Chancellor's Scholarship
The University is the recipient of a generous donation from alumna and current Chancellor, 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.
Funded over five years, this program will award up to six scholarships over the full term.
Retail is an exciting, varied and expanding sector with a wide range of career opportunities in Sunderland and beyond. The scholarship will provide an incredible opportunity for one student per year providing a fully comprehensive package of financial assistance, industry internships and shadowing, professional training and mentoring aiming to support your education and career development.
Working closely with the University’s Centre for Graduate Prospects, the scholarship will develop students’ career skills earlier and give local companies increased access to the very best brand-new talent.
The scholarship includes a cash bursary, 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
The Chancellor’s scholarship provides additional support for students looking to explore a career in retail.
The fast-moving retail sector in the UK is critical to the European economy. The scale of our largest retailers means they offer genuine prospects for career progression, right up to the most senior levels. Suitably qualified graduates can start on a salary up to £40,000.
The industry needs graduate managers in operations management, retail buying, merchandising, marketing, human resource management and the supply chain, as well as more generic functions, such as finance, accounting or information systems. The Scholarship could be the taster you need to kick start your career in retail.
Applications to this scholarship are currently open.
You can apply for this scholarship using your University E-Vision account
The closing date for this scholarship is 9th May 2025.
Please review the scholarship criteria before making an application.
The Development Office team are available to offer you advice or to answer any questions that you may have about completing your application. Please contact the team on development.office@sunderland.ac.uk