The Bedford Society Scholarships are funded by alumni and former staff members of Bedford College. By supporting talented students, these scholarships ensure that the name and heritage of Bedford College is continued and celebrated.
A warm welcome to the new 2026/27 Bedford Society Scholars listed below. A list of previous Bedford Society Scholars is available here.
Paige, MSc Forensic Psychology
Interests: Forensic psychology, mental health
'I am Paige Hardy, and I am a full-time student in the MSc Forensic Psychology program from Canada. I completed my undergraduate degree in Sociology, with a minor in Psychology. This was the beginning of my passion for learning about human behaviour. Studying these disciplines together led me to become particularly interested in the intersection of psychology, mental health, and the justice system.
My interest in forensic psychology has since been strengthened through my work with the Forensic Psychiatry Research Program, a mental health hospital in Canada. Throughout my time here, I have contributed to research exploring stalking, victimization, and rehabilitation pathways for forensic patients. Having this work presented at national and international conferences has been particularly meaningful, allowing me to move from learning about research to actively contributing to the field.
At Royal Holloway and Bedford New College, I hope to build on this foundation. My long-term goal is to pursue a career practicing in forensic psychology, with the possibility of doctoral study. I hope to contribute to research that advances knowledge while improving outcomes for individuals affected by mental health and the justice system.
The Bedford Society Scholarship is helping me make this next step possible by reducing the financial barriers associated with international postgraduate study and allowing me to focus on my academic and professional development. I am beyond honoured to be a part of this community.'
Ben, MSc Global Futures
Interests: Community resilience and connections.
'My name is Ben, and I am a Human Geography graduate from Royal Holloway and Bedford New College, staying on to continue my studies by enrolling on the MSc Global Futures course. My particular interests lie in understanding how places change and how development can affect the communities that live within them. Throughout my degree, I became increasingly interested in the relationship between people, places and the social, economic and environmental challenges communities face.
One of the highlights of my degree was my dissertation, which explored the impact of Tottenham Hotspur’s new stadium on the local community. I examined the social, economic and spatial changes that have taken place since its opening in 2019, allowing me to combine my passion for geography with real-world issues surrounding regeneration, employment and gentrification. This experience strengthened my desire to pursue a career where I can help shape more sustainable and inclusive places.
Being awarded the Bedford Society Scholarship is a huge achievement for me and an incredibly proud moment. To have my academic efforts and ambitions recognised after competing against many other excellent applicants means a great deal to me. I also dedicate this achievement to my parents, whose love, encouragement and support have helped me get to where I am today.
Looking ahead, I hope to build a career in sustainable development, contributing to projects that are environmentally responsible while also improving the lives of the communities they serve. I am particularly interested in how we can manage growth and regeneration without leaving local people behind. In the long term, I hope to travel the world, learn from different communities and develop or collaborate on initiatives that tackle issues such as the climate crisis and extreme poverty.
The scholarship is an important step towards achieving these ambitions. By reducing the financial pressure of continuing my education, it gives me greater freedom to invest in opportunities beyond the classroom and gain experiences that will shape my future. Following my studies, I hope to travel through Southeast Asia, using the experience to better understand the challenges faced by communities across the region and explore opportunities to contribute to sustainable projects and initiatives.
The Bedford Society Scholarship has given me both the confidence and the opportunity to pursue these ambitions. I am incredibly grateful to the donors whose generosity makes opportunities like this possible. Their support is not only helping me with my education today, but is helping me work towards the impact I hope to make in the future. I hope that, one day, I can give back and provide the same opportunity and encouragement to future students.'
Qingan, MSc Applied Neuroscience (part time over 2 years)
'My name is Qingan Huang, and I am a part-time student on the MSc in Applied Neuroscience programme. My academic and professional background spans psychology, management, and higher education, with teaching and research experience in both the UK and China. I have always been driven by a deep curiosity about the neuroscientific foundations of human behaviour.
Receiving the Bedford Society Scholarship has made it possible for me to begin this important new chapter. As a mature student balancing professional and personal responsibilities, this support has removed a major financial barrier and allowed me to focus on my studies and academic development.
This scholarship enables me to pursue research that combines neuroscience with leadership and well-being. I aim to use this training to design evidence-based interventions addressing issues like executive burnout and ethical decision-making, and to mentor future scholars in this emerging interdisciplinary space.
I am deeply grateful for the Bedford Society’s generosity. This scholarship represents not only financial help, but a strong encouragement for my adventure. Hopefully, I can further develop myself and contribute to the Bedford Society’s activities in the future.'
A Bedford Society Scholarship can be life-changing for students and we are enormously grateful to everyone who supports them. Find out more about supporting the Bedford Society Scholarships Fund.
