Evaluation of the Postgraduate Support Scheme 2015-16 : Report to HEFCE

HEFCE commissioned Paul Wakeling and Sally Hancock from the University of York to undertake an evaluation of the 2015-16 Postgraduate Support Scheme. The report evaluates and summarises findings from the £50 million scheme which aimed to deliver 10,000 postgraduate taught scholarships across the sector. The evaluation included a survey to all 131 providers that received an initial allocation of funding for the scheme; case-study visits at 10 institutions; and analysis of Higher Education Statistics Agency data relating to postgraduate taught students. The report finds that approximately three-quarters of the potential total awards were made. Awards holders were more likely to be from target student groups than the overall eligible population but the overall increase in student numbers from these groups between 2014-15 and 2015-16 was relatively modest.