Video transcript: What is the Plus Programme?
Transcript for the video embedded on The Plus Programme homepage.
[Music]
Text appears that says: What is the Plus Programme?
A photo of a student appears on screen. They are Liv Powell, Modern History (MA). They say: The Plus Programme provides extra support events and opportunities to more than 3,000 students who've entered the university through specific routes.
A photo of a different student appears with a University of Leeds building in the background. They are Meegan Worcester, Sustainability and Environmental management (BSc). They say: The Plus Programme exists to make sure everyone can access the full experience and get the most out of their life at Leeds.
A photo of a different student appears. They are Sean Stansill, Physics PhD. They say: It's a kind of base camp you can come back to at any point and they're always there to point you in the right direction and help you on your way.
Meegan appears and says: The support starts before you even arrive.
Liv appears with a photo of a student studying in the background and says: It was really helpful to me because I was quite worried about starting university and having that jump from A-levels, so having this early support really made me feel more confident when I started university.
Meegan appears and says: In the first few weeks of term, the plus programme hosts a calendar of free social events.
Sean appears and says: You don't have to go out and look for the things; they come to you, which is really nice if you're a bit lost with where to start or how to get involved.
Meegan appears and says: I got an email sent saying, oh, there's a bunch of freshers events. A photo of students socialising in an outdoor space appears in the background.
Meegan continues: They're all free with all these different activities, like bowling and going to Nando's and laser tag.
One of the best parts of university is meeting new people and the Plus Programme offers loads of opportunities to get to know other new students.
Sean appears with a photo of a group of students chatting on campus in the background and says: It's a wonderful community of students that aren't necessarily on your course which is great.
Meegan appears and says: It's just a nice place to actually meet people who are like minded and who potentially were in similar circumstances to me.
Liv appears and says: In my first year I was mentored by some second years who held meetings once a month.
A photo of student studying and socialising in an on-campus café appears in the background.
Liv continues: And they gave me all sort of guidance of things like how to access the library for study skills support, how to start looking for summer internship.
A photo of a student in a broadcasting studio appears.
Liv continues: The Plus Programme also works with the university's Career Centre to organise opportunities and events to help you prepare for your future career. A photo of a student talk appears in the background.
Sean appears and says: I was lucky enough to go to a Leeds based business
run by fellow Leeds physicist. It was great to be able to see what people were doing with their degree and how people were marketing the skills they gained to gain employment.
So the Plus Programme has helped me improve my employability by offering insight days which gave me kind of insider tips and advice for if I wanted to apply to those industries.
A photo of professionals appears in the background. Liv continues: They also offered early access to the Careers Fairs where we got a chance to network with employers and it was really great to be able to find out what employers wanted from students.
Sean appears and says: The Plus Programme team is in contact with students
regularly with news of opportunities and events around the university if you need any info want some advice and guidance or just want to chat to someone the team are there to talk to you.
Meegan appears and says: They're friendly non-judgemental and supportive. A photo of two people sat chatting in a busy bright communal space on campus appears.
Meegan continues: And can point you in the direction of other useful services and support
Sean appears and says: Whether it's something as simple as making me more confident – helping me develop those soft skills that are so important for any job – there's always that little bit of extra support there if you need it.
Meegan appears and says: The Plus Programme has helped me when I've been at my lowest and it's helped me achieve in ways that I didn't think I would.
[Music]
All three students appear on screen. Text says: attend year-round events, develop your employability, receive funding opportunities, get advice and support, make friends.
Text says: make the most of your university experience. Our tailored opportunities and support will help you develop the skills and confidence to thrive at Leeds and beyond.
Types of students we support include:
- Care leavers
- Students who do not have parental support
- Students entering the University from an area of low participation
- Undergraduate means-tested scholars
- Leeds Masters scholars
- Students from ethnicities under-represented at university
- Sanctuary Scholarship recipients
- Former young carers
- Students eligible for Access to Leeds, Reach for Excellence, Realising Opportunities and other contextual admissions schemes.
This list is not exhaustive and is developed on an ongoing basis in response to the needs of different school groups.
Visit our the Plus Programme website or get in touch to find out how we can support you. Email the Plus Programe: plusprogramme@leeds.ac.uk.
University of Leeds Plus programme on LinkedIn.
University of Leeds logo.