Funding an MSc degree

This page offers advice on funding opportunities for MSc degrees. Some information is specific to the London Centre. Applicants hoping for support are strongly encouraged to seek advice from our admissions tutors. Please be aware of deadlines. We work closely with applicants for funding. Simply ask us for advice.

Costs

Fees are set by Imperial College.
For the 2012-13 session, fees are:

full-time Home and EU students: GBP£3,825
full-time Overseas students: GBP£16,000
part-time fees are approximately half

These may change. Check the Imperial College Postgraduate Prospectus for updates and other rates. Look under "Humanities" and "all other courses".

Deadlines for AHRC , ESRC, and Wellcome awards should be noted. Applicants wishing to be considered for Rausing or STS studentships should submit applications by the end of April.

1. Funding specific to the London Centre

1.1 STS, UCL

STS studentships
suitable for students interested in either MSc degree offered by the London Cetnre

The Department of Science and Technology Studies, UCL, offers up to two scholarships for the MSc programmes taught by the London Centre for the History of Science, Medicine and Technology. Those admitted to the London Centre will be considered automatically for these studentships.

These studentships will cover tuition fees at Home/EU rates. They do not include a stipend or support for accommodation. There is a preference to award one scholarship for each MSc programme. However, the Department may elect instead to support truly exceptional candidates regardless of their degree choice.

Eligibility: All Home/EU applicants accepted for entry onto these courses will be considered for these awards. They will be judged on the basis of their MSc application, plus any supporting material (such as impressions drawn from interviews). Those wishing to provide additional material in support of their case may submit a 750 word statement describing their particular interest in the degree. Ask our admissions tutors.

Other UCL information specifically for UK and EU Masters students (here)
Other UCL information specifically for Overseas Masters students (here)

1.2 CHoSTM, Imperial College London

Hans Rausing MSc / PhD studentship
suitable for students primarily interested continuing in the history of science and technology at the PhD level, studying at Imperial College.

This award is offered by Imperial College for applicants to the London Centre's MSc programme. There is a preference for candidates interested in history of science and history of technology. It is open to home, EU and overseas students with an exceptional academic track record and outstanding research potential. It covers fees (at home or overseas rates) and a stipend equivalent to that offered by the AHRC.

Subject to outstanding performance on the MSc progamme, the successful candidate will receive funding to pursue a 3-year PhD at Imperial College, although they will also be expected to apply for funding from other UK/EU or overseas funindg bodies. Continuation of the award is subject to the holder making satisfactory progress each year on the doctoral programme.

Apply for this studentship while applying to the MSc programme. Indicate on the application form your interest in being considered. Also, state your research interests in your personal statement.

2. Funding via Universities

UCL offers general guidance on scholarships and awards (here)
Imperial College offers general guidance on scholarships and awards (here).

3. Funding via research councils

Arts and Humanities Research Board (AHRC)

AHRC has changed its process for applications, requiring institutions to administer the process via block grant partnerships. Both Imperial and UCL have block grant opportunities. Applications must be received by:
-15 January for UCL history-related funding applications
-30 April for Imperial history-related applications

These are highly competitive processes. Those considering this scheme are strongly advised to discuss this with the relevant deaprtment's admissions tutor well in advance of the deadline.

Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)

ESRC also has changed its process for applications, requiring institutions to administer the process via block grant partnerships. UCL has block grant opportunities to support social sciences research as part of the Doctoral Training Centre, meaning applications should be part of a combined programme of MSc and PhD study. Discuss these with our admissions tutors. Application must be received by 15 January for UCL social sciences-related funding opportunities via the DTC.

These are highly competitive processes. Those considering this scheme are strongly advised to discuss this with the relevant deaprtment's admissions tutor well in advance of the deadline.

4. Funding via other sources

4.1 The Grants Register

The Grants Register. The Complete Guide to Postgraduate Funding Worldwide is an annual reference guide. It is available in most academic libraries and many other insitutions.

4.2 British Society for the History of Science (BSHS)

BSHS bursaries
suitable for those with an interest in history of science, technology or medicine

The BSHS offers a limited number of bursaries (£1000) to support students taking taught Master's courses in the history of science, technology or medicine. Applications are particularly welcome from those who have not studied the history of science, technology or medicine during their primary degree course. Applications are also welcomed from those who are ineligible for grants from the usual funding bodies.

4.3 Department for Education and Skills (DfES)

Career Development Loans (CDLs)
suitable for those pursuing vocational training.

5. Applicants from outside the United Kingdom

Contact the British Council office in your own country for details of grants available.

UCL offers general guidance on scholarships and awards (here) and advice specifically for Overseas Masters students (here).