Chancellor's Scholarship

The Chancellor’s Scholarship, supported by our Chancellor, Sunderland alumna Leanne Cahill, provides a fully comprehensive package of financial assistance, industry internships and shadowing, professional training and mentoring to support your education and career development in the exciting, varied and expanding retail sector.

The retail industry needs graduate managers in operations management, retail buying, merchandising, marketing, human resource management and the supply chain, as well as finance, accounting or information systems. The Scholarship could be the taster you need to kick start your career in retail. 

The scholarship includes a £5,000 cash bursary – money which you never have to pay back - a paid summer work placement, a work-shadowing experience at Bravissimo HQ, a dedicated mentor in your chosen field as well as an additional opportunity pot of up to £500 (to be used for additional training, or opportunity).  

How to apply 

About Leanne Cahill

Leanne Cahill, CEO of retail company Bravissimo and Sunderland graduate, was appointed as the University’s Chancellor in November 2023. Born and raised in Sunderland, Leanne began her career on the shopfloor as a Marks & Spencer management trainee before specialising in finance. She has since held a wide range of roles at Legal & General, Walgreens Boots Alliance and Travelex. 

 Leanne joined Bravissimo in October 2017 as Finance Director. She was promoted to Managing Director in September 2018, becoming Chief Executive Officer in December 2020. In 2023, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Business Administration from the University of Sunderland. Leanne is passionate about retail and the career opportunities it can bring for a wide range of students.