportunities.
Student stories
Read stories from students who have experienced the Plus Programme.
Undergraduate stories
Postgraduate stories
It’s a small team on the Plus Programme, all the staff are friendly and you really get to know who they are as the years go by. They’re very open to listening to different students, it’s not just a top-down approach.
Annual reports
- Plus Programme Annual Report 2022-23 (Accessible PDF, 3MB)
- Plus Programme Annual Report 2021-22 (PDF, 4MB).