University of Nottingham - The Sheila Armstrong Prize

The Sheila Armstrong Prize

In your first year at the University of Nottingham, you will receive a one-off award of about 235 EUR (£200). The university established the award in 1979 in memory of Sheila Armstrong, a British national tennis player who won the junior tournament at Wimbledon in 1955 and later graduated with first-class honours as a mature student. It recognises students who contribute, or have the potential to contribute, to sport at the university and who have demonstrated courage and determination in overcoming illness, disability or other serious challenges.

Who can apply

• Level: You are in the first year of your bachelor’s or master’s degree.
• New to university: You have not yet obtained a higher education qualification before starting your studies in Nottingham.
• Campus: You are enrolling at the University of Nottingham’s UK campus.
• Field of study: Any topic is fine.
• Residence: You have ‘Home’ status, which means that you have lived in the United Kingdom for the three years prior to starting your studies.
• Sport: You’re involved in sport at university or in your local community – for example, as a player, coach, referee or organiser – or you have the potential to be.
• Challenges overcome: You have shown courage and strength of character when faced with difficulties such as illness or disability.
• No other sponsorship: You do not receive any funding from the NHS for your degree programme, nor do you receive any financial support from a company or employer.

How realistic are your chances?

This award is aimed at a small target group: you must be a first-year British student, new to university, physically active, and able to demonstrate that you have overcome genuine difficulties such as illness or a disability. As this group is small and specific, fewer people apply for this award. If you clearly meet these criteria and can demonstrate your sporting achievements as well as the challenges you have had to face, your chances are good.