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Durham Law School
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Scholarships Available in 2026/27

Notes for Applicants 

The following Scholarship is available for the upcoming academic year:

  • The Durham Inspired Joel Donovan KC Law Scholarship provides up to £5,000, per scholar, for three years of the undergraduate LLB programme. Typically, three new scholars are selected from each first-year intake. This scholarship is funded by Joel Donovan KC, an alumnus of Durham Law School.

The Joel Donovan KC Law Scholarships 

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. 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

Purple Line Separator Slim

University student
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.
Benjamin
College of St Hild and St Bede

Overview

Year of Entry Applicants for programmes commencing in 2026/27
Number of awards available Three awards available 
Level of study  Undergraduate 
Mode of study Full time
Programmes LLB M101
Value of scholarship £5,000 for three years of study
Duration  3 years
Deadline for applications  No later than 23.59pm BST Friday, 20 March, 2026

 

“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

 

Eligibility

You are eligible for this Scholarship if:

  1. you are commencing your studies at Durham Law School in October 2026; and
  2. your official fee status is a Home student; and
  3. your household income has been assessed by Student Finance England (SFE) (or equivalent) as below £47,200 at the start of the 2026/27 academic year; and
  4. you have been educated at a state-maintained UK school, college or other education provider for the whole of your education; (or, in the case of Asylum seekers and refugees the whole of your education since arrival in the UK); and
  5. you are of Black Heritage - African, Caribbean, Dual or Mixed Heritage (to include Black African, Black Caribbean or Other Black background)

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.

How to Apply for The Joel Donovan KC Law Scholarship

  1. Apply for Joel Donovan Scholarship

    Submit an academic application to Durham University via UCAS, prior to the scholarship deadline

     

    Apply now here 

  2. Complete a scholarship application

    Complete the application form:

    Application Form JD KC Scholarships 2026 (DOCX)

    Application Form JD KC Scholarships 2026 (PDF)

     

    Your Application must include a personal statement describing how the scholarship would help you:

      • with any financial difficulties you have;
      • to actively participate in your studies;
      • enhance your experience as a student at Durham Law School;
      • to make the most of the opportunities that Law and Durham can offer you;
      • explore your personal development and employability during your time at Durham
      • achieve your career aspirations

     

  3. Submit your application

    You should submit your completed application to law.communications@durham.ac.uk by 23.59pm BST Friday, 20 March 2026

     

     

    More about this Scholarship 

    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. 

    Submit your application now 

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Get in touch

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:

Scholarships and Student Funding Office

Durham University

Palatine Centre

Stockton Road

DH1 3LE, UK

 

Telephone: +44 (0)191 334 6395

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 QC Law Scholarship should contact Durham Law School at law.operations@durham.ac.uk .