Sheffield Hallam University is continuing to build stronger communities by providing scholarships for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Last year, three students in the Department of Natural and Built Environment were awarded the scholarship, entitling them to a £3,000 grant for each year of study on a full time undergraduate course.

This has now been extended to five students, thanks to generous donations from existing donor Barratt Developments Plc and new contributor, real estate investment manager, Europa Capital.

Scholarships are awarded based on need, assessed through a combination of scoring and panel review to understand each student’s individual personal circumstances.

Daniel Holland-Bunch, the first Europa Capital scholar, is a first year real estate student with hopes of becoming a chartered surveyor and ultimately working overseas in the international property industry.

He hopes that the course at Hallam, accredited by the Registered Institute of Chartered Surveyors, will be a stepping stone to a future as a chartered surveyor.

Daniel said: “This year, I am most excited about the field trips that are involved with my course as these will show me how the work I do in the classroom transpires to real life situations. I am also looking forward to attending networking events to meet fellow professionals and experts within the industry.

“Thank you to Europa Capital for the financial support which is helpful and appreciated.

“The scholarship has made me feel proud and has increased my self-confidence.”

“It acts as a further incentive to not only do well for myself but also for someone who considers that I am worth investing in.”

Rob Sim, Managing Partner, Europa Capital said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be supporting Daniel  and wish him all the very best in his studies.

“As a business we are focused on  developing talent and diversity in the industry and are excited that our scholarship award will make a positive impact in helping the next generation of students secure a future career in real estate.”

Emily Wood, the Barratt Developments PLC scholar, is 18 and has recently started her Hallam degree in architectural technology. She lives locally and commutes into university from home.

After studying product design and ICT for A level and with interests in architecture and engineering, she chose Hallam because of the practical course it offered and its proximity to her home.

Due to her household income, the expenses of university would have been a struggle for her to afford. The Barratt Scholarship takes the weight of being a financial burden on her family off her shoulders, allowing her to concentrate on her studies.

She hopes to forge a career in architectural technology, and ultimately make a difference by designing buildings that are sustainable and have a low carbon footprint, reducing the emissions that cause global warming.

Emily said: “I would like to thank Barratt very much as their generosity brought me to tears when I heard the news.

“The offer of this scholarship takes a massive weight off of my shoulders and I want them to know that this will be a positive impact on my life and help me complete my studies without having to stress over finances.”

Rob Tansey, group HR director at Barratt Developments plc, said: “Since 2013 we have had a strong partnership with Sheffield Hallam University for own Barratt Sponsored Degree Programmes within construction management and quantity surveying.

“It is one of Barratt’s key priorities to invest in learning and development and this certainly goes wider than just our own workforce.

“We are therefore very proud to support Emily in this scholarship and hope that it supports her ambition to learn about the industry and the wider sector within her studies at Sheffield Hallam University.”