Northumbria University Edwina Grosvenor Scholarships in Social Sciences

Northumbria University is proud to announce the the Edwina Grosvenor Scholarships in Social Sciences for September 2025 entry. These scholarships are designed to support talented students who aspire to study social sciences but may face financial or personal barriers. With a £3,500 award available to seven students, the scheme provides an excellent opportunity to enhance your first-year university experience while following in Edwina Grosvenor’s footsteps.

Northumbria University traces its roots back to 1877 with the establishment of Rutherford College, which later merged with other institutions to form Newcastle Polytechnic in 1969. It gained full university status in 1992, becoming Northumbria University. Over the years, it has grown into one of the UK’s leading universities, known for its strong focus on research, innovation, and professional education. With its main campus in Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumbria is recognised globally for its teaching excellence and strong links with industry.

Table of Briefs

Background

The Edwina Grosvenor Scholarships were established by Northumbria University to honour the values and contributions of Edwina Grosvenor, a philanthropist and criminal justice advocate known for her dedication to social reform. The scholarships aim to support students in the field of social sciences who may face barriers in accessing higher education.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following:

1. Residency and Status

   • Be a UK/Home applicant including Jersey, Guernsey, Channel Islands, Ireland, Isle of Man.

   • Self-funded not employer-sponsored.

   • Registered with the relevant Student Finance body SFE, SFW, SFNI, or SAAS.

   • Must apply for at least one element of the government student finance package.

2. Background (meet at least one of the following):

   • Live in a neighbourhood with low progression rate to higher education (verified through POLAR4 or TUNDRA postcode checker).

   • From a Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic (BAME) background.

   • Declared a physical/mental health condition, long-term illness, or learning difference on UCAS form.

3. Course Requirements

   • Must apply and enrol for one of the following programmes at Northumbria Newcastle campus, full-time, starting Sept 2025:

     • Criminology and Sociology BSc (Hons)

     • Criminology BSc (Hons)

     • International Relations & Politics BA (Hons)

     • Professional Policing BSc (Hons)

     • Sociology BSc (Hons)

Benefits

• Value: £3,500 cash (first year only).

• Disbursement: 25% in November 2025, 25% in February 2026, 50% in May 2026.

• Conditions:

  • Must write a thank you letter to the donor and provide a progress update at the end of first year.

  • Cannot be combined with other undergraduate scholarships at Northumbria (highest award takes precedence).

  • Scholarship is not renewable if you repeat or defer your first year.

Application Process

1. Online Application: Complete the scholarship form via Northumbria’s portal.

2. Written Statement: In no more than 3,000 characters (approx. 500 words), answer:

   • “How will this Award support your aspirations to succeed in Higher Education?”

3. Deadline: Submit before 16:00, Sunday, 31 August 2025.

4. Selection: Competitive, judged against clear marking criteria.

5. Notification: Applicants will be informed of results by Friday, 12 September 2025.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: 31 August 2025.

Conclusion

The Edwina Grosvenor Scholarships represent more than financial aid they are a recognition of talent, resilience, and ambition in the field of social sciences. For students passionate about making a difference in society, this award provides both encouragement and practical support to achieve academic success at Northumbria University.

Apply Now