The History department, UCL - Funding for students on the MA Medieval and Renaissance Studies programme

What you get

UCL’s one-year Master’s programme in ‘Medieval and Renaissance Studies’ (MARS) offers you the opportunity to receive three scholarships that will reduce your tuition fees. All three scholarships are administered by the Department of History and will be applied against your tuition fees as follows:

• Baxendale Scholarships: covers the full tuition fees for a degree programme in the United Kingdom (approximately 20,000 / £16,800 euros for 2026/27). As a rule, several scholarships are awarded each year, which are open to all applicants for a Master’s programme, regardless of their fee status.
• Carol Chattaway Scholarship: over 3,000 (£2,500) euros – an annual prize for a student of Medieval History. This prize is aimed most directly at MARS students.
• Jean Orr Scholarship: approximately 8,300 euros (£7,000), a scholarship awarded annually on the basis of academic merit. The amount remaining after your tuition fees have been paid will be paid to you to cover your living costs. This applies only if you are also studying French, Italian or Dutch.

All three are funded by the Department of History at UCL and its associated foundations.

Who can apply

• Degree you are aiming for: You are applying for the Master’s programme in ‘Medieval and Renaissance Studies’ at UCL, or are already enrolled on the programme.
• Field: To be eligible for the Chattaway Prize, you must be studying medieval history. The Baxendale Prize is open to all Master’s students in the Department of History at UCL.
• Nationality: All nationalities are welcome. The Baxendale Scholarships are available regardless of fee status, meaning that both UK and international students are eligible.
• Grades: To be admitted to the Master’s programme (MA), you must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree with an upper second-class honours (or an equivalent foreign qualification). Admission is based on academic merit.
• Preference (Chattaway): Particular consideration will be given to older students.

How to apply

No separate application is required for the Baxendale Scholarships: any application for the Master’s programme received by 31 January will automatically be considered. For the Chattaway Prize, your complete application, including references, must be received by UCL by 15 May; for the Jean Orr Prize, by 19 May. If you have not received a response by the relevant deadline (31 March for Baxendale, 31 May for Chattaway), you have not been shortlisted.

How realistic are your chances?

The Chattaway Prize is restricted to students of medieval history, with preference given to older applicants and female applicants; consequently, the pool of applicants is small, and a suitable candidate stands a real chance. The Baxendale Scholarships are more competitive, as they are open to all applicants for the Master’s degree in History at UCL. However, several scholarships are awarded each year, and you are automatically entered by applying by 31 January – so applying early costs you nothing.