Brighton Medical Student Earns Second Academic Scholarship Award

A medical student from Brighton has earned a second consecutive Academic Scholarship Award for excellence in her studies at the University of Worcester.

Alice Alderson, 30, is in the third year of her studies at the Three Counties Medical School at the University of Worcester. The scholarship is awarded only to students who consistently achieve the very highest grades.

“Receiving this Academic Scholarship for the second year in a row is an incredible feeling,” said Alice. “It’s genuinely so validating to know that my hard work and dedication are paying off.”

She continued: “To have my academic efforts officially recognised has made this journey feel even more rewarding, and this scholarship is not something I take for granted. I am also keenly aware that I would likely not be in this position without the support of my friends and family, whose encouragement and belief in me have meant so much, especially during the times when I have started to doubt myself.”

While Alice said the financial element of the award would ease some of the monetary pressures that come with being a full-time medical student, she added: “That being said, I might put a little aside for something nice too! I think I’ve earned it!”

Collecting the award at a ceremony at the University, Alice reflected on her journey towards becoming a doctor.

She said: “One of the best things about my experience at the University of Worcester has been meeting an incredible group of people who I hope to call friends for life. We go hiking together, and we are each other’s biggest cheerleaders, supporting one another through both the challenges and successes of medical school.”

Alice added: “I have also loved rediscovering my passion for performing and musical theatre through taking part in shows with the University’s LocoShowCo. Medicine can be emotionally demanding, so having something completely different to immerse myself in has been invaluable.”

Alice, who dreams of becoming a doctor in emergency medicine, is studying at the University of the Year for Graduate Jobs 2027 in the Daily Mail University Guide, with judges describing its performance as one that “leaves many of the Russell Group in the shade”.

She said: “I am especially interested in how emergency medicine can provide compassionate, patient-centred care for people with life-limiting illnesses, ensuring that their comfort, dignity and wishes remain central to their treatment, even in an emergency setting.”

The University of Worcester is this year shortlisted for the Outstanding Support for Students in the Times Higher Education Awards for the efforts of staff to raise money for student scholarships and hardship funds.

Professor David Green CBE, DL, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University, said: “Every year, thanks to the generosity of alumni, philanthropists and friends of the University, we are able to award academic scholarships to students who perform outstandingly well – typically gaining straight As across their studies. Achieving such excellent results consistently requires dedication, ability and sheer hard work.”

“All of us at the University are very proud of all our scholarship winners who come from across the range of our courses and from many backgrounds,” he added. “Every year this includes scholarship winners who are students who did not particularly excel at school but find that the intellectual and professional challenge of university combined with the expert education provided at Worcester brings out the very best in them.”