Van Mildert College
Scholarships and Bursaries
Scholarships and Bursaries at Van Mildert College Research and scholarship is at the very core of Van Mildert College. So too is support for our highly-motivated and talented student cohorts. College, with assistance from the Van Mildert Association and Van Mildert College Trust, has in the last few years, developed a range of bursaries and scholarships to support a spectrum of student activities. These awards offer support for undergraduates through the Principal’s Award, Travel Bursaries and Internship Support Bursaries, while postgraduates are supported by PhD Scholarships, Postgraduate Awards and the Conference Attendance Fund. These various initiatives provide our students with opportunities not otherwise available in the University, helping to expand their academic and student experience in College and more widely. Moreover, these awards commonly lead to some excellent presentations within and outwith College, publication of results in our in-house scholarly journal Quaesitum and the development of important life skills. We would urge you to apply for a fund which might suit you and greatly add value to your time in Durham and thus enrich the life of the College community.
In the first instance, please direct all enquiries to the Development Officer at vm.development@durham.ac.uk For enquiries about the Travel Bursaries, please contact the JCR Vice-President (Development) at vp@mildert.co.uk.
Van Mildert College Trust PhD Scholarships Van Mildert College Trust offers postgraduate research scholarships, which cover tuition fees, accommodation, living costs and other expenses. Currently, two PhD studentships are available providing three years of funding support. The Van Mildert College Trust PhD Studentships can be held in any department of Durham University. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and potential to produce high quality research outputs. Applications are accepted as part of a three year cycle of funding, with a call for applicants being released through the University webpages.
Conference Attendance Fund The Conference Attendance Fund was established by the Van Mildert College Trust to assist students, typically postgraduates, to attend a conference which will enhance their academic career. Awards are available to cover conference registration costs, travel, accommodation or subsistence. Call for applicants occur throughout the year, with awards of up to ÂŁ250 available per applicant. Priority is given to those students who are presenting their own research and those without funding support for such activities.
Internship Support Bursaries Internships offer students an important opportunity to gain valuable careers experience. As a result, the Van Mildert College Trust offers internship support bursaries to support students in their final year of study who have been awarded an internship but would otherwise be unable to take it up owing to lack of funds. Three awards of ÂŁ250 are available each year, which can be used to support travel, accommodation or subsistence costs associated with the internship.
Principal’s Award The Principal’s Award is presented to students wishing to undertake research activity broadly in line with the Principal’s research interests (Geology/Palaeontology/ Climate Change). Awards are provided to students of outstanding academic merit (undergraduate or postgraduate) who wish to undertake fieldwork as part of a high calibre research project. The research should lead to a dissertation, thesis or publication.
Travel Bursaries Each year, Van Mildert College offers Travel Bursaries to students (undergraduate or postgraduate) who wish to undertake travel for their own personal development. Students are able to apply for support of charitable project work, research support, skills development (such as learning a foreign language) etc. Awards of up to £500 are available through the scheme. Each recipient must provide a written report of their activities and the outcomes of their trip.
Postgraduate Awards Van Mildert College currently offers up to six Postgraduate Bursaries of £2000 each to members who are registered for higher degrees (Masters and PhD). Postgraduate Bursaries can be used to support expenses associated with the degree programme, as well as subsistence, accommodation and tuition. Applicants must demonstrate genuine financial need, evidence of excellent academic performance and potential and that they will contribute to college life.
Engagement Bursary Four College Engagement Bursaries available to first year students registered for an undergraduate degree programme at Van Mildert College. The Bursaries aim to recognise the contribution of first year undergraduates to the College community and JCR while also supporting them in achieving their academic and extra-curricular potential. It is the intention of the Van Mildert Association that the Engagement Bursaries should facilitate and widen participation in College-based activities. Each bursary carries a value of ÂŁ500.
Music Scholarships The College Senior Common Room offers two Music Scholarships of £250 to students from any discipline, currently registered for undergraduate or postgraduate study at Van Mildert College. The purpose of these Scholarships is to encourage the development of the musical life of the College across all musical genres whilst also nurturing a student’s personal development. Scholarship holders will be expected to take leadership roles, develop key new and existing musical initiatives within the College and may be called upon to perform at College, SCR or wider University functions.
Student Support Fund The Student Support Fund is a wide-ranging discretionary fund held by the College and is comprised of two funding pools: A: a fund to support student projects and personal development activities; B: a fund to support student hardship. The Student Support Fund is a rolling fund, with decisions being made on a case-by-case basis
Contacts For general enquiries, please contact: Development Officer
Email: vm.development@durham.ac.uk Tel: +44(0)191 334 7092
For further information or offers of support, please contact: Prof. David A. T. Harper Principal
Email: david.harper@durham.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0)191 334 7143
Dr Victoria Brown Deputy Principal
Email: v.h.brown@durham.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0)191 334 7144