HC Deb 22 July 1981 vol 9 c177W
Mr. Peter Robinson

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the total number of postgraduate bursaries awarded by the Department of Education to both male and female students in 1980–81; and if he will give details of the criteria under which the awards are made and the value of such awards and the subjects covered.

Mr. John Patten

149 postgraduate bursaries were awarded by the Department of Education to 91 male and 58 female students in the academic year 1980–81.

In order to qualify for such bursaries applicants should have been resident in the United Kingdom for three years and resident in Northern Ireland on a specified day—30 June in the case of a course starting in the autumn—prior to the start of the course,. They should hold a university degree or equivalent qualification. The number of bursaries available each year is limited and are awarded competitively on academic merit.

The average value of the bursaries was £2,424—maintenance grant and fees. The subjects covered were art, art and design, business studies, continuing education, industrial design, legal studies, library studies, management, marketing and tourism.

In addition, 127 awards for the postgraduate certificate in education course at the local teacher training institutions were made to 56 male and 71 female students in the year. Their average value was £2,209.