Durham University - College of St Hild and St Bede Choral Scholarships

College of St Hild and St Bede Choral Scholarships

In return for your participation in the College Choir at Durham University, you will receive a one-off grant of about 145 EUR (£125) for the academic year. Up to eight scholarships are awarded each year – two per voice part (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) – funded by the Caedmon/Ceolfrid Trust. As a choir member, you will sing weekly at services at St Cuthbert’s Church, take part in cathedral tours and accompany the choir on its international tours. Recent tours have included Bucharest, Dublin, Florence, Vienna and New York.

Who can apply

• Where you study: You are currently a member of the College of St Hild and St Bede at the University of Durham. Only members of the college are eligible for the scholarship.
• Level: You can apply as a Bachelor’s or Master’s student.
• Subject: Any field of study.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.
• Faith: Whether you have faith or not. The pastoral care is Anglican, but that is not an obstacle.
• Singing: You have passed the audition and can take part in the weekly rehearsals and church services.

How to apply

Auditions take place during Durham University’s freshers’ week, usually in October, at St Cuthbert’s Church. Even if you are not a member of a college, you can still take part in the auditions; however, only college members are eligible for the scholarship. The choir publishes details of the auditions on its social media channels and website.

How realistic are your chances?

The target group is small. You must be a member of a specific college in Durham and secure a place through an audition, with only eight scholarships available across four vocal ranges. If you’re already a member of the college and can sing well, your chances are good, as only a few people are eligible to apply. Bear in mind that the scholarship amount is modest; the real appeal therefore lies more in the choral experience and the tours than in the money.