Since its inception in 2015 Loughborough University London has offered a 100% scholarship for local people to come and study at its London campus. Over 50 local people have benefited going on to work for companies like Google, the NFL and the UK Government. In 2023 this commitment was joined by UCL offering its own 100% scholarship to study a postgraduate programme at UCL East. To support local graduates to access opportunities London College of Fashion (LCF) have announced that they will join Loughborough and UCL to expand this offer by committing to be part of the delivery of an employability workshop package for interested graduates and to share information on the scholarships available to apply for related to postgraduate study at LCF. The workshops will allow local graduates to test drive the experience of learning at LCF, UCL or Loughborough whilst boosting their personal and professional development.
Vice Chancellor of Loughborough University Professor Nick Jennings said “I am delighted that Loughborough is working with colleagues at University College London and London College of Fashion, UAL to expand opportunities for East Londoners for a second year. Connecting local people to the education provision offered by the three organisations is a significant part of why each of us established our campuses on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. To see our collaboration delivering an extended and enhanced offer that will positively impact the local community is fantastic.”
Professor Paola Lettieri Pro-Provost of UCL East said “We at UCL are proud to be part of the future of East London. We are yet again excited to see London College of Fashion, UAL join with us and Loughborough to connect more local graduates to the opportunities we have across our campuses. Our partnership is founded on a common goal to have a positive impact on the communities we serve. This is a real win-win for all involved.”
Professor Andrew Teverson Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of College said “London College of Fashion, UAL are delighted to join the 'Inspiring Success' programme alongside Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park partners Loughborough University and UCL. The mission of Inspiring Success to deliver career, business and leadership skills and engage with local residents aligns perfectly with our goals to support a thriving creative business ecosystem in east London and builds on a tradition of entrepreneurialism in this area.”
The four workshops offer an opportunity for unemployed and underemployed local graduates to invest in their personal and professional development. Over four evenings in June they will be challenged to undertake a series of sprint-based activities aimed on enhancing their personal brand and expanding their professional network. The workshops also give an insight into what it is like to study at LCF, UCL East or Loughborough University London campuses on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The programme will culminate with a final celebration on Thursday 3rd July 2025.
The masters programmes on offer will include the MSc Disability, Design and Innovation. A joint programme developed and delivered by UCL, Loughborough University London and London College of Fashion, UAL as part of their commitment to the Global Disability Innovation Hub.
Vanessa Brown, who grew up in Hackney and is a former recipient of the Loughborough Scholarship said “These scholarships are a truly transformational opportunity for local graduates. Since graduating from Loughborough, I have embarked on my PhD following a passion ignited by my studies. I would encourage any local graduates to take a look at what doors the workshops could open for them.”
The commitment made by UCL and London College of Fashion, UAL to this activity is gratefully supported by the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC). Since starting its programme in 2015 Loughborough has been kindly supported by a range of local organisations and businesses including the LLDC and more recently Sports Interactive and West Ham Community Development Foundation. If you would like to know more about supporting the Inspiring Success programme, please contact futurespace@lboro.ac.uk