Government announces new Health Bursary to support new wave of health and care professionals

Released: 13.09.23

A new Health Learning Bursary announced by the Government this week will offer increased funding for students studying health courses at Plymouth Marjon University.  

Eligible students enrolling in nursing, allied health professions, and related medical courses at Marjon will now benefit from a substantial 50% increase in support for travel and accommodation expenses. This uplift ensures that students are appropriately reimbursed for the costs associated with clinical placements, such as hospital rotations. 

Since the start of 2023, Marjon has launched six new health programmes, designed to meet the need locally and regionally for skilled practitioners in a range of healthcare disciplines including Nursing, Hearing Aid Audiology, and Assistant Practitioners. These courses are complimented with placements with local providers such as Livewell Southwest, St Lukes Hospice, and Derriford Hospital (University Hospitals Plymouth). 

Minister of State for Health, Will Quince, underscored the government's dedication to diversity within the healthcare workforce, stating: 

"We have therefore listened to students' concerns and are taking action to ensure they are appropriately reimbursed for any additional costs of traveling for clinical placements, as well as boosting means-tested and childcare support for medical students." 

These transformative changes are particularly timely for Plymouth Marjon University, which has been leading the way in innovative healthcare education. Earlier this year, the University gained national attention for its pioneering Aspire programme, designed to train Learning Disability Nurses. The programme seeks to address the substantial shortage of learning disability nurses in England, a gap that has persisted since 2009. 

Professor Claire Taylor, Vice-Chancellor of Plymouth Marjon University, shared her thoughts on the increased funding for health students: 

"The Government's commitment to increasing support for healthcare students is a significant stride towards fostering a more accessible pathway to healthcare education. It aligns perfectly with our mission at Marjon to empower the next generation of healthcare professionals." 

Plymouth Marjon University is poised to further its commitment to healthcare education with the impending launch of its £5.8 million Health Education and Community Wellbeing Hub, scheduled for 2025. This first-class facility will consolidate all the University’s health and wellbeing courses under one roof, facilitating holistic education and practical training for aspiring healthcare professionals. The funding for this ambitious project was awarded to Plymouth Marjon University by the Office for Students. 

Plymouth Marjon University is dedicated to nurturing local talent, bridging gaps in healthcare provision, and empowering the next generation of healthcare professionals. With the UK Government's increased support for healthcare students, Marjon is well-positioned to continue its legacy of excellence in healthcare education and support the NHS in closing the workforce gap in the South West. 

Find out more about studying health and wellbeing courses at Marjon here.