WBS CoACh Programme: Collaborate|Act|Change

What is the CoACh Programme? Why should you be a part of it?

CoACh is a WBS enrichment Scholarship Programme supporting students who meet widening participation (WP) criteria (please see below for more details). We are looking to welcome highly motivated and curious individuals eager to enrich their academic studies. As a CoACh Scholar, you'll join a community committed to learning how to collaborate effectively, drive positive change, and support equity and inclusion at every level. The programme is built around three core pillars: Collaboration, Curiosity, and Courage. Together, these values nurture mutual respect, critical self-reflection, and the confidence to become a proactive voice for change within your own journey and across the wider university and school community.

As well as belonging to the CoACh community successful applicants will benefit from financial aid of £2,000- £4,285 per academic year to help with living costs. The panel will then allocate the different scholarships to applicants based on the strength of your written application, references and the number of criteria you fulfil from the eligibility list below. Please note that continuing membership for the following year of your degree will be reviewed in Term 3 by the team on the basis of your engagement in the programme.

As a valued member of the CoACh community, you’ll take an active role in shaping a supportive and empowering environment. The programme is designed to help you build both social and psychological capital, essential for navigating university life and beyond. As part of your CoACh experience, you will:

· Co-create a vibrant, inclusive community where every member feels a sense of belonging, agency, and shared purpose. You'll help shape the culture of the programme by contributing your ideas, your voice, and your energy.

· Engage/lead in termly events and activities that are responsive to the interests of the group and aligned with the wider WP mission. These events are opportunities to connect, reflect, and grow together, while also contributing to broader conversations around equity and inclusion.

By joining CoACh you’re becoming part of a dynamic, student-led movement committed to learning, leading, and making meaningful change.

So what do we expect from you?

WBS CoACh’s success relies on collaboration and community. The following dates are provisional for the 26/27 programme but should give you a strong indication about the time commitment. Typically, we meet on Wednesdays except for one evening for the Mentoring launch event. These dates should provide a clear sense of whether this fits with your busy schedules and competing demands.

Welcome Wednesday 11^th Nov – 1-2.30pm (lunch)
CoACh Entrants Survey Friday 13^th Nov Deadline
Workshop T1 Wednesday 18^th Nov – 2-4pm
CoACh Mentoring Initiative Dec-May 26/27 (1-1.45pm with lunch) (optional for new entrants)
Meet Your Mentor Monday 23^rd Nov - 5.45-7.30pm (optional)
CoACh Circle Wednesday 2^nd Dec - 1-2pm (optional - student led)
CoACh Connect Wednesday 20^th Jan – 1-2.30pm (lunch)
Workshop T2 Wednesday 18^th Feb – 2-4pm
CoACh Circle Wednesday 11^th Mar - 1-2pm (optional - student led)
Workshop T3 Wednesday 28^th April – 2-4pm
CoACh Circle Wednesday 5^th May - 1-2pm (optional - student led)
CoACH Review Friday 8^th May Deadline (expression of interest 27/28)
CoACh Mentoring Initiative Survey

In addition to support from your Personal Tutor, you will also benefit from regular, informal access and engagement with a dedicated Course Director and Programme Co-ordinators affiliated with CoACh.

Why CoACh? Grow your potential, feed your curiosity, expand your network and navigate uncertainty together.

Read a blog post from a CoACh scholar, Hanna,Link opens in a new window who reflects on how receiving a scholarship enhanced her university experience and opened doors to new opportunities.

Students sitting and chatting to each other

Who can apply for the CoACh Programme?

In order to be eligible to apply for the WBS Immersion Scholarship Programme, you must:

Have an offer to study on one of the following WBS undergraduate degrees, starting in September 2026:
- BSc Accounting and Finance
- BSc Accounting and Finance with Placement Year
- BSc International Management
- BSc Management
- BSc Management with Placement Year

Alternatively, be a current student on either BSc Accounting and Finance with Foundation Year or BSc Management with Foundation Year progressing into 1^st Year in September 2026. Also you:

Must be eligible for and have applied to Student Finance England (SFE), Student Finance Northern Ireland (SFNI) or the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for income-assessed financial support via the undergraduate funding system (*).
Have a family income of £42,875 or below, as assessed by SFE, SFNI or SAAS (*).
- *If you do not wish to take out a loan you should still apply for a household income assessment to be carried out and request a loan of £0.
Be a resident in the UK and eligible to pay fees at the home rate.

Applicants must also satisfy at least one of the following criteria to be considered:

Be a care experienced applicant who has been a 'looked after child' for at least 3 months.
Have been granted refugee status or are under 'humanitarian protection' in the UK. You must have studied A Levels or equivalent qualifications in a UK state school or college.
Living in an area which has high level of deprivation (Index of Multiple Deprivation, 0-20%).*
- * To find out if your home postcode is in a low participation neighbourhood you can use the following postcode toolLink opens in a new window.
The following information will also be collected and may be used to support your application:
- Completed your studies at a school/schools where performance of students was below the national average and eligibility for Free School Meals was higher than average **.
  - ** To find out if your school meets this criteria please use the following websiteLink opens in a new window.

How to apply?

The application form is available here: CoACh Application FormLink opens in a new window. NOTE DEADLINE EXTENDED: The deadline to apply is 12:00pm noon (UK time) on 26 October 2026.
We will contact your personal tutor for an academic reference. You will be asked to name them in the application, so please speak with them to ensure they are happy to provide a reference for you.

Make sure to check the application advice Link opens in a new windowwe prepared to help you put together the best possible application.
Applications received after the closing date/time will not be considered. WBS will not be responsible for any applications that are not received for any reason, by the closing date, whether lost, delayed, corrupted or otherwise, and whether or not due to any technical difficulties or malfunctions.
Students in receipt of the scholarship will be asked to sign an agreement and participate in the activities designed to develop their social capital, personal skills, and employability. Failure to attend compulsory activities may result in the scholarship being withdrawn.
WBS reserves the right to change or withdraw the CoACh Scholarship Programme at any time.

FAQ's

My family income is under £42,875 but I haven't applied to Student Finance England (or Student Finance Northern Ireland/Student Award Agency Scotland) because I don't want to take out a Tuition Fee Loan or Maintenance Loan. Can I still apply for a Scholarship?

You do not have to take out a Tuition Fee Loan or Maintenance Loan in order to be eligible for a scholarship but we do need to be able to see that you meet the criteria above and what your family income has been assessed as. If you wish to be considered for a scholarship you should make an application to Student Finance England (or Student Finance Northern Ireland / Student Awards Agency Scotland as appropriate), apply for a household income assessment to be carried out and request a loan of £0.

Will I receive funding during my Year Away?

If you have any questions or queries about the scholarship programme you can contact Claire Ioannou in the UG Student Experience and Engagement Team at WBS: