Care leavers and estranged students
Marjon is committed to supporting students who are in or leaving care before and throughout their studies at university.
If you are leaving care or are estranged from your parents and family and making the decision to go to university you may have lots of questions, we can and will help you every step of the way.
The support we offer
We can provide:
- A dedicated, named adviser.
- Help with completing your UCAS application form.
- Help with applying for student finance.
- Individual visits and meetings with you, and your Personal Adviser/Carer, prior to arrival.
- An annual grant of £2,000 for care leavers* and estranged students (for undergraduate students aged 25 or under from when they start their course, please contact studentfunding@marjon.ac.uk for more details).
- Support with getting part-time and/or full-time employment, both during your studies and up to three years after you graduate.
- On campus accommodation you can stay in 365 days of the year.
*A care leaver is a young person who has been in care for a minimum of 13 weeks, some of which was after age 16; they are entitled to continuing support from their local authority until age 25.
Thinking of applying?
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The purpose of our role is to support you through the application process. We’re on hand to answer any queries you might have about applying to study at Marjon, and we can provide guidance on any aspects of life as a Marjon student.
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We can arrange for you to visit Marjon to get to know the campus, see the accommodation, meet our Student Wellbeing and Support Team and chat to your Programme Lead. You can also meet a student to chat about what student life is really like at Marjon.
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Our top tip for care leavers is to remember to tick the ‘care leaver’ box when you apply though UCAS; this way we’ll be able to send you helpful and relevant information before you start with us.
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Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, we are always happy to help! You can email us on applicantsupport@marjon.ac.uk.
Once you’ve got your place
We will be in touch throughout the Summer with information updating you about everything you need to know about Marjon life. Closer to your arrival, you will receive specific emails about arrival details, upcoming events such as Fresher’s Week, clubs and societies and your academic timetable.
Arrival and the early days
Our Student Life Officers, are available to support you from day one, they will be here during move-in weekend to meet you on your first day. They help all students living on campus to settle in.
As well as a formal induction event, there are lots of social activities, clubs and societies you can join within your first week and throughout the year.
Additional support
We have a dedicated Student Wellbeing & Support team who can help with finances, accommodation, counselling, academic, pastoral and disability support. The SWS team is available all year, to support you in a way that works for you. You are always welcome to reach out to us at SWS@marjon.ac.uk and we will be happy to help.
The Student Life Team at Plymouth Marjon University play a key role in supporting care leavers and estranged students by providing both practical and emotional help before and throughout your time at university. They act as a first point of contact, offering a safe, confidential space where students can talk about any concerns and receive guidance on wellbeing, adjusting to student life and help connecting with wider support services.
Every student will also have a Personal Development Tutor (PDT) allocated to them on their course. They will provide you with academic support and guidance.
Throughout the year care leavers, care experienced, and estranged students have the opportunity to meet up and socialise. Some examples have been a pizza evening or daytime coffee catch up.
Helpful links
- Propel – a fantastic website to help you decide whether studying at university is right for you and general information about moving into higher education, including stories of care leavers who have.
- Become – advice, support and fact sheets.
- National Network for the Education of Care Leavers – lists events and resources.
- UCAS – has a specific section for care leavers as well as being the place to search for courses and apply for university; it includes student case studies.
- Care Leavers Foundation – provides small grants for 18 -29 year olds who are in crisis or want to get their lives under control.
- Coram Voice – advocacy and support for those in care and recent care leavers.
- Connect to Work - a government funded programme to support people with complex barriers to employment, find and sustain meaningful work.
When you graduate
When you graduate, you will have access to the our careers service, Marjon Futures, for three more years. The team can help you develop your CV, application and interviews skills.