Magnusson Awards

Magnusson Awards provide GCU students with the opportunity to fulfil their potential while positively impacting the lives of others around the world.

The awards offer the opportunity to develop the following Common Good attributes:

  • Active and global citizenship
  • Confidence
  • Entrepreneurial mindset
  • Responsible leadership

What’s involved?

Each year, GCU students can apply for a Magnusson Award of up to £5,000 to support their dreams and ambitions. Established in honour of former Chancellor Magnus Magnusson, these special awards provide students with the opportunity to fulfil their potential while positively impacting the lives of others around the world through volunteering, delivering community projects or starting their own business.

How will participating in this activity/opportunity allow students to make a positive difference in the communities that we serve?

Magnusson Awards allow students to volunteer with global projects, bringing their expertise and knowledge to parts of the world where it will make a real and lasting difference.

For example, a group of Glasgow-based podiatrists travelled to North India to volunteer at a leprosy hospital, treating conditions uncommon in the UK.

Students can also use their Magnusson Award to help identify and solve societal problems by starting their own business or community project, such as GCU student Connor Johnston, who used his Magnusson Award to establish a games design business working with school children in Castlemilk to create a game for identifying dyslexia.

What are the benefits of taking part in this activity/opportunity for participating students?

Students can access awards of up to £5,000 supported by donors including Sir Alex Ferguson and Santander. These financial awards provide essential support with students’ project costs, helping to ensure that money is not a barrier to realising their dreams.

In many cases, Magnusson Award projects involve international travel, students benefit from a global perspective in terms of recognising social trends and challenges and embracing diversity.

The awards also facilitate personal growth, building student confidence and leadership skills through new life experiences which empower them to make a positive difference.

Success stories

Ambitious BSc Environmental Management student Andrew Wilson was awarded a much sought-after internship with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Working for the United Nations had always been a dream of his. However, he recognised that the experience of living in Geneva for six months came with high financial costs attached.

Andrew’s Magnusson Award gave him the support he needed to undertake his internship without any financial worry. UNEP is responsible for addressing environmental problems at both global and regional levels.

During his internship, Andrew was able to make a positive difference by assisting in the delivery of their climate-neutral strategy.