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 2010-11 session the course fee will be:

full-time Home and EU students: GBP£3,440
full-time Overseas students: GBP£14,300

part-time Home and EU students: GBP£1,720
part-time Overseas students: GBP£7,150

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

2010-11 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 Science and Technology Studies, 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 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.

1.3 Wellcome Trust Centre for the History of Medicine (WTC)

Master's Awards
suitable for students primarily interested in the history of medicine as a topic and as a professional career

All students from either Home UK, the EU and from overseas are eligible to apply for these scholarships. The value of the award covers fees (at the home rate only) and a stipend.

nominations supported by the London Centre: The Centre may nominate one candidate for a Wellcome Trust Master's Award, which is allocated to the WTC. Normally a first-class undergraduate degree, and the intention to pursue an academic career, are required for consideration. The deadline is early May each year.

Those wishing to be conisdered for nomination must submit a one page history of medicine dissertation proposal to the London Centre's Admissions Tutor by 1 April. Normally a first-class undergraduate degree is the minimum criterion for consideration. A note of caution: These are highly competitive awards. Candidates compete with applicants to other degree courses. Applicants are advised to discuss applications with our admissions tutors well in advance of the deadline.

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 Research Preparation Master's Scheme
suitable for MSc in history of science, medicine and technology
February 1st is the deadline for applying to the MSc if you're also considering an AHRC and ESRC application.

Highly competitive. Eligibility criteria for AHRC awards are generally as follows: Home UK students are eligible to apply for fees and stipend, students from the EU can apply for a fees award only and students from overseas are not eligible for this award. AHRC studentships are open to full-time and part-time applicants.

Detailed application information and guidance is provided on the AHRC Web site. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult the London Centre MSc Admissions Tutors as early as possible about their application because applications require material us to provide information. The application also requires referees to comment in a specific sequence.

Warning: This is a time consuming process; plan ahead. Before an AHRC application can be submitted, the applicant must have been accepted by the Centre and given an offer of admission. Athough the closing date set by the AHRC is around 1 May, applications should be started no later than early February to allow enough time for all steps to be completed in time.

Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)

ESRC Postgraduate Funding
suitable for MSc in Science, Technology, Medicine and Society
February 1st is the deadline for applying to the MSc if you're also considering an AHRC and ESRC application.

The ESRC will normally only provide MSc funding as part of a '1+3' award, combining MSc and PhD funding. The London Centre has ESRC recognition for both our masters programmes.

MSc in History of Science, Technology and Medicine
Full-time: 1+3 and +3
Part-time: 1+3 and +3

MSc in Science, Technology and Medicine and Society
Full-time: 1+3 and +3
Part-time: 1+3 and +3

Ask our admissions tutors about the application process.

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).