Undergraduate internships
We are allocating over £1 million to support 1,011 undergraduate internships in universities and colleges during summer 2010. These internships are to support access to the professions for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Allocations
We intended to fund 10 universities and colleges across England to deliver 500 undergraduate internships. But such was the volume and overall quality of the applications received that we have decided to fund 30 applications. Applications for funds have now closed. We will assess the outcomes of the scheme during the autumn.
Undergraduate internship allocations
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HEFCE electronic publication 03/2010 includes full details of the internships.
Panel on Fair Access to the Professions
This initiative follows the publication in July 2009 of the 'Unleashing Aspiration' report by the Panel on Fair Access to the Professions.
The report concluded that many professions are increasingly only accessible to those who are from the most affluent backgrounds. The Panel specifically examined access to internships as an essential part of the career ladder in many professions. Its recommendations included establishing a fair and transparent system of internship opportunities, recognising employer best practice and ensuring that internships are affordable for all.
Further information
- Undergraduate internships (HEFCE electronic publication 03/2010)
- Panel on Fair Access to the Professions
For more information about the undergraduate internships, contact Matt Jennings, tel 0117 931 7157, e-mail m.jennings@hefce.ac.uk.
Last updated 13 May 2010