Jenny Phillips - MSc Ageing Studies

Jenny Phillips, originally from London, is studying an MSc in Ageing Studies, having been awarded an Alumni bursary covering the full cost of the tuition fees.

Jenny graduated from Swansea University in 2000 with a BA in Philosophy and soon after returned to her native London. Around nine years ago, she chose to come back to Swansea, having enjoyed her time here as a student so much.

Jenny began working for AIDS Trust Cymru, a charity set up to support people with HIV in Wales. Her role as project manager involved designing and implementing a scheme which has now been adopted by four local authorities across Wales.

Combining her interest in Ageing Studies with her work in supporting people with HIV, Jenny decided to explore the area further by studying a Taught Master’s at Swansea University. Thanks to improvements in medication, many HIV positive people are living longer. With this comes further demand on support services which hasn’t been investigated or realised until now.

She was awarded the Alumni bursary from Swansea University’s Alumni Fund to cover the full cost of tuition fees due to her strong academic background and commitment to the research area. Jenny also demonstrated her financial need and how the research will impact on the wider community. Swansea University’s Alumni Fund was set up in November 2004 with the generous contributions of Alumni across the UK. To date, eleven bursaries have been awarded to Taught Master’s students.

Jenny said, “Undertaking research as part of the Taught Masters will be of huge benefit, not only for AIDS Trust Cymru, but also other smaller organisations. It will help focus resources and possibly aid access to funding - particularly relevant in these current economic times.”

As a part time student at Swansea Jenny said, “Postgraduate study is very different to undergraduate study: the classes are smaller and I have found myself working with people from a variety of backgrounds. In fact it has proved a useful means of networking as I am studying alongside others who are also working part time in related sectors.”

Jenny continued, “Academics respect the fact that we, the students, possess a lot of knowledge and experience through our careers, so seminars become a great forum for debate.

As the organisation I work for is very small, they could not afford to sponsor my studies but are very supportive of me studying part time. Without the Alumni bursary I would not have been able to return to Swansea University to study. I am very grateful for receiving the Alumni Bursary and consequently the opportunity to undertake research which will assist AIDS Trust Cymru.”