Durham University - University College Organ Scholarships

What you get

As an organ scholarship holder at University College (‘Castle’), the oldest college in Durham, you will receive an annual grant of approximately 240 EUR (around £150 to £200) for one year. The amount is divided between the two scholarship holders in proportion to their respective workloads. You will accompany the Castle Chapel Choir on the organ during its weekly services in the college’s two historic chapels. Two positions are filled each year: one senior and one junior organ scholarship holder. In addition to your remuneration, you will become a member of the choir’s student leadership team and travel with the choir. Recent trips have included Durham Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, St George’s in Windsor, and the Mass at St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican in the summer of 2024.

Who can apply

• Who you are: You are enrolled as an organist at Durham University, either on a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programme.
• College: You do not need to be a member of University College. Organists from Durham may also play at colleges to which they do not belong.
• Skills: You have a sound knowledge of organ playing, are able to accompany a choir and are familiar with the choral repertoire.
• Field of study: Open to all subjects.
• Nationality: People of all nationalities are welcome, as long as you’re studying in Durham.
• Money: No proof of income required.
• Time commitment: They hold regular services: Choral Vespers on Thursdays at 5.45 o’clock, a choral or spoken Eucharist on Sundays at 5 o’clock, and, occasionally on Tuesdays, sung Compline or Taizé.

How to apply

Auditions take place during the induction week at the start of the academic year. Both new and current students are welcome to apply. Details on how to apply will be posted on the choir’s Instagram account, @castlechapelchoir.

How realistic are your chances?

Only two organ scholarships are awarded each year, so the number of places is very limited. However, the pool of applicants is also small: you must already be an accomplished organist whilst at Durham and be prepared to commit to weekly church services. Anyone who plays well, can accompany a choir and turns up for the audition during induction week has good prospects. The pay is low, so applicants come mainly for the chance to play and go on tour, not for the money.