About the programme
When This is Engineering: Schools - Northern Ireland (formerly the Northern Ireland Engineering Education Programme) launched as a pilot in spring 2022, women students from low income households, and those who are under-represented in the engineering sector, were offered the exciting opportunity to apply for a £15,000 scholarship to support their university studies.
Forming part of a wider STEM education programme which has been generously funded by the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland, these scholarships support eligible women students from sixth forms and FE colleges across the region as they progressed from A Levels and vocational courses to full-time degree courses at higher education institutions in the UK and Ireland.
The awards were open to students who enrolled onto engineering or engineering-related subjects at degree level, which could include subjects such as Computer Science, Technology with Design, Physics or Maths.
Hear from some of the successful applicants below.
Charlotte Lively, studying Computer Science at the University of Liverpool
"I believe computer science can bring endless possibilities for the future, and allow new creative ideas to be brought to life. I am very grateful to have been inspired by my teachers to pursue a career in this subject, and receiving this bursary has only encouraged me to continue and let my ideas become a reality."
Christy Hill, studying Biomedical Engineering at Ulster University
"Being awarded this bursary has helped immensely with my University experience. I can fully focus on my studies without worrying about the financial side of things in terms of living expenses and purchasing equipment that aids my studies. I feel beyond grateful to be a recipient of the award and can't thank the Royal Academy of Engineering enough for granting me the opportunity to maximise my University experience!"
Blinne Ni Choigligh, studying Engineering at Trinity College Dublin
"I am currently looking into Erasmus, international exchanges and internships for my fourth year. My goal is to find an internship in either the motorsports or biomedical industry. As you can imagine, I'm torn in two directions at the moment."
What is This is Engineering: Schools - Northern Ireland?
These scholarships, worth £5000 per year for three years, form part of the wider This is Engineering: Schools - Northern Ireland programme. This is a pilot programme delivered by the Royal Academy of Engineering, developed in partnership with the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland.
To address the prominent STEM skills shortage in the region, the programme has been working to encourage more young people, especially young women and people from socially disadvantaged backgrounds and other underrepresented groups to progress towards engineering careers. To achieve this, the programme has established a network of primary and secondary schools and FE colleges across Northern Ireland, who are supported by local engineering industries, to engage in a variety of STEM experiences. The aim is to spark an interest in the field amongst young people, who will subsequently be supported into engineering and technician roles thanks to substantial bursaries offered as part of the programme.