PhD bursaries boost prospects for local students

Nearly 20 PhD students, either local to Reading or aiming to gain a qualification alongside their day jobs, have been awarded bursaries to help them embark on their studies at the University of Reading.

The University’s Graduate School has awarded 12 Regional PhD Bursaries and 5 Wilkie Calvert co-supported PhD studentships to students starting in 2023/24.

2023/24 awards

Regional PhD Bursaries support applicants who live within 25 miles of the University and have been accepted onto a PhD programme in any discipline. They support the University’s aim to help people in the local community to achieve their highest academic potential, enhance their professional prospects and pursue their research passions.

For 2023/4, Regional Bursaries have been awarded to applicants in a diverse range of subjects, including Classics, Pharmacy, Biomedical Science, Psychology, Environmental Science, Languages and Literature, Informatics and System Science and Neuroscience.

Beren Delbrooke-Jones, 38, from Windsor is studying for a PhD in Classics and is a recipient of a Regional PhD Bursary.

He said: "The Regional Bursary has been crucial in allowing me to turn the dream of doctoral study into a reality. It also showed me how much the University supports and values its researchers. Being awarded the bursary has allowed me to focus on my research without distraction or anxiety over where I might find funding each year.

“Quite simply, an amazing opportunity for which I am incredibly grateful."

Shingirirai Hopkins, 34, from Bracknell is another Regional PhD Bursary recipient. She has worked in Reading as a teacher for the last eight years and is studying for a PhD in History.

She said: “The University of Reading Regional Bursary has been an invaluable support system, enabling me to pursue my dreams while balancing the roles of a student, a loving mother, and a teacher.

“This financial assistance has not only eased the financial burden but has empowered me to excel in my studies and advance my career as an educator.”

Removing barriers

Wilkie Calvert studentships support applicants who are in employment and intending to study for a PhD part-time, and who also receive support from their employer.

Wilkie Calvert studentships have been awarded to applicants in Mathematical, Physical and Computational Sciences, the Institute of Education, and Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences.

The studentships support their career development and benefit their employers by providing research that is relevant to their work as well as a range of skills. The University fully covers the tuition fees via a bursary, addressing the funding challenges faced by many would-be applicants and employers.

Dr Elena Bedisti, Graduate School Services Director at the University of Reading, said: “Studying for a PhD has so many benefits for students, including developing analytical and organisational skills and boosting job prospects. Employers can also benefit from research tailored to their industry and strategic aims.

“We recognise that funding can be an issue for some PhD applicants, so these bursaries help to remove a significant part of that barrier. We are pleased to help budding researchers in our local community, and those already in work, take the leap into the next chapter of their studies.

Applications encouraged

Both these schemes are open to applicants from any discipline. Members of University staff and employers who know of PhD applicants who may be eligible for these schemes are encouraged to direct their attention to these opportunities.

The University is particularly keen to receive applications from applicants in underrepresented groups.

For more information, contact Dr Lucy Fletcher, Doctoral Studentships Support Officer, on l.e.fletcher@reading.ac.uk.