The University of Exeter has announced a significant new scholarship opportunity aimed at supporting Black British students pursuing careers in marine conservation, ecology, and environmental management.
Thanks to the generosity of alumnus Roger de Freitas, who studied Politics at Exeter in 1971, the university will offer up to two scholarships worth £30,000 each for postgraduate students beginning study in September 2026 at Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall.
The scholarships are available to students enrolling on one of two specialist master’s programmes within the University’s internationally respected Centre for Ecology and Conservation:
- MSc Marine Environment Management
- MSc Marine Vertebrate Ecology and Conservation
The funding package includes a full tuition fee waiver, with the remaining balance provided as a cash stipend to help support students with accommodation, travel, and living costs during their studies.
The initiative represents an important investment in widening participation within environmental sciences and marine conservation — sectors where Black representation has historically remained low across both academia and industry.
According to the University of Exeter, the scholarship is designed to help remove financial barriers while encouraging more Black British students to pursue careers connected to climate science, sustainability, conservation policy, and marine research.
Eligibility for the de Freitas Scholarship includes students from a range of Black and mixed Black ethnic backgrounds, including African, Caribbean, Black British, and mixed heritage categories involving Black African or Black Caribbean backgrounds. Applicants must also have a confirmed place on one of the eligible MSc programmes and qualify for UK home fee status.
As part of the application process, candidates will be asked to outline their career ambitions, academic journey, and how the scholarship would support their future goals and contribution to university life.
The University is also encouraging organisations, networks, and community groups to help share the opportunity more widely to ensure it reaches prospective students who may benefit from the funding.
Located on Cornwall’s coastline, Exeter’s Penryn Campus has built an international reputation for research and teaching in ecology, biodiversity, climate change, conservation, and marine sciences. The Centre for Ecology and Conservation is recognised for its work on global environmental challenges and training future conservation leaders.
Applications for the scholarship close on 30 June 2026, with successful applicants expected to be notified by 20 July 2026.
Further information, including full eligibility criteria and application details, can be found on the University of Exeter website:
https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/funding/award/?id=5793