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How can I help?

Professor Bligh Scholarship

The scholarship rewards students who can show they can think for themselves and argue their ideas

Professor Donald Bligh graduated in Teacher Training from Leeds Beckett University in 1958. He believes that universities are integral for not only teaching, but also creating new knowledge and new interpretations of old knowledge. This can be achieved using imagination and by testing ideas, informed by research and intellectual criticism.

The scholarship looks for an "intellectual rebel", someone prepared to challenge established beliefs, yet able to argue both sides of an issue. This someone is principled and never stops asking questions, but is open minded, not dogmatic.

The Professor Bligh Scholarship is an annual award given to one first-year student in their second semester, who displays academic enthusiasm and innovation, celebrating their achievement in being the first in their family to attend university. In addition to their financial award, the scholar will receive 12 months of tailored mentorship to support them in their studies.

Apply for this scholarship

Find details including application dates, eligibility criteria and terms and conditions on the Student Information site.

terms and conditions
Professor Bligh and two female scholarship recipients

our professor bligh scholars

2024/2025

  • Bella Millward, BSc (Hons) Psychology

2023/2024

  • Sophie Bull, BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing

2022/2023

  • Jessica Alton, BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing

2021/2022

  • Caitlin McFarlane, BA (Hons) Marketing Management

2020/2021

  • Lauren Clarkson, BA (Hons) Social Work

2019/2020

  • Gareth Payne, BA (Hons) Social Work
  • Ebony Wright, BA (Hons) Filmmaking

2018/2019

  • Demi-Louise Bostock, BA (Hons) Business and Management

2017/2018

  • Sheree Smith, BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences

2016/2017

  • Claire Paylor, BSc (Hons) Environmental Science
  • Fatemeh Amirkamali, BSc (Hons) Speech and Language Therapy

2015/2016

  • Aaron Regan, BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering

2014/2015

  • Craig Wood, BSc (Hons) Construction Management

2013/2014

  • Annabel Crossley, BA (Hons) Fine Art

2012/2013

  • Sarah Lowe, BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science with Physiology/ Pharmacology

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