College Research Awards
The College Research Student Awards scheme is designed to attract high quality students applying for PhD research.
As a student with us you will work with some of the most influential academics in your chosen field and learn about the very latest developments in your subject. Those chosen exemplify the high standards the University of Edinburgh sets for its research students and the investment that we make in their potential.
Who can apply
The College Research Awards have a high number of applicants, and as a result are highly competitive. Applicants with an outstanding track record of academic achievements and research potential are encouraged to apply. Those candidates with research areas that fall under UK Research Council Awards and meet eligibility criteria are advised to apply to the relevant Research Council as well.
Tips for writing a successful proposal
Your proposal should provide insight into what you plan to research, how you will conduct your research, and the contribution(s) it will make. At this stage your proposal provides evidence of your ability to write, think, create, and argue. It also helps indicate how your research will fit into the institution and its goals. A strong proposal contains a clear proposition and/or question, sets up outcomes that can be delivered, contains several propositions which are then connected to for the structure, is intelligible to non-experts, has a relevant audience, and shows critical thinking.
Awards
The award provides full tuition fees with an annual stipend for three years or part time equivalent. The stipend will be set to the UKRI level for 2024/25. The UKRI level for 2023/24 is currently £18,622 for full-time students, or the pro rata equivalent for part-time students.
Eligibility
Candidates for the College Research Award must be seeking to start their first year of full-time, part-time or distance PhD study in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences within the academic year 2024/25. MSc by Research programmes are not eligible.
Criteria
Applicants must be of outstanding academic merit and research potential.
Applying
Applications are no longer being accepted as both the 1st February 2024 and 29th February 2024 deadline has passed.
The scholarship deadline is 1st February 2024 with the exception to the Business School which will be the 29th February 2024 and the School of Economics which will be 23:59 GMT 5th February 2024: you are strongly advised to ensure that you have submitted your application for admission at least five working days before this date and within the School admission deadline if earlier.
Please note that some Schools have admission application deadlines which are earlier than this scholarship deadline. Please check the relevant School PhD Scholarship webpage.
Applicants within the Edinburgh College of Art are advised to refer to ECA College Research Awards for additional requirements.
Applicants within Moray House School of Education and Sport are advised to refer to the MHSE College Research Award page for additional statement requirements.
Applicants within the School of Social and Political Science are advised to refer to the SPS Research Award page for additional statement requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Notification
Applicants will be notified of their standing by their intended School of study. Please contact your School's postgraduate office for information on your status.