University of Birmingham - Nolan Merrill Prize

Nolan Merrill Prize

The prize for the best final-year dissertation on the four-year MSci degree programme in Physics at the University of Birmingham is a one-off prize of about 308 EUR (£250). This is an academic award, not a monthly scholarship. It recognises the best final-year dissertation of the 4 cohort in the School of Physics and Astronomy. The prize is sponsored by the engineering firm Cavendish Nuclear.

Who can apply

• Degree: You are in the 4 academic year of the MSci degree programme in Physics, the four-year version of the Physics degree programme.
• Institution: You are studying at the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Birmingham.
• Field of study: Physics.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.
• How you win it: Your project from 4 was recognised as the best in your year group.

How to apply

There is no separate application process. The school decides internally who will receive the prize, based on how your project from the year 4 compares with those of your classmates.

How realistic are your chances?

As only one prize is awarded for the best dissertation in the MSci cohort, competition is fierce. You cannot apply for it directly or work towards it; you simply have to produce outstanding work on your project. Think of it as recognition for outstanding achievement rather than funding that you can use to plan your studies.