50 first year students grasped a golden opportunity this year when they became the University's newest Gold Scholars.

Now in its second year, the Gold Scholarship Programme has given 100 undergraduate students the chance to study at Bath. It's supported by generous donations from the University's alumni and friends, matched by funding from the University.

A warm welcome

At their Welcome Day on 20 October, the new Gold Scholars met each other and had the chance to network with our second year Gold Scholars. During the day, they found out about the opportunities available to them through the Programme, including a session with the Careers Service.

The Year 2 Scholars reflected on the skills and qualities that they have developed over the last year and set goals and targets for the year ahead. They also had the opportunity to try out a new language: Japanese, Arabic or Mandarin Chinese.

Meeting their Mentors

Each Gold Scholarship provides more than simply financial support. They also help students to make the vital connections that they need to succeed beyond their degree. A key component of the Gold Scholarship Programme is the opportunity for Scholars to connect with a Mentor from our alumni community.

On 7 November, Gold Scholars met with their Gold Mentors at a special networking reception held in the Chancellors' Building. Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bernie Morley, said to the Scholars:

A scholarship is not simply financial support. It is an investment, and endorsement that we collectively believe in you. We want you to thrive during your time here.

Professor Morley then introduced the evening's guest speaker, Dr Brian Nicholson (BEng Electrical & Electronic Engineering 1995, PhD 1998), who is both a Gold Scholarship Programme donor and Gold Mentor. He told Scholars and Mentors that it was the combination of scholarships and Bath's extra-curricular activities that set him on a course to be able to fulfil his potential to become a successful intellectual property barrister.

Brian had three pieces of advice for Gold Scholars.

"Seize the fullest opportunities the programme offers. Speak to the mentors - identify the skills and experiences you need to help you prepare for your future careers. And use your time at Bath to become the fully-developed person you need to be to do justice to yourselves and the Gold Scholarship Programme."

He ended by thanking his fellow Mentors:

You really are changing lives and the impact of your efforts will be felt for years to come.

Find out more

Find out more about our Gold Scholarship Programme and watch a film about one of our Gold Scholars.