University of Bradford award first 50th Anniversary Scholarships

Earlier this year, the University to secure funding for 50 scholarships in its 50th year enabling access to higher education. The appeal aims to create a 50th Fund that will enable outstanding home students to study any subject at the University at foundation, undergraduate or postgraduate levels.

Professor Rae Earnshaw kick-started the 50^th Anniversary Scholarship Appeal by donating two postgraduate scholarships for home students with outstanding ability which have now been awarded. The two successful people are Emma Evans who will be pursuing an MA in Middle East Politics and Security Studies and Amber Gavin who has enrolled on an MSc in Psychology.

The criteria for awarding the scholarships are based on academic excellence, those with the best potential to succeed, and financial need.

'Focus on studying'

Amber has expressed her gratitude for being a recipient of the Professor Rae Earnshaw 50^th Anniversary Scholarships: "This scholarship removes the financial burden of studying for a Master's.

"It is great that the government now provides postgraduate student loans but after paying tuition fees you’re still left with very little to live on for the year, which means I would have had to work more to support myself as my family are not in a position where they can afford to give me money.

"Now, instead of working more hours, I will be able to focus on studying and I also plan to take up a voluntary placement shadowing a clinical psychologist in order to strengthen my CV."

'World-leading technology university'

Professor Earnshaw said: "Having received so much from the educational system in the UK at undergraduate and postgraduate levels through the acquisition of knowledge and experience, I was strongly motivated to contribute to supporting the current generation of students with outstanding academic ability to receive similar benefits by undertaking study at a world-leading technology university.

"I was inspired to help support the 50th Anniversary Scholarship Appeal through an appreciation of all that the University of Bradford has done for me in supporting my career as a Professor and a manager.

"Education for me has been a great liberator and energiser. Being able to stand on the shoulders of giants and learn about their contributions to knowledge has given me great insight that I otherwise would not have gained and I am fortunate enough to have be enable to share my knowledge and experience both here and in the USA and China."

The University would value the support of others who could contribute towards or help fundraise for this valuable cause. To discuss how you might support the 50^th Anniversary Scholarship Appeal, please contact the Development Team on +44 (0)1274 235179 or email: fundraising@bradford.ac.uk.