These Scholarships have been very generously funded by St Chad’s College alumnus Matthew Shattock and his family. Mr Shattock writes:
“I first re-engaged with the University in November 2012 when my wife Sue and I were asked to attend a reception hosted by the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor in Chicago. While I hadn’t heard much directly from Durham since my graduation, I had followed with interest the exceptional progress being made in global rankings, the employability of fellow Durham students, and the more concerted effort being made by the University to reach out to alumni.
Following the Chancellor’s reception, the team in the development office brought the former Principal of St Chad’s – the late Dr Joe Cassidy – to meet with me and we discussed the idea of our family supporting a scholarship programme enabling talented students from lower income families to enjoy the full, rounded education delivered in tandem between the departments and colleges of the University. I was convinced that this was a very worthy cause and led to the creation of a scholarship programme to supplement those without the full means, but with the unquestionable ability, to benefit from the collegiate education which has shaped my own life and career indelibly. I had the benefit of a fully funded education at Durham and this turned out to be a life changing experience for me. I hope to contribute to the same opportunity for others.
We are delighted to be supporting St Chad’s and Durham in this way and hope that like-minded alumni will give similar time and thought to requests made of them – as I know many already do.”
Matthew Shattock (1980 – 1983, Politics; St Chad’s College)
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.