UCFB offers a number of unique scholarship opportunities to students of all abilities across a number of disciplines, with scholarships available based on academic and sporting achievements, as well as social mobility, among other categories.

Georgia Stevens, a BA (Hons) Multimedia Sports Journalism student at UCFB Etihad Campus, was awarded the Alastair Campbell Scholarship recently. Here, she tells us about how the award has helped her, and shares her highlights from her time at UCFB so far. Georgia, who also plays for Sheffield United Ladies, and has spent the 2018/19 season on loan at AFC Fylde, tells us about how she balances her studies and playing time…

How has the scholarship helped you so far in your BA (Hons) Multimedia Sports Journalism programme?

The scholarship programme has helped me massively on my programme, with the main benefit being that it has allowed me to accept a work placement with Sky Sports News in London. The financial aid that the scholarship has given me means that I don’t have to worry about accommodation or living costs when I am on my work placement and essentially it gave me the financial stability to be able to accept the placement. The scholarship team have been nothing but helpful and supportive.

What made you decide to want to come to UCFB and apply for the scholarship?

I wanted to come to UCFB as I was excited by the opportunities that presented themselves to students. The networking opportunities and the connections that can be made through UCFB are unlike any other institution. I decided to apply for the scholarship as I believed that it would help me to expand my learning through the programmes that are offered, as well as give me the confidence to apply for work placements that are outside of my local area.

How has your time at UCFB been so far?

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at UCFB and have certainly enjoyed my programme so far. The course content itself has been really interesting and has expanded my knowledge. The assignments we have been given have been challenging but have really helped my learning.

What aspects of UCFB have you enjoyed most?

I have probably enjoyed the guest speakers the most at UCFB. I’ve been lucky enough to be able to attend David Moyes’ and Simon Grayson’s guest speaker sessions; they have been really interesting and given a great insight into the world that we will be entering after graduating. Although the session may not be aimed at your specific programme, it is always worth going to one as there will be some form of advice or information given that will apply to what you are studying or what career you want to pursue.

How are you balancing your studies and football career with Sheffield United/AFC Fylde?

I’ve been balancing football and my studies pretty much the whole of my academic life. It has certainly been slightly more challenging at UCFB given the importance of deadlines with our assignments. However, my lecturers have been really helpful and the lecture slides that are uploaded online have been very useful if a session has clashed with training or a match. Playing football has also given me a unique pathway into a career in media as I have had opportunities to be involved on the media team of both Sheffield United and AFC Fylde.

What’s the highlight of your playing career so far?

Representing England at youth levels would have to be the highlight so far. I’ve been privileged enough to be able to travel the world playing football and representing my country at under-16 and under-17 level. Visiting Lithuania when we competed in the European Championship qualifiers was probably my favourite place to visit, as it was somewhere I probably wouldn’t have visited otherwise and it was an amazing place. I don’t think anything will beat scoring my first goal for England on my debut and that will probably be my highlight for a while.

Any advice for students looking to come to UCFB, in particular those thinking of applying for a scholarship?

For any student looking to come to UCFB, the only advice I’d offer is to take every opportunity that is presented to you and take on board what is being taught in lectures and seminars. The lecturers have so much experience in their field and the advice they give can be priceless. As for applying for a scholarship, I’d just say to do it. There’s nothing you can lose by applying and the reward is well worth the effort.