Bedford Society Scholars are students funded by alumni and former staff members of Bedford College and ensure that the name and heritage of Bedford College is continued and celebrated. Here, we meet our Bedford Society Scholars for 2019/20 who tell us what the scholarship means to them.

Emily Watt (MSc Quaternary Science)

Emily (pictured above) says “My interest in the science of the Quaternary period began when I spent 6 months as a Visiting Researcher at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. The research that I undertook there, which formed the basis of my undergraduate dissertation, focussed on previously unstudied fossil remains from the world-renowned Sterkfontein Caves site. The dissertation was a preliminary investigation into the efficacy of micromammalian postcranial remains as palaeoenvironmental indicators, and provided a new methodology for future analysis of these fossils. I am particularly proud of this dissertation, not only because of its contribution to Sterkfontein research, but also because my supervisor awarded me the highest mark he had ever given for an undergraduate dissertation.”

Emily plans on completing a PhD to continue this research and her current MSc Quaternary Science course at the College is providing her with a broad foundation of contextual knowledge that she aims to incorporate into her PhD.

“The scholarship enables me to focus fully on achieving the best Masters degree within my potential, rather than splitting my time between studying and working. It is invaluable to help me achieve what I hope to gain from this degree.”

Aliyah Dennie (MSc Forensic Psychology)

Aliyah (pictured above) says “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity the Bedford Society Scholarship has granted me. Being a recipient of the scholarship has eased some of the financial pressures I would otherwise find myself facing whilst completing my MSc in Forensic Psychology.

I am passionate about carrying out innovative research in the field of Forensic Psychology, as I hope to eventually lead policy changes in order to positively impact the lives of those in clinical and forensic populations.

Having access to the expertise and support of the Bedfordians has raised my self confidence in my ability to achieve my aspirations. I am proud to be part of a community of high achieving, passionate and successful people and would like to support the fund later on in my career.”

Hayley de la Motte (MA Crusader Studies)

Hayley (pictured above) studied for her undergraduate degree in History and Politics degree at Queen Mary, University of London, and is now studying for her MA in Crusader Studies.

"In no uncertain terms, receiving the Bedford Society Scholarship has been life-changing, making the once seemingly distant possibility of studying at postgraduate level a reality. Without the scholarship, the financial barriers to completing a Master’s degree would surely have prevented me from accepting my offer to study the MA Crusader Studies and by consequence, precluded the pursuit of doctoral studies in the future.

The scholarship will help me through my university journey by providing a reminder of my abilities in times of stress and by acquainting me with the vast network of contacts among the Bedford College alumni who so generously provided for my scholarship."

Emily Briffett (MA Public History) – The Dinah and Jessica Nichols Scholarship recipient

Emily studied her undergraduate in History at the university from 2016-19 and is continuing her studies here in MA Public History.

“The scholarship has given me a fantastic opportunity to study my ideal course. When I heard the news that I had received the scholarship I was delighted. It has relieved a huge financial burden, providing me with a rare opportunity to be able to focus solely on my studies and hopefully will allow me to achieve the academic excellence that I strive for. I feel so grateful and honoured that I have been selected as the recipient of the Dinah and Jessica Nichols Scholarship 2019-20. Thank you so much for this opportunity.”

For more information about Bedford Society Scholarships, including how you can support, please see the Bedford Society page.