An opportunity to join Brunel University’s thriving
research community
Award: Fees (home/EU) plus at least £13,290* per year maintenance grant and £1000 per year research training grant
Duration: Maximum three years of full-time study
Number available: 15
Closing date: 30 June 2010
Eligibility: Open to home/EU applicants for full-time PhD programmes starting on or after 1 October 2010
(*the maintenance award will be set at the national stipend level agreed by the UK Research Councils which is yet to be announced for the forthcoming year)
About the Isambard Research Scholarships
Brunel is pleased to announce the launch of its research scholarship scheme for 2010, to fully fund up to 15 PhD studentships across the full range of academic disciplines within the University.
The prestigious Isambard Scholarships are awarded to Home/EU students who demonstrate the potential for research excellence within their chosen field. Successful applicants join a thriving research community, with Brunel's recent success in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise confirming its position as a University of international research standing.
The awards are funded in part by the Vice Chancellor's Research Strategy Fund and in part by the Brunel Scholarship Fund, which relies upon charitable donations. The Scholarships take their name from our namesake, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the world-famous Victorian engineer, and the aim of the scheme is to attract excellent candidates to pursue their research at Brunel.
How to apply
Applicants for entry in October 2010 should first apply for a PhD place (see the online applications page for details of how to do this). Once the application has been submitted, complete the Isambard Scholarship application form and return it by email or post to arrive no later than 30 June 2010. Email and postal addresses for submission are shown on the form.
Those already holding an offer from Brunel to commence PhD studies in October 2010 can apply for an Isambard Scholarship by completing the Isambard Scholarship application form and returning it by email or post to arrive no later than 30 June 2010.
Email and postal addresses for submission are shown on the form. Email and postal addresses for submission are shown on the form.
Subject areas
Scholarships are open to candidates for any three-year full-time research programme leading to the award of a PhD, in any of the disciplines offered by Brunel University. Applications are particularly welcome for research topics related to Brunel's Collaborative Research Networks in Ageing, Complexity, Creative Industries, and Energy and Environmental Sustainability. Potential applicants are also encouraged to look at the PhD opportunities available within the individual Schools and Specialist Research Institutes.
Procedure and results
Awards will be made on the basis of a competitive allocation process, judged on academic excellence and potential for future research excellence. Initial judgments of research potential will be made within academic Schools and Research Centres, then shortlisted candidates from across all disciplines will be considered by the Isambard Research Scholarship Panel. Applicants will be informed of the panel's decision by 13 August 2010 and will normally be expected to commence their studies in October 2010.
Disclaimer: The details given here are subject to change at any time and applicants should to check the information regularly to ensure that they are aware of current arrangements.
Brunel's funding package
External sources of funding
Other financial support
Current Isambard holders
Christian's scholarship allowed him to realise an ambition:
"The Isambard scholarship helped me to start my research degree at HERG, a specialist research institute at Brunel with an international reputation in health economics. Studying at HERG was my ambition since I spent a placement at Brunel during my first course of study."
Brigida can concentrate more fully on her studies:
"In Anthropology the fieldwork is so intense that it is important to be able to focus on it, without worrying about financial matters. What's more, the Scholarship gave me the chance to remain at Brunel after my Msc, so I can continue to benefit from solid relationships I have built in the past."