Funding the future: master’s students win prestigious bursaries

Postgraduate students at the School of Geography and Planning are celebrating after securing prestigious bursaries to fund their studies.

Neil Cobb, Ivar Morganti and Kim Hards will be studying for an MSc in Transport and Planning.

Neil Cobb received a bursary worth £10,400 from the Brian Large Bursary Fund, which was established in 1990 in tribute to Brian Large, a Director of the MVA Group (transport planning consultants).

The bursaries are awarded to continue Brian’s work supporting the professional and skills development of those in the early stages of their careers and ensure eligible students can complete their studies in the field of transport and planning.

Ivar and Kim received bursaries worth £10,000 each from the Rees Jeffreys Road Fund to pursue their postgraduate studies.

The Rees Jeffreys Road Fund was established by William Rees Jeffreys, a pioneer in improving travel for road users and in developing the national road classification system, in 1950. Since his death in 1954, an endowment from his estate has provided financial support for education and research in the field of transport.

Kim said: “I’m very grateful to have received the Rees Jeffreys Road Bursary where it is a huge encouragement as I start my postgraduate studies. The support provided by the Bursary means I can fully focus on my studies and further research in Transport and Planning. The award is important to me as it reinforces my confidence and motivation to create sustainable and accessible transport in Cardiff.

“Knowing that others share my aims and see the value in them makes a huge difference. It's an honour to be part of the Rees Jeffreys Road Bursary that has supported many Cardiff students through their postgraduate studies.”

Ivar said: “I am truly honoured to have been awarded the Rees Jeffreys Fund Bursary for postgraduate study. This generous support will make a real difference in enabling me to pursue the MSc in Transport and Planning and to develop the skills needed to contribute to the future of sustainable and equitable transport systems. I am very grateful to the Trustees for their support and encouragement at this stage of my career.”

The MSc in Transport and Planning is one of the school’s flagship postgraduate programmes. It has a long and successful history of helping incoming students secure bursaries and funding to fulfil their academic ambitions.

Programme Director, Professor Dimitris Potoglou, said: “Congratulations to these students on being awarded bursaries to study at the School of Geography and Planning. This is a testament to their academic achievements and passion for transforming the future of urban and transport planning.

“We’re excited to welcome them to our programme, where they’ll have the opportunity to gain cutting-edge knowledge and contribute to addressing critical global challenges.”