New partnership announced to fund postgraduate scholarships
The University of Liverpool is delighted to announce a new partnership with the Aziz Foundation.
The Aziz Foundation Scholarships will establish Masters scholarships to support students who are actively engaged in British Muslim communities, and who wish to study at the University of Liverpool. Both partners are keen to improve access to individuals from social groupings who historically have been underrepresented at the University.
The scholarships will support the equivalent cost of one year’s tuition fees for postgraduate students enrolled on a Master’s course, studying on a full-time or part-time basis, or by distance learning.
The Aziz Foundation is a family foundation established in 2015 by the Aziz family. Asif Aziz, the Foundation’s Chair, is a property entrepreneur, philanthropist and founder and CEO of Criterion Capital. He holds an Honorary Fellowship from Goldsmith’s, University of London.
To date, the Aziz Foundation has invested over £7 million in more than 500 scholarships for British Muslims pursuing postgraduate education.
The Foundation’s work is guided by principles of social justice, compassion and cooperation. It recognises that Muslims make an invaluable contribution to the fabric of the UK, and strives to help create a Britain where Muslims are valued and empowered to fulfil their true potential and continue making positive contributions to their communities and beyond.
The new partnership demonstrates the University’s commitment to Advanced HE’s Race Equality Charter. As a higher education institution, we are committed to eliminating racial disparities for our staff and students and addressing underrepresentation, particularly at postgraduate level.
The University will offer a financial discount on tuition fees as part of its agreement with the Aziz Foundation. In addition, bursary support to assist with living costs is available to any student who applies and meets the criteria for qualification.
Dr Zain Sardar, Programme Manager at the Aziz Foundation, said:
"We are fully committed to increasing the opportunities available to British Muslims looking to access higher education at the postgraduate taught level. We are thrilled to welcome the University of Liverpool as one of our Preferred Partners and note the institution’s determination to close the degree awarding gap and create an inclusive learning environment for British Muslim students."
Professor Gavin Brown, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education at the University of Liverpool said:
“We are delighted to partner with the Aziz Foundation and their generous funding will help us continue to increase opportunities at Liverpool for British Muslim communities and support our widening participation ambitions for postgraduate study.”
Applications for the Aziz Scholarships will open in Spring 2023.