Centre for Law Crime and JusticeJohn Fitzsimons Memorial Scholarships
About John Fitzsimons
John Fitzsimons was one of Strathclyde University Law School’s first and most inspirational Lecturers. He taught Criminal Law and Jurisprudence for twenty years before becoming a highly-respected judge (Sheriff). To achieve this, he and his family made considerable sacrifices – not least when he became a mature student at the age of 25.
John Fitzsimons believed that talented individuals should have proper access to education on the basis of academic, rather than financial, merit. Through his teaching, encouragement, and his own actions, he inspired generations of Strathclyde students to achieve their potential. He was well aware of the particular barriers which mature students can face. Applicants are encouraged to read about the life of John Fitzsimons.
Apply
Applications normally open in June or July and normally close in August.
The John Fitzsimons Memorial Fund
This Memorial Fund is used to hold an occasional public lecture in memory of John Fitzsimons, and to provide bursary support for academically talented mature students studying for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree or diploma taught in the Law School and who are in acute financial need.
Awards will be made to assist with the costs associated with study on a taught programme in the Law School at either undergraduate or postgraduate level (for example, LLM, MSc, LLB).
The level of any award will be between £500 and £3,000, depending on circumstances and the merits of each case.
Awards will be made for one academic session at a time.
Hear from Pat Fitzsimons as she speaks about the John Fitzsimons Memorial Fund in this video:
Eligibility
To apply for this scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:
- be a mature student studying an undergraduate or postgraduate taught degree in the Law School
- be a prospective mature student applying to study an undergraduate or postgraduate taught degree in the Law School
- be 25 years or older at the time of the application deadline
Please note
UK and non-UK residents are eligible to apply.
If successful, you'll be expected to take up the offer of a place in the next academic session, commencing in September of the same calendar year.
Current or prospective research students (PhD or MPhil) are not eligible to apply.
Current or prospective students pursuing a joint course with the Law School and another School/Department are not eligible to apply.
Selection Committee
The Selection Committee shall have regard to:
- academic merit
- financial need in the context of personal circumstances
- evidence of strong interest in the areas of John Fitzsimons’ work namely Criminal Law and/or Jurisprudence, and/or cognate areas
- the availability of other awards to assist with living costs and/or tuition fees
Inspirational is the only word that comes near to describing him as a Lecturer. He knew that a lesson taught with humour had every chance of a lesson being learned, and he was right. It was always his objective not just to lecture, but to teach in the true sense of the word, by encouraging an interest in the subject, and you only have to count the number of criminal lawyers taught by John, including those in high office, to know how far he succeeded in that aim
-Frances McMenamin, QC
More information
John was a hugely talented Lecturer, he had great clarity and made law very appealing. It was him that suggested I become a procurator fiscal. He was a very caring and delightful man
QC, former Solicitor General and Lord Advocate for Scotland