We are delighted to announce the winners of our scholarship programmes! These outstanding individuals reflect the talent and stellar calibre of our MEMS MA cohort and we are very excited to welcome them. Our scholarship programme is designed to recognise promising individuals and support their aspirations. We are proud to celebrate this year’s recipients and look forward to following their journeys this year.
CAMEMS Scholarships
The Canterbury Association for Medieval and Early Modern Studies (CAMEMS) fosters close relations between the University of Kent’s Centre for Medieval and Early Modern Studies (MEMS) and local organisations with involvement and interest in the period, and the wider public. Its members fund the CAMEMS MA Scholarship to encourage access and interest in medieval and early modern studies. This year they have generously supported two MA Scholarships in MEMS. The awardees – Emma O’Rourke and Oscar Sexton – represent the diverse and brilliant cohort of our MEMS community.
Emma O’Rourke is a Canadian Student with a background in Art History from the University of Queen’s in Kingston, Ontario. It is here that she published her first work, exploring the elements of gold in the Altarpiece of St. Joseph in the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Montara, Italy. At this time she gained a deep interest in Medieval studies sparked by studying and living in a medieval castle in Herstmonceux during her undergraduate degree in 2023. It is through this experience that allowed her to first visit the Canterbury Cathedral and develop her fascination of the medieval magic and miracles as seen through an art historical lens, in the stained glass windows there.
By receiving the CAMEMS Scholarship Award, I am honoured to return to the place that began my longtime fascination with the medieval world.
Emma O’Rourke, CAMEMS MA Scholar in MEMS 2026-27
Oscar Sexton attended the University of Kent as an undergraduate in the History BA. Achieving stellar marks across the board, Oscar’s love of the premodern period was fostered by courses on Conquests, Cultures and Identities in England, c.800-1100 and Vikings ‘A Global Saga’.
I still can’t believe I’ve been offered such an amazing opportunity, and for that I am immensely grateful.Oscar Sexton, CAMEMS MA Scholar in MEMS 2026-27
Sasha Roberts Scholarship
Cassia Delves has been awarded the Sasha Roberts Scholarship in honour of Dr Sasha Roberts who joined the School of English in 1997 as a specialist in Shakespeare and the Renaissance. Sasha was a brilliant teacher, loved and admired by her students, a distinguished scholar, and a vibrant and innovative presence in the department. This Scholarship has been set up by Sasha’s family, her parents Penny and Nigel, her husband Martin, and her son Lio who survive Sasha.
Cassia studied English Literature for her bachelor’s degree and particularly enjoyed her final year course on Magic, Marvels and Monsters in Medieval Literature. The intersection of culture, religion and curiosity is one of the reasons why she adores literature.
Winning the Sasha Roberts scholarship is an honour, and an affirmation that consistent hard work and loyalty to your own passions can lead to exciting opportunity for new growth. I hope to do the award its due justice and look forward to an exciting new year!
Cassia Delves, Sasha Roberts MA Scholar in MEMS 2026-27
Please join us in congratulating our scholarship winners as we celebrate their achievements and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead!