Fife College student ‘over the moon’ to become first winner of new degree scholarship

1 April 2021 

HND Software Development student, Andrew MacLeod from Glenrothes, has become the first recipient of a prestigious new scholarship which helps fund students through their degree studies at Fife College and on to Edinburgh Napier University.

The former chef, who has swapped the kitchen for a computer lab, has had a fantastic boost to his studies after being awarded £1,000 per year, for the next four years, thanks to the new Fife College and Edinburgh Napier University Associate Student Scholarship. The programme has been co-founded by the College’s Adam Smith Foundation and Edinburgh Napier University Development Trust.

With a glowing track record of academic performance, a hardworking attitude and determination to succeed, Andrew stood out for the selection panel who had a tough job choosing from the excellent standard and high number of applications.

Alongside his academic success, Andrew was also part of a successful team which took third place recently in a national digital competition, Operation Innovation, sponsored by tech giant Fujitsu. Andrew also finds time to support his fellow students and is acting as a class representative for the second year in a row.

Andrew is delighted to have been awarded the scholarship which helps to secure his future and recognises his achievements.

Andrew said: “This scholarship comes at the perfect time for me, with our first child due soon, money is tight so this will allow me to set up a proper study area in our new home which will help me focus on my studies. It will also give me a little bit of financial breathing room should I have any equipment failures. I am over the moon.”

Iain Hawker, Assistant Principal – Quality and Academic Partnerships at Fife College, said:

“Each year the College helps hundreds of students work towards a degree closer to home. It allows each of them the chance to study in a more familiar setting, while also cutting down on potential travel or accommodation costs.

“We are delighted, thanks to the amazing support of our academic partner Edinburgh Napier University, to introduce this new scholarship which will provide further support to our hard-working degree students.”

“Congratulations to Andrew on becoming our first recipient. His commitment and determination shone through from an extremely high standard of applications. There really could not have been anyone more deserving of becoming our inaugural winner.”

Barbara Kidd, Head of Development and Alumni, Edinburgh Napier University said:

“We are delighted to launch this scholarship, which will provide essential support to students enrolled on the Edinburgh Napier University Associate Student Scheme with Fife College.

“For many students, articulating from college to university can be the only viable route for them to achieve a degree. The scholarship provides vital financial support to help a student sustain their studies to degree level, enabling them to pursue a successful career in their chosen field.

“The University is really looking forward to working with Andrew. While it was very difficult to choose from an outstanding pool of applicants, Andrew was an exceptional candidate who looks set to achieve amazing things both during, and beyond his studies.”

Last year more than 150 students were able to study for a degree closer to home at Fife College. The College delivers several degrees through a franchise partnership with Abertay University and The Open University, allowing students to study for a degree entirely at a Fife College campus.

The College also offers defined routes to degree courses in partnership with 15 higher education institutions, including Edinburgh Napier University, with HNC and HND courses allowing students to progress directly to second or third year of a university course.

The Adam Smith Foundation is Fife College’s scholarship programme and awards thousands of pounds each year to support students, develop opportunities, open doors and transform lives.

For further details about scholarships at Fife College visit the Adam Smith Foundation page or email scholarships@fife.ac.uk.

Photograph: Fife College student Andrew MacLeod, from Glenrothes, is pictured with his partner.