Print Solutions
Individuals looking to undertake the BPIF MSc in Management can apply to have a significant amount of their fees paid, thanks to a £6000 bursary from The Stationers' Foundation, funded by The Printing Charity.
The foundation, which forms the charitable arm of The Stationers' Company, is offering the postgraduate bursary scheme to either a single student or to be shared between several students for whom funding would be a barrier.
The Stationers' Company, which has a 600 year history of promoting, regulating and protecting those in the paper, print, publishing, packaging, office products, newspaper, broadcasting and online media industries, makes charitable giving to education a large part of its work. In conjunction with its industry partners, it offers up to 12 bursaries a year and mentoring to students on specific courses that support entry to and progression within these sectors.
The Printing Charity has been helping people of all ages working in printing, publishing and packaging since 1827. Its origins were – and remain in – welfare, but over the years its work has grown to include support for education and training. Its education funding now benefits almost 500 individuals a year.
The MSc, run in partnership with the Management Development Centre (MDC), is aimed at those in print with at least five years' experience in a management role, and with full membership of a professional institute wanting to take their leadership skills to the next level. As the natural next step after undertaking the BPIF Level 5 Leadership and Management Course, it usually costs £6340+VAT to complete.
The course, which can be completed in as little as 12 months, is a fast track top up masters designed to provide minimal disruption to the working week.
Alongside a dissertation and two residential weekends, students are supported through the MDC's online support group.
BPIF programme director Ursula Daly said, ‘The BPIF is delighted about this continued funding opportunity in collaboration with the Stationers' Foundation and The Printing Charity. This is about enabling the great people in our industry to reach their full potential, and the MSc helps us to do just that. It is a stimulating course which encourages a whole new way of thinking for those already in management positions, while building on skills already learned in their careers. I wouldd encourage anyone thinking of doing the course to apply for the bursary if finance is in any way a barrier.’
The funding, which also considers the academic potential of applicants, is available for the academic year starting in October 2021. The application form should be submitted by Friday 21 May 2021. Applications must be supported by two references, one academic and one personal from someone of standing who can support the financial statements made in the application. Applicants must hold a conditional or unconditional offer for the masters’ programme at the time of application. Candidates should send applications via e-mail to ursula.daly@bpif.org.uk.
Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to interview at Stationers' Hall in London between 21 June and 28 June 2021. It is essential that applicants are available for these interviews. Successful recipients of the funding will also have the opportunity to be mentored by an appropriate Stationers' Company member. On successful completion of their masters programme the award winners will be presented with the Freedom of the Stationers’ Company and it is expected that they will participate in the life of the company. Dispensation for payment of the annual membership fee will be given for the following three years.
