The application process is now open for Gaelic Player Association (GPA) members to avail of scholarship opportunities at the South East Technological University (SETU). SETU are delighted to offer a number of scholarships for the academic year 2024-25. Opportunities are available at SETU campuses in Waterford and Carlow. GPA members first need to be accepted on to the qualifying courses before then applying for scholarship support.
Opportunities at SETU’s Waterford Campus
SETU in Waterford provides up to 9 annual scholarships in partnership with the GPA. There are 5 scholarships through the Business School. The designated programmes include scholarships for:
- Master of Business Studies (MBS)
- Master of Science in Digital Marketing and the Executive MBA programme
- Master’s by Research (considered on a case-by-case basis)
In addition, two annual scholarship opportunities are available on the Master of Science in Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology with the Department of Sport and Exercise Science. The education department also have two annual scholarships available. The designated programmes include scholarships for any full-time or part-time, postgraduate or masters courses available.
Opportunities at SETU’s Carlow Campus
SETU in Carlow provides postgraduate scholarships across 34 postgraduate programmes of study at SETU in Carlow: from higher certificate to master’s level, across six academic departments. These include engineering; science; computing and data science; business; digital marketing and design; humanities and social sciences. A full list of the eligible courses is available here.
Events took place recently at both campuses to mark the opening of the application process with both student athletes, GPA personnel, and SETU representatives in attendance. Players across the four codes took part including Paudie Casey (Hurling), Niamh Farrelly (Ladies Football), Colm Hulton (Football) and Sofia Kerr (Camogie) in Carlow and Aoife Doyle (Camogie), Tommy Martin (Football), Reuben Halloran (Hurling), and Aoibhe Waring (Ladies Football) in Waterford.
Speaking on the scholarship announcement GPA CEO Tom Parsons said; “The impact that these scholarship opportunities have on the lives of GPA members is massive. We have a duty to ensure that inter-county players, past and present, are given every chance to develop themselves away from the playing field. There is far more to them than what people see between the white lines on match days. These scholarships are a vital means for us to support that development.
“Therefore, I want to express a huge thanks on behalf of our members to the South East Technological University for its ongoing commitment to helping players achieve great things off the field as well as on the field.”
David Denieffe, Vice-President for Student Experience at SETU said; “We in the South East Technological University recognise the relationship between academic performance, health and wellbeing and in acknowledgement of this are delighted to continue this successful partnership between the GPA and the university. This collaboration highlights our combined commitment to the holistic development of student athletes by supporting them to fulfil their academic and sporting potential.”
Prof. Denis Harrington, Head of Department of Graduate Business at SETU in Waterford said; “We are pleased to offer GPA scholarships to eligible postgraduate business students, and we hope to attract another cohort of talented sportspersons to study with us this year. The GPA scholars play an active role in our school community, contributing significantly to programme, school and university-led initiatives. As well as enhancing their educational development, the scholarship programme opens new opportunities for successful students, enabling and supporting their professional and career development. We are delighted that these opportunities will be available again this year for incoming students.”
Dr Cíara Losty, Course Leader for the Master of Science in in Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology at SETU in Waterford, said; “We are delighted to be able to offer these scholarships for the Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Waterford Campus, to GPA members. Supporting inter-county players in their academic goals, and pursuing their further education is a key objective of our department. A huge thank you to the GPA and SETU for collaborating and making this happen. We look forward to welcoming GPA members onto our programmes.”
Dr Richard Coady, Programme Leader of MA in Management in Education at SETU in Waterford said: “The Department of Education are delighted to be partners with the GPA in supporting the personal and professional development of educators and athletes. These scholarships celebrate the positive relationships between Gaelic sports, schools and the work of education leaders and practitioners. As many GPA members work within our schools, we are pleased to support their continuing professional development and academic achievements through this initiative. The scholarship programme facilitates aspiring educational leaders to study this career-enhancing programme which has proven to be mutually beneficial for both students and school communities”.
Players who have any queries on these scholarship opportunities should contact the GPA’s Education and Programs Manager Brian Howard –brian.howard@gaelicplayers.com
Aaron.Beresford@setu.ie (Waterford Campus)
Philip.Connors@setu.ie (Carlow Campus)
The deadline for receipt of applications is 23 August 2024.
