Surrey Black Scholars Studentship Award 2023

We are delighted to be offering studentship awards to increase the representation of Black British students at Doctoral level at Surrey.

Start date

1 October 2023

Duration

3.5 years funded

Application deadline

Funding source

University of Surrey, Doctoral College

Funding information

  • Full UK tuition fee waiver p.a.
  • Stipend at UKRI rates p.a. (currently at £17,668) 
  • A Research Training Support Grant of £3,000 to cover the funded period.

About

These three and a half year, fully funded scholarships are part of a larger programme to improve access and participation for Black British students in postgraduate research, jointly funded by the Office for Students, Research England and the University of Surrey.

The purpose of Surrey Black Scholars: To Become Visible Programme is to provide Black British students with the resources, support and environment necessary to achieve excellence and pursue rich and rewarding careers after graduation. Through embedding sustainable initiatives that build a pipeline for Black students, enhance experience and provide a career boost, we will improve our inclusive culture and race equity at Surrey to benefit our whole postgraduate community.

This multicomponent programme comprises:

  • Our fully-funded ‘Surrey Black Scholars’ package (summer school, mentoring, placement opportunities, teaching qualifications, tailored career advice)
  • An internship scheme for Black undergraduates
  • A range of mentoring opportunities from Black, Asian and minority ethnic postgraduate students and academics
  • Race equity training and inclusive supervisor training for staff
  • Inclusive researcher development training
  • External speaker series with Black academics and networking events.

You will be joining our world-class, research-led University at an exciting time. We provide innovative and world-class doctoral training, with an outstanding research environment that connects supervisors, doctoral researchers, and research support staff within a multi-disciplinary approach, making the University of Surrey the ideal place to start your research career.

Eligible candidates can apply across all our research programmes, with the exception of our PsychD, MD, PDS and EngD programmes. Find out more about our postgraduate research courses and our three faculties:

Applications are open to full-time or part-time candidates. Funding will be prorated for part-time candidates, see guidance notes (PDF) for further information.

Eligibility criteria

UK-permanent residents identifying as being from any Black ethnic group (including Black or Black British African, Black or Black British Caribbean, Black or Black British other or Mixed Black or Black British). 

Qualification requirements will vary depending on the chosen PhD programme. 

All PhD programmes are eligible. PsychD, MD, PDS and EngD programmes are not eligible.

English language requirements 

The score or level of English language required varies between courses. Please visit our postgraduate research course pages for specific requirements.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying, then we would love to hear from you. Our studentship team can help you find a suitable PhD programme and begin the below process to help you prepare and submit your application.

1. Identify and speak to a prospective supervisor

On the web pages for our academic schools and departments, you will find staff lists which you can use to identify a prospective supervisor. Please contact a prospective supervisor to discuss project options before completing the application. If you have difficulty identifying a prospective supervisor or would like a template email to help approach a potential supervisor, then please do email phdstudentships@surrey.ac.uk and Kate will be in touch.

2. Apply for a place on a postgraduate research course 

Once you have discussed your project with a prospective supervisor you will need to make an application for a place through the relevant course page.

Please make sure you indicate on your application that you are applying for the Surrey Black Scholars Studentship Award 2023.

The deadline to apply for a place on a doctoral programme for this studentship award is Tuesday 14 March 2023 at 23:59 GMT.

3. Complete the Doctoral College studentships award application

In addition to applying for a place on a postgraduate research course, you will also need to complete the application form. This is your application for funding and will be used to select successful candidates for funding. Please also refer to the guidance notes which will assist you in filling in the application form.

Once you have completed your form, please submit it to phdstudentships@surrey.ac.uk by the deadline of Tuesday 14 March 2023 at 23:59 GMT. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.

4. What happens next?

Following the deadline, your application will be considered by an academic panel. You will be informed whether you have been successful in securing a studentship award by Monday 3 April 2023. If you are successful, you will be required to start your programme in October 2023.

Application form 2023

(116.8 KB .DOCX)
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Guidance notes

(202.0 KB .PDF)
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Studentship FAQs

Read our studentship FAQs to find out more about applying and funding.

Application deadline

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Studentships at Surrey

We have a wide range of studentship opportunities available.