Helping today’s talent, become tomorrow’s leaders.

The University has appointed Rt Hon Alan Johnson as their new Chancellor

THE scholarships are aimed at students who want to ask the biggest questions, tackle the most difficult problems and equip themselves to make a difference at Hull and beyond. Recipients of the award will drive high standards and deliver a positive impact for the communities and businesses that the students will be part of on completion of their studies.

Introducing the Chancellor’s Circle – “Those who have gone before, helping the next generation”

This is why the University of Hull launched the Chancellor’s Circle in 2023, to celebrate the appointment of the Rt Hon Alan Johnson as their new Chancellor. The Chancellor’s Circle is a giving group of alumni and friends of the University who want to help achieve their vision to attract more of the UK’s top talent and support them to fulfil their great potential.

Member of the Chancellor’s Circle, Nigel Rendell said: “Although it was more than 40 years ago, I loved my time at the University of Hull and I'm more than happy to contribute towards the Chancellor's Circle. The University has always had a reputation for friendliness and for caring for its students, and for those who have gone before helping the next generation.”

“I benefited from an excellent education at the University of Hull and would like as many as possible to have the same opportunity.”

The Rt Hon Alan Johnson, Chancellor of the University, said: “The Chancellor’s Scholarship will allow us to expand opportunities to study at Hull for some of the country's brightest and most deserving students. I’m delighted to be working with Chancellor’s Circle members to make that possible.”

Chancellor’s Scholarship

The Chancellor’s Circle seeks to deliver on this vision by funding the Chancellor’s Scholarship. The merit-based scholarship programme encourages those with the potential to be excellent undergraduate students, in and out of the classroom, to study at Hull. Each year, ten full-fee scholarships across subject areas are being awarded to exceptional students from around the UK.

Woody Walker is one of the ten scholarship recipients in 2024. Woody is studying Politics at the University of Hull. Woody is from West Yorkshire, is a keen rugby player and represents Castleford Tigers RLFC. Woody wants to achieve a First Class Honours in his degree and wants to use his skills to make a positive difference and impact peoples’ lives. We met Woody to learn more about his experience at Hull and hopes for the future.
Why did you choose to study at Hull?

There are several reasons as to why I chose to study at Hull. The University has a great reputation, especially for my course in Politics, with experienced lecturers that lead one of the best politics programmes in the country. I also have some family in Hull and have spent large parts of my childhood in the city, so it’s a place with meaning and sentiment to me, and one that feels like home. The campus is another reason I chose Hull. There is a lively buzz around the place and having everything in one place makes Hull stand out.

What does receiving the Chancellor's Scholarship mean to you?

Receiving the Chancellor’s Scholarship is a great honour. Having a programme to assist me with my aspirations and studies at university is something that I am extremely grateful for. Being a recipient of the Scholarship is something that I take immense pride in; it’s a huge privilege to be supported in my studies at such an excellent university.

What has your experience been like so far as a student at the University of Hull?

My first term at the University of Hull has been a special experience. From engaging in my lectures and developing my understanding in seminars, to meeting new people who have very quickly become friends for life and making the most of what Hull has to offer; I have grasped every opportunity that being at the University of Hull has offered me.

Alongside my studies, I am a full-time rugby player with the Castleford Tigers first team, and balancing my education with my training commitments has been made far easier thanks to support from my lecturers, who ensure I can stay ahead of my work at university while still pursuing my passion for rugby league.

Being part of the scholarship allowed me to attend the university’s Business Day, where I spoke with Hull alumni who have made it to the top of their respective industries. I had sessions on the uses of AI in business, how to make myself more employable, and on how global businesses operate. The Business Day enriched my understanding of modern business environments, and it was a great opportunity to take advice from successful people who were once in my shoes at the University of Hull.

What are your hopes and ambitions for the future?

My ambitions for the future include earning a first-class honour in my studies, enabling me to land an amazing job where I can make a real difference. I am also chasing my dream of making my Super League debut with Castleford.

What was the application process like? How did you feel about applying?

Once I discovered the Chancellor’s Scholarship and looked into it, I knew that it was a great opportunity for me; one that was well-suited to my work ethic and my drive to progress and succeed, so I started planning my application and the prospect was one that excited me. My take on the application inspired me to visit different landmarks in Hull, linking them to my course and what Hull means to me, making a video to explain my suitability for the scholarship.

Alumni and friends are supporting the aims of the Chancellor’s Circle

The University of Hull welcomes alumni, friends and members of the business community to join the Chancellor’s Circle and support the scholarships.

For more information on supporting the University of Hull in this way, please email Caitlin Hazell in the Development and Alumni Relations Office C.Hazell@hull.ac.uk