Case Study
Thirteen Belfast Met Students Pursue University Dreams After Being Awarded Uversity Scholarships

Picture Caption:(L-R) Stacey Kearney, Megan Lochhead and Niki McDade.
Uversity is an Irish charity which supports individuals in pursuing higher education by providing financial aid to study a Bachelor’s degree at any third level institution across the island of Ireland, as well as valuable networking opportunities.
Seventeen people from Northern Ireland were awarded the prized scholarship in total, with the majority having completed their previous studies at Belfast Met. Each scholarship is valued between €5,000 and €7,000 per year of study.
Belfast Met students awarded Uversity Scholarships:
- Aaron Caldwell – Social Science at Queen’s University Belfast (Access Social Science Student)
Seana Monaghan – Social Science at Queen’s University Belfast (Access Social Science Student)
Farren McDonald – Arts at Queen’s University Belfast (Access Humanities Student)
Jonathan McMurray – Science at Queen’s University Belfast (Access Maths and Physics Student)
Harry Sterritt – Engineering at Queen’s University Belfast (Access Maths and Physics Student)
Nichola O’Hara – Arts & Humanities at St. Mary’s University (Access Social Science Student)
Fionnuala Gillespie – Social Science at Ulster University (Access Social Science Student)
Stacey Kearney – Business at Ulster University (HND Business Student)
Aisling Plunkett – Social Science at Ulster University (Access Social Science Student)
Kelly McMillen – Business at Ulster University (Access Maths and Finance Student)
Christopher Hamill – ICT, Science at Ulster University (Access Computing for the Economy Student)
Megan Lochhead – Arts, Creative Arts at Ulster University (HND Graphic Design student and former Access Social Science Student)
Emma Kennedy – Social Science at Ulster University (Cert HE in Combined Social and Behavioural Issues Student)
Aisling Plunkett, a mother-of-four now studying Social Science at Ulster University, spoke about the life-changing impact of the scholarship. She began her academic journey at Belfast Met studying a Level 1 course in Health and Social Care before progressing to complete an Access course in Social Science.
She said being awarded a scholarship will be “life-changing” for her and she is excited to have started her university course.
Aisling said:
“Previously, I just did my leaving certificate and went straight into work. I loved my job but I found it hard to climb the ladder.
“With this degree, I’ll have new opportunities, and it will give my family more financial security. This is going to change not just my life but my children’s lives too.”
Uversity Scholarship recipient Megan Lochhead, who is now studying Creative Arts at Ulster University, added:
“Receiving the Uversity Scholarship has allowed me to pursue a long wished for career in the Arts. As a parent and mature student, it’s been a huge support in providing the resources to help me reach my goals while balancing my other responsibilities.”
Commenting on this year’s scholarships, Uversity’s Programme Director, Gretta FitzGerald said:
“We at Uversity have seen first-hand how life-changing adult education can be. Uversity is delighted to award these scholarships to a fantastic group of learners from Belfast Met. They are an inspiration to all, and we look forward to seeing what they accomplish.”
Niki McDade, Student Services Manager at Belfast Met, commenting on the impact of Uversity, said:
“From Uversity started it has changed the lives of many of our Adult Learners giving them the opportunity to pursue a degree without which it may not have been possible. We have built a wonderful relationship with the Uversity team and actively encourage our adult learners to apply”.
Congratulating the students on their scholarships, Belfast Met Interim Principal and Chief Executive Damian Duffy said:
“I would like to congratulate all students from Belfast Met who were awarded one of these fantastic Uversity scholarships. The charity was extremely impressed with the strength of applications from the College, and the number of scholarships awarded reflects the dedication and commitment of our students to improve their lives and find the right pathway for them. We at the College are proud to have supported these students on their journey and wish them the best for their time at university.”