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Salters' Fellowship

Supporting talented Chemistry graduates from disadvantaged backgrounds to progress into postgraduate study and future professional success.

Postgraduate Scholarships
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Summary

The Salters’ Fellowship has been established through the generous support of The Worshipful Company of Salters in partnership with Durham University.

The Worshipful Company of Salters is one of the historic Great Twelve Livery Companies of the City of London, with origins in the medieval salt trade dating back to at least 1394. Today, the Company is a forward‑looking charitable organisation known for its longstanding commitment to excellence in science education, particularly chemistry, and its significant philanthropic work supporting learning and opportunity.

The Fellowship is designed to support a Home fee status Chemistry graduate from a disadvantaged background to undertake a one‑year taught Master’s degree in a complementary subject that enhances their employability and future career development.

Amount

£10,000 towards tuition fees
Year of Entry Applicants for programmes commencing in 2026
Number of awards available 1
Level of study Postgraduate Taught (Master's)
Fee status

Home
Mode of study Full-time
Programmes

Any one‑year taught Master’s programme in a complementary subject (see list below)
Duration

One year

 

Eligibility

To apply for the Salters’ Fellowship, applicants must:

  • Be a Home fee status graduate with a degree in Chemistry or a related discipline (including but not limited to chemical engineering, biochemistry).
  • Have a household income below £42,875 (as determined by Student Finance).
  • Apply to study a one‑year taught Master’s degree in a complementary subject, including but not limited to:
    • Engineering (e.g., Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical)
    • Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning
    • Computer Science / Information Technology
    • Accountancy, Finance, Business Management or Economics
    • Law
    • Nanoscience / Nanotechnology
    • Data Management
    • Modern Languages

Not sure if your programme is eligible? Contact the Scholarships Team for advice.

How to apply

  1. Apply for a Master's programme

    Submit an academic application for an eligible taught Master’s programme at Durham University for entry in 2026/27.

    Durham University Applicant Portal

  2. Apply for the Scholarship

     

    Provide Supporting Evidence

    • Household Income Evidence: Please submit a copy of your student finance notification from Student Finance England (or equivalent) confirming the total amount of Maintenance Loan awarded to you for the final year of your undergraduate degree programme.

     

    • A reference in support of your application, submitted directly by your referee by email to scholarship.application@durham.ac.uk. Please ensure your referee submits the reference on letter headed paper which contains:
      1. their name
      2. position
      3. contact details
      4. the name of the scholarship you have applied for
      5. your full name

     

    • All evidence must be submitted by 5th June 2026

     

     

    When candidates will hear the outcome of their application

     

    Mid-July 2026

  3. Selection Process

    • All eligible applications will be considered on the basis of their personal statements, reference and academic status.
    • A Selection Panel comprising Durham academic staff and representatives from The Worshipful Company of Salters (acting in an advisory capacity) will review anonymised applications.
    • Final decisions rest with Durham University in accordance with University policies.
    • Other scholarship awards may also be taken into account when considering the allocation of the scholarship (e.g., if you are eligible for multiple scholarships, you may apply for them, but you may only be able to hold one award).

Guidance

More about the Award

The Salters’ Fellowship provides:

  • £10,000 towards postgraduate tuition fees
    • Fees are jointly funded by The Worshipful Company of Salters and Durham University
  • Mentoring and professional guidance from Salters’ representatives throughout the Fellowship year and beyond
  • Opportunities for career development, networking, and advice to support future employment
  • Ongoing support from Durham University during your studies

 

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 a particular scholarship/s should contact the University at scholarships.advice@durham.ac.uk.

 

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