2012-2013 University of Essex Social Science Research Scholarship, UK

The University of Essex Social Science Research Scholarship is available to support talented PhD students who are looking to study within the Faculty of Social Sciences. The Faculty of Social Sciences is top in the UK for social science research (2008 Research Assessment Exercise). We boast an outstanding international research reputation and are home to some of the most highly-rated departments and research centres in the country.

The scholarship is available to all students (Home, EU and Overseas) applying for PGR study and is made up of the following awards:

Doctoral Scholarship
Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) Scholarship
Graduate Teaching Assistantship
Research Assistantship

How much are the scholarships worth?

The University of Essex Social Science Research Scholarship is made up of four awards to support PhD students during their time of study. Applicants will be considered for any of the following awards:

Doctoral Scholarship

The Doctoral Scholarship is a full scholarship that covers fees, provides £12,000 stipend for each year of the three years of study and £750 research allowance over the life of the PhD.

GTA Scholarship

The GTA Scholarship is a £4,000 scholarship in year one of the PhD and a teaching assistant post in the Department, worth in the region of £3,500 (available in years two and three of the PhD).

Graduate Teaching Assistantship

The Graduate Teaching Assistantship offers students a teaching assistant post in the Department worth in the region of £3,000 (available in years one, two and three).

Research Assistantship

The Research Assistantship offers students a research assistant post in the Department worth in the region of £1,500 (available in years one, two and three).

You are invited to indicate on your application form if you do not wish to be considered for one or more of the awards.

Am I eligible for a scholarship?

This scholarship is available for students wishing to study for a PhD in the Departments of Economics, Government, Language and Linguistics, Sociology and the Centre for Psychoanalytic Studies. Students wishing to study with the Institute for Social and Economic Research should visit their website.

Scholarships are available to all students (Home/EU and Overseas) studying on a full-time or part-time basis. To be eligible to apply you must hold an offer from the University of Essex for a PhD. You must be applying for a new programme of study, starting in October 2012, at the University of Essex in order to be eligible for the University of Essex Social Science Research Scholarship. Students who are already completing one degree at Essex wish to apply for support for another are eligible to apply.

How can I apply?

Once you have received an offer from the University of Essex to study for a PhD, please complete the application form and submit it, along with your research proposal and reference, to the Graduate Administrator in the academic department which you are applying to study in by 31 March 2012. Applications can be made via e-mail or by post. Please see the department website for contact details.

If you have any questions about the application process, please e-mail scholarships@essex.ac.uk.

If you have applied for an ESRC DTC +3 award you are not required to complete an application form for the University of Essex Social Science Research Scholarship (you will automatically be considered).

How are candidates selected?

University of Essex Social Science Research Scholarships support talented postgraduate students who can demonstrate an excellent academic background and the potential for future achievement, as well as financial need. Candidates who satisfy the above criteria, and who have received an offer of admission, will be selected for the award of a scholarship on the following criteria:

Academic ability

Based on previous academic qualifications. Normally a first class Bachelor's degree or high 2.1 or equivalent, and/or Master's degree with distinction or merit.

For the GTA Scholarship and Graduate Teaching Assistantship awards, candidates may be asked to demonstrate (via interview) their teaching ability.

Research potential

Based on your research proposal submitted with your application, as well as your statement on the scholarship application form. Departments will take into account the fit of the proposed project with their own research strategy. You are encouraged to make contact with the Department directly to discuss your proposal.

Financial need

Based on evidence provided on the scholarship application form. You should provide evidence that you have applied for financial support from other sources. In the case of UK/EU applicants you should have applied for research council funding. Where a student applies for and is awarded a University of Essex Social Science Research Scholarship and subsequently obtains full external funding, the University will rescind the Scholarship offer. Where partial external funding is obtained, the department may choose to continue, reduce or rescind the Scholarship offer as it sees fit.

When are successful candidates notified?

Successful candidates will normally be notified by 30 April 2012. Formal notification of a Scholarship award will be sent from the Graduate Admissions Office.

Who can I contact for more information?

If you have any questions about the scholarship please contact the Graduate Administrator in the relevant department/centre:

Further Scholarship Information and Application

Scholarship Schemes

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Friday, February 3, 2012