AN Old Kilpatrick student has been awarded a prestigious summer scholarship to help towards his university degree.

Jack McKinlay will be starting the final year of his honours degree in psychology at the University of the West of Scotland in September after spending his summer working on a research project that will enhance his degree.

The Carnegie Vacation Scholarship is awarded to students from qualifying higher education institutions who want to undertake a programme of independent research during the holiday period which will be of direct benefit to their studies.

Jack’s research project examined parental beliefs towards the inclusion of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in mainstream schools.

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Jack said: “I currently volunteer at a school where I work with children and young people with additional support needs, including ASD. I understand the difficulties such children face and the need for support.

“It is my hope that the findings from my study can identify areas for intervention needed to help support parents’ understanding of inclusive education.”

Professor Milan Radosavljevic, vice-principal of research, innovation and engagement at UWS, said: “We encourage our students at all levels to explore the topics which interest them, and I am thrilled to see the variety of subjects this year’s Carnegie Scholars have chosen to investigate.”