Supporting your child on the First Generation programme

This guidance applies to parents, guardians, or other supportive adults who may get involved with the university application process. 

It can be difficult to know how to support your child into and through university, particularly if you haven’t had the relevant experience yourself.

We know you’ll have lots of questions, and this guide is designed to help you understand more about the programme, giving you an insight into:

  • the events you’ll be invited to as a parent or guardian
  • compulsory activities including the summer university taster and development sessions 
  • how the First Generation programme is funded

We would encourage you to familiarise yourself with the pre-entry (Year 12/13) programme so you know what is happening when, and can encourage your child to attend and arrange transport if necessary.

As a parent or guardian, you are invited to the following events each year:

  • Welcome and induction

    This event offers more information about the First Generation programme and what to expect. You’ll have the chance to meet current students on the programme, and meet the staff who can answer any questions you or your child might have about starting university. It usually takes place in spring. 

  • Summer University Taster

    Your child will be invited to attend our Summer University Taster on campus in July or August where they will experience what the university campus is like, as well as meet current First Generation Student Ambassadors and take part in activities. You will have the opportunity to come on to campus for part of the event to hear about what your child has been doing on the event and meet staff and Student Ambassadors who are part of the programme. 

  • Finance and budgeting

    This session will help you to understand student finance and university tuition fees. We look at fees and how they work alongside student loans, what student finance is available and how to access it. We also explore how to budget at university, and ways students can earn money.

    If successful in applying to the First Generation programme, your child is welcome to take part in the pre-entry phase without any obligation to apply to Manchester Met. However, the scholarship and on-course support is only available to those who progress to a full-time undergraduate degree with us.

    This session usually takes place in February. 

Compulsory activities

Engagement in the following activities is compulsory for students wishing to remain on the programme, and qualify for the on-course support, if they progress to an undergraduate degree at Manchester Met. 

Summer university taster

Attendance at one of our taster events is compulsory. We have different date options for students to choose from, taking place in July and August.

Staff are in attendance at all times, and participants are also accompanied and supervised by trained student ambassadors throughout.

Development sessions

We also expect participants to attend at least two of the development sessions delivered during Year 13.

Development sessions usually run from 5.30pm – 6.30 or 7.00pm so as not to interfere with college timetables, and usually take place on a Wednesday. We host one or two sessions each term, with virtual options also. 

Costs of taking part

Our events are free.

There are no costs to you or your child for any of the events, including the summer university taster. The bursary is financed through our First Generation fundraising campaign. All other costs are met by the University.

Travel costs and receipts

If your child does not already have a travel pass that allows them to travel across Greater Manchester, we will refund the cost of their public transport journey to our events.

They will need to keep their receipts and complete a form which we will provide. Refunds for travel costs will be made via bank transfer and can take up to 10 days. Reimbursement of public transport travel costs also applies to parents travelling to the campus for any of the above events.

Resources for parents and guardians

The First in Family website also offers further advice, specifically for parents and guardians who have no experience of higher education. The resources have been created through research with students who have been the first in their family to attend university.

Funding for your child

The funding available to support your child through university.

Information for parents

Guidance to support your child through the application process