The pilot programme, now in its second year, is supported by Queen’s University Belfast and the Mater Hospital Young Philanthropists Fund. It provides 10 additional places on the Queen’s Pathway Opportunity Programme to pupils from communities around the Mater Hospital, interested  in Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences (MDBS), alongside additional targeted support.     

As part of a range of Widening Participation programmes, the Pathway Opportunity Programme facilitates entry into four degree programmes in the MDBS Pathway - Medicine, Dentistry, Biomedical Sciences and Human Biology.    

During the programme, which runs from January to November each year, all the Pathway students will participate in six one-day events on campus, one session of online coursework and a five-day summer school.   

Additionally, the Mater Hospital Scholars will benefit from targeted support including tuition and work experience, and an annual bursary throughout their degree programme at Queen’s. 

Director of Alumni Engagement and Philanthropy at Queen’s, Eddie Friel, said:

“We are grateful for the opportunity to work with the Mater Hospital YP Fund to continue our partnership to enhance access for young people in North Belfast to a degree in a medical/related discipline. This funding will provide 10 additional places each year for young people to access the Medical Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences Pathway Opportunity Programme.   

“At Queen’s, we have huge opportunities to support young people who have the skill and talent but may face barriers to university education. These sort of programmes can help us make a real and lasting change to young lives and support the development of skills across communities.” 

Deputy Head of School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences at Queen's, Professor Neil Kennedy, said:

“As a medical school, we’re committed to making sure that a career in medicine is an option for students from every community that we serve.  

“Thank you to the Mater Hospital Young Philanthropists fund for their continued, generous, life-changing support for students from North Belfast to benefit from the university’s Pathway Opportunity Programme.  

“It benefits the young people, it benefits our medical school. But ultimately it benefits patients who will be cared for compassionate professionals with a deeper understanding, deeper empathy for those they care for.” 

Chair of the Young Philanthropists’ Fund, Father Paul Fleming said:

“We are delighted to work with the Queen’s Widening Participation team to provide additional support and encouragement to young people from the communities surrounding the Mater Hospital to pursue a medically related career at Queen’s.” 

Programme Scholar, Taseen Khan, said: 

"Being a Mater Hospital scholar has helped me through tutoring, so I can work on understanding and improve things I struggle with.  Being a Mater Hospital scholar means that I can get extra support and have a feeling of being part of something. It also makes the path accessible to me through the help provided."