Dr Joe Cassidy was Principal of St Chad’s College from 1997 until his death in 2015. He was passionate about St Chad’s being able to offer students the support – both pastoral and financial – they need to succeed. He believe that anyone with aptitude and promise should have the opportunity to become part of an academic community like St Chad’s, whatever their background.
These Bursaries which bear his name and are funded through gifts from St Chad’s alumni, fellows and friends, are intended to reflect Dr Cassidy’s personality and principles, and celebrate his achievements.
Applicants should ideally be able to demonstrate a commitment to social justice and a proven appetite for intellectual curiosity and academic and community engagement.
The scholarships are intended to encourage applications to Durham and St Chad’s from students from less affluent economic backgrounds and under-represented communities in higher education.
Scholarship Overview
| Amount | £3,000 per academic year |
| Year of Entry | Starting in September 2025 |
| Number of scholarships available | 1 |
| Application deadline | Sunday 27 April 2025 |
| Domicile | Home or EU |
| Level of study | Undergraduate |
| Mode of study | Full-time |
| Eligibility criteria | Household income of less than £42,875 as determined by Student Finance England (or equivalent) and demonstrable financial need. |
| Application and selection process | Personal statement of no more than 1,000 words and academic reference submitted to chads.admissions@durham.ac.uk. Shortlisted candidate will be invited to interview. Successful candidates will also be asked to share a copy of their student financial support statement as proof of household income. |
| Interview information | Provisionally scheduled for Thursday 1 and Friday 2 May 2025 |
| Programmes | All undergraduate programmes |
| College preferences | Applicants will be expected to demonstrate a strong desire for membership of St Chad’s College through their application and the interview process. |
| Duration | For the duration of an undergraduate course up to a maximum of 4 years which can include a foundation year. |
| Contact information | chads.admissions@durham.ac.uk |
Additional information
As above, recipients will be able to demonstrate ‘financial need’ – defined as a household income below £42,875. However, additional consideration will be given to applicants from neighbourhoods with low participation in higher education and from applicants who are a first generation scholar.
Scholarship applications should include the following –
- a personal statement of not more than 1,000 words describing how your personal circumstances make you eligible for this award, how the bursary would help you to study at Durham University, and why you want to study at Durham University and St Chad’s College.
- a character reference from one of your teachers in support of your scholarship application to be sent by email to chads.admissions@durham.ac.uk. Please ensure your referee submits the reference on letter headed paper which contains their name, position, contact details and your full name.
Scholarship applications are invited from 1 October one academic year before the applicant is due to begin their undergraduate studies.
All eligible applications for the Dr Joe Cassidy Memorial Bursaries will be considered on the basis of their personal statement, reference and interview by two members of College staff, tutors or governors at St Chad’s College. The financial and personal information you provide will be treated with strict confidentiality by members of the selection panel.