The Royal Geographic Society - Monica Cole Research Grant

What the Monica Cole Research Grant gives you

You will receive a one-off research grant of about 1,150 EUR (£1,000) to cover the costs of fieldwork abroad. It is intended for an independent fieldwork project in the field of physical geography, i.e. the study of natural features such as glaciers, rivers, soils, climate or landforms. The Royal Geographical Society (RGS-IBG) in London awards this grant from the Monica Cole Bequest, named after a geobotanist who headed the Department of Geography at Bedford College. Two grants are awarded each year: one to an undergraduate student and one to a postgraduate student.

Who can apply

• Level: You are a Bachelor’s or Master’s student.
• University: You are enrolled at a British university.
• Field of study: Your project focuses on physical geography.
• Your project: You are carrying out your own independent field research project abroad. If you are joining a larger expedition, you must clearly set out the contribution your own research makes.
• Host country: They show that the country in which you are conducting your research is closely involved.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply, provided they are studying at a British university.

How to apply

Please email the completed RGS-IBG application form and a one-page CV to the Society by 23 November (11:59). In addition, two referees – one of whom must be your supervisor – must submit their reference forms. An external panel of experts will assess the applications. There will be no interviews for this scholarship.

How realistic are your chances?

This scholarship is very specific: applicants must be studying Physical Geography at a British university and must demonstrate a concrete plan for independent fieldwork abroad. This keeps the pool of applicants small. However, as only one scholarship is awarded each year for undergraduate students and one for postgraduate students, the few strong applicants are in direct competition with one another. A well-thought-out, feasible project with clear involvement of the host country, as well as a sound safety and budget plan, is crucial to success here.