Whitworth Scholarships - Whitworth Senior Scholarship Awards

Whitworth Senior Scholarship Award

You will receive up to £21,000 per year (about 24,500 EUR) for a full-time PhD for up to 3 years. Part-time researchers will receive a pro-rata amount. The funding is paid out each semester. You may combine this funding with other sources of funding, but not with another Whitworth scholarship. This funding is aimed at engineers pursuing a PhD or EngD. It is provided by the Whitworth Trust Fund, which is administered by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). Upon completion of your PhD, you will be entitled to use the title ‘Whitworth Senior Scholar’ and the abbreviation ‘WhSSch’.

Who can apply

• Study level: You are about to start a research degree (PhD, EngD or MPhil) or have already started one.
• Your degree so far: You have recently completed your engineering degree.
• Field of study: Any engineering discipline, for example mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, civil engineering or electrical engineering.
• Practical route: Before starting your degree, you completed vocational training in engineering, usually an apprenticeship lasting at least 2 years following the completion of full-time school.
• Nationality: You are a British national, a national of a Commonwealth country or a citizen of the European Union.
• Residence: You have lived in the UK for at least 3 consecutive years immediately prior to the start of your degree programme.
• One per person: You may only receive a senior scholarship once in your lifetime.

How to apply

Please complete the online application form. Please include a brief description of your proposed research project, as well as references from your supervisor and your educational institution. The application deadline is 17 July each year. Shortlisted candidates will attend a compulsory interview in London in early July; travel expenses will be reimbursed. The decision will be made the following week.

How realistic are your chances?

This award is aimed at a very select group. You need a background in engineering that combines practical training with a university degree, as well as a place on a research programme, meaning that very few people meet the criteria. If you fit this profile and can present a clear research plan and strong references, your chances are good. As an interview is compulsory, making a strong personal impression is just as important as your application documents.