PJ Murphy Bursary

The PJ Murphy Bursary is a financial award to encourage the participation and success of students who are studying Applied Social Care and therefore are contributing to community participation of marginalised individuals &/or communities. This award is needed to alleviate the financial burden that some students experience due to necessity of having to engage in mandatory placement for the programme.   

The PJ Murphy Bursary is funded by the Mayo Mental Health Association in memory of PJ Murphy and his contributions to this area.

Who is the PJ Murphy Bursary for?

To be eligible for a PJ Murphy Bursary, all applicants must be attending Applied Social Care Course Year 2& 3 and about to embark on placement element of this course. The criteria will include: 

1. The bursary applicants must be registered students on year 2 or 3 of the BA in Social Care or the BA (Hons) in Social Care on the Mayo Campus. 
2. Applicants must fill out the specified application form. 
3. The eligibility criteria is financial hardship.  
   • The determination will be based on the financial bands as used by Susi grant applications and will be weighted accordingly. 
   • Travel distance to placement and the possible need for accommodation will be considered. 
   • Criteria will also reflect whether the applicant is represented in the National Access Plan Target Groups.  
   • Applicants will also be invited to attend for interview to explain their need for the bursary.    

Each year there are a limited number of bursaries which are awarded to the eligible applicants that present the greatest need. Applicants must show that they contribute to their community and uphold the values and principles that honour the memory of PJ Murphy and the values he upheld.  

How to apply

Complete the application form, this can be printed and completed, then scanned and sent by email to Teresa.fahy@atu.ie , or by post to: Teresa Fahy Atlantic Technological University, ATU Mayo Campus, Westport Rd., Castlebar, Co. Mayo

What happens after I apply?

There is a committee formed students will meet with panel who will assess applications according to a scoring criteria.

Contact Us

For more information please contact Teresa.fahy@atu.ie