The following Scholarship is available for the upcoming academic year:
Durham Law School is a socially inclusive law school. It has a mission of social mobility for all, regardless of background. The School is one of the top performing departments in the University’s access and participation ambition, with 31.64% of its entrants identifying as Black UK domiciled students (2023 -2024). It seeks to attract and then enable young scholars to meet their aspirations by removing economic obstacles that may stand in their way. Its distinguished alumni support this mission. I am, therefore, delighted that alumnus Joel Donovan KC has established this generous scholarship to support three UK Black Heritage Students to pursue undergraduate study at Durham Law School. I cordially invite all eligible to apply for it.
Prof Volker Roeben
Dean, Durham Law School
The news of the scholarship was a huge relief as it allowed me to freely enjoy my Durham experience to the best of my abilities. The Scholarship meant that I could not only immerse myself in the Durham lifestyle but practice my hobbies such as playing basketball with other Durham students or attending society events. Just the fact that I'd been awarded the scholarship allowed me to rid myself of any mental burdens and apply myself fully to my studies. Overall, the Joel Donovan Scholarship has changed my life to say the least and have been a quintessential aspect of my experience. The financial aid has enabled me in many ways and ensured I could pursue anything I needed.
“I was privileged enough to be able to study Law at Durham, and without paying fees. It was an opportunity which transformed my life. It is my further great privilege to be able to offer, through this Scholarship, a modest helping hand to Black members of the student law community – and those, still too few, who aspire to join them. I am greatly looking forward to meeting the successful applicants (if they are willing to do so – not an entry requirement!)”
Joel Donovan KC, St Aidan’s – BA Law, 1986
You are eligible for this Scholarship if:
Please note that receipt of the funds will be dependent on receiving an offer to study at Durham University, meeting entry conditions, and taking up a place with us.
Not sure if you're eligible? Contact us for advice.
Submit an academic application to Durham University via UCAS, prior to the scholarship deadline
Complete the application form:
Application Form JD KC Scholarships 2025 (DOCX)
Application Form JD KC Scholarships 2025 (PDF)
Your Application must include a personal statement describing how the scholarship would help you:
You should submit your completed application to law.communications@durham.ac.uk by 23.59pm BST Friday 2 May, 2025
We give thanks for the generous donation that makes this scholarship available.
Scholarship applications will be considered on the basis of their ability to meet the eligibility criteria and academic potential.
In addition to the information supplied on the scholarship application form, the University will gather contextual information to support the assessment of scholarship applications.
Durham University makes every effort to ensure that the information published or contained on its website is accurate. However, the University cannot guarantee the information may not subsequently be altered owing to circumstances beyond the University's reasonable control. Such circumstances include (but are not limited to) changes in Government policy or change of law. Whilst any changes will be incorporated into the University's website any person wishing to clarify the details of The Joel Donovan KC Law Scholarship should contact Durham Law School at law.communications@durham.ac.uk.
If you have any questions about whether you are eligible for a scholarship or the application process, get in touch with our Scholarships and Student Funding Office:
Durham University
Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
DH1 3LE, UK
Telephone: +44 (0)191 334 6395
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