Criteria, University of Kent

The Ingenuity Fund has been set up to support the project needs of postgraduate research (MA, MSc, MPhil and PhD) students who can demonstrate an entrepreneurial and public spirited approach to their studies.

Projects should be relevant to rural development and small scale industry and can include such diverse areas as wood or metal working, textiles, architectural models and skilled crafts such as book binding; these are only ideas - the criteria are very flexible.

The fund will award up to £10,000 over the course of the academic year; it is envisaged that between 1 and 3 students will be supported annually.

• Applicants must have made an application and received an offer of a place or be a current student at the University of Kent
• Applicants must hold a good Honours degree (First or 2.1) or a Master’s degree at merit or distinction
• UK, EU and overseas fee paying students are invited to apply
• Applicants must have excellent communication skills, both written and oral, and be able to:
  • explain their project clearly and without jargon to non-experts
  • convey their passion for their project to a wider audience
  • convince the panel of the project's wider value
  • act as 'ambassador' for both the University and their subject
• Applicants should be involved in rural development or small scale industry with low tech requirements
• Applicants must demonstrate an entrepreneurial and public spirited approach to their studies
• Funds will be awarded to scholars on the basis of evidence of need

The successful applicants will be selected on their achievements to date in their chosen field and an interview.

To be eligible for the scholarships, applicants must have made a formal application for postgraduate research study, or be a current student at the University of Kent.

Applications to the University can be made online.

To be considered for these scholarships you must send the following documents to the Scholarships Unit by Friday 31 May 2013:

• Project/research proposal, of no more than three sides of A4, to include details of expenses and projected outcomes
• Covering letter stating the reasons why you wish to receive this scholarship and giving the names of your two referees
• CV
• Two academic references

You may also choose to submit:

• Sample of hand craft skills, for example:
  • items made from wood or textiles or other design materials
  • architectural models
  • detailed drawings for projects

This is not an exhaustive list - but for illustration purposes only. A sum of up to £100 is available for shortlisted applicants to develop their sample prior to interview if required.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring both references are sent to the Scholarships Unit by the deadline of Friday 31 May 2013.

References from the University of Kent academic staff may be emailed via their University email account to scholarships@kent.ac.uk

Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend an interview.

All documents should be posted or emailed to: The Scholarships Unit, Enrolment Management Services, The Registry, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NZ scholarships@kent.ac.uk

Deadline: Friday 31 May 2013

Interviews: Late June 2013. Date to be confirmed

For enquiries please contact the Scholarships Unit