The holders of both scholarships are entitled to a number of organ lessons, free of charge, each term and are permitted to practise on the church organ. The organ scholars also play for church services as required. The scholarships were first introduced in October 2000 in response to changes in student support arrangements which included the abolition of maintenance grants and their replacement by loans. This has made the costs of higher education difficult to meet for some students who, in the past, would have received a full grant. Money donated by former Warwick students is being used to help new Warwick students, with the intention that no-one is denied access to an education at Warwick on financial grounds alone.
Sponsorship comes in various 'packages'.
Some employers may want you to work for them for a year before beginning your degree course, or to spend a year with them at the end of the Second Year. Note that an increasing number of 'sandwich' type opportunities and one year long placements are also being made available to students from quite a wide range of other degree subjects. Some employers wish to sponsor students on specific courses whilst others may consider applications from students on any course. Some impose age limits. Many have specific closing dates for applications.