Denise Coates Foundation Bursary
At Staffordshire University, we place students at the heart of everything we do, and supporting the Horizon Fund, helps support every student with ambitions and aspirations to be the very best they can be, and take a step towards their brighter future. This is a belief that echoes across our connected community - with the many donations of gift, time, and opportunities, our students have experienced the generosity of our donors and have already achieved incredible things.
One-way students are supported via the Horizon Fund is through Denise Coates Foundation Bursary.
Denise Coates CBE is a highly successful businesswoman from the local Staffordshire area, who was awarded her CBE for services to the community and business.
In 2012 Denise was made an honorary Doctor of Staffordshire University in recognition of her entrepreneurial vision and the impact of her work on the city of Stoke-on-Trent. Inspired by a desire to help those that were less fortunate than others, the Denise Coates Foundation Bursary has supported over 500 students during their studies.
- Olivia
"I just want to firstly say a huge thank you, as I can’t express how much the bursary has helped me. I suffer with anxiety, so financial worry has been a huge thing for me whilst studying. However, with the help of the Denise Coates bursary I’ve been able to buy myself a laptop, a desk and an office chair for my bedroom! None of this would have been possible without the financial aid from this wonderful scheme.
Since joining Staffordshire University my confidence has grown massively. Already, I have been encouraged to build my self awareness and venture out of my comfort zone. I am so grateful."
- Josie
"The money last semester was spent on a few recommended reads that were only available via books but were very helpful in the assignments and I was more than happy with the results! Alongside this it helped fund a tennis qualification which will enhance my employability when trying to be a teacher. The next instalment will enable me to upgrade all the technology and have some performance analysis kit to use and break down practical sessions."
- Lewis
"I put the money towards buying an M1 MacBook Air, I plan on taking care of it and using it throughout the entirety of my degree to work on assignments. It has helped me by allowing me to bring in my own device to the University that has all of my files and applications, it also means I don’t have to share a laptop with my 2 brothers anymore. It’s really useful on days where I don’t start till 11 because on those days I arrive at the University for 8:30 so this allows me to get on with my assignments such as web development in my free time."
- Daniel
"The bursary has allowed me to gain access to more detailed research from books and articles which has had a great impact on the quality of my work. The Psychological intervention assignment mentioned previously received a grade of 88/100 which is one of the best grades I have received for an assignment so far and this is due to the content that I have been able to acquire.
With this being my final semester on my undergraduate degree the remaining bursary will be used to continue accessing books and articles, to ensure the remaining assignments and dissertation will be of the same standard as my previous semester."
- Carl
"I spent the bursary money on new headphones, a new keyboard and mouse for my computer and an adapter than allows me to plug my laptop into my monitor via HDMI. This helps me to listen to recorded lectures, and it is easier to do my work now as I can view it properly on my monitor rather than just on my laptop screen.
The next instalment will help towards new books that are recommended for my modules this semester as well as a Perlego subscription. I also want to get a laptop case to keep my laptop safe when travelling to university and around campus, instead of it just being in my bag in which I carry a water bottle and notebooks."
- Alisha
"The money I received, I spent on fabrics for a live brief. This is arguably the most expensive module I’ve had thus far. I made a beautiful dress targeted to the grey market with Duchess Satin. I am very grateful for the bursary as it has allowed me to create my BEST work at university so far that earned me an additional First.
For the next instalment, I plan on putting it towards more fabrics. I am currently taking my biggest module (Fashion Negotiated Studies) where I write my own brief and design and make. I targeted it towards high fashion as this is the domain I dream to work in after university. I will require a lot of fabric for sampling and draping, including toiling which the money will aid with. For the research for this module, I took a trip to Manchester to art galleries.
By the end of the academic year, my goal is to create my best works and as I am currently looking for internships, hopefully create a piece that will stand me apart from other applicants.
The bursary has been really helpful and I am very thankful to the foundation for helping me advance in my studies and journey to the dream of becoming a great designer."
- Diana
