Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Studentship Competitions 2007/08

I enclose for your information, details of the studentship schemes available from the ESRC for the 2007/08 session. The guidance notes and application forms (Open Competition only for the School of Languages, Linguistics and Cultures) can be downloaded from the following URL: http://www.esrcsocietytoday.ac.uk/ESRCInfoCentre/opportunities/postgraduate/fundingopportunities/

Please note, the School deadline for submission of the application is 30 March 2007.

All forms must be submitted to:

Rachel Corbishley Postgraduate Support Officer School of Languages, Linguistics & Cultures Humanities Lime Grove Building Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PL GENERAL INFORMATION ON EACH SCHEME

1. 1 + 3 Scheme

 The 1+3 scheme is for students doing a 1 year Master’s research training programme plus 3 years of study towards a PhD.  There are two ESRC 1+3 schemes currently in place: Open Competition and Quota Competition. ESRC ‘recognised’ HEI Disciplines (see Appendix 1 for outlets within The University of Manchester) have been given quotas. Recognised outlets can also submit (in most cases) a further application either to the 1+3 or the +3 ‘proposal’ (Open) Competition. Non-recognised outlets cannot put forward any applications. However, disciplines are advised to forward only the strongest candidates to the Open Competition as otherwise a high number of unsuccessful applicants will mean a poor success rate presented in national publications. Please note, the School of Languages, Linguistics and Cultures is not eligible for the Quota Competition, only the Open Competition.  Students accepted onto places for a number of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) must choose which HEI they will formally apply to the ESRC through. Candidates will be disqualified if more than one application to each scheme is received by the ESRC.  Students cannot apply to both the 1+3 and the +3 studentships – both are mutually exclusive.

2. +3 Scheme

 The +3 scheme is for candidates that have already completed the research training year and who are applying for a 3 year period to undertake PhD study.  As mentioned above, the ESRC recognised HEI Outlets (Appendix 1 for outlets within The University of Manchester) can submit (in most cases) an application either to the 1+3 or the +3 ‘proposal’ (Open) Competition. However, disciplines are advised to forward only the strongest candidates to the Open Competition as otherwise a high number of unsuccessful applicants will mean a poor success rate presented in national publications.  Students cannot apply to both the 1+3 and the +3 studentships – both are mutually exclusive. 3. Key Eligibility Notes of the ESRC funding schemes

A. Academic eligibility:

 Candidates must have qualifications equivalent to the standard of a good Honours degree at first or very high upper second class level gained from a UK academic institution.  The ESRC bases its assessments of qualifications attained outside the UK on the British Council’s NARIC guide.  Students applying for the +3 award must also demonstrate that they will have completed, by 30 September 2007, the full research training requirements contained in the Postgraduate Training Guidelines (available at: http://www.esrcsocietytoday.ac.uk/ESRCInfoCentre/Images/postgraduate_funding_guide_tc m6-12067.pdf )  Candidates must be planning to study in an ESRC recognised outlet within a UK HEI (see Appendix 1 for The University of Manchester’s recognised outlets).

B. Residential eligibility:  Candidates must have a relevant connection with the UK in order to qualify for a full award. This includes candidates who have been ordinarily resident in the UK throughout the 3 year period preceding the date of application and resident for this 3 year period for reasons other than education. Also candidates that have settled status in the UK within the meaning of the Immigration Act 1971.  Candidates from EU countries other than the UK are now eligible for full awards maintenance, tuition fees and Research Training Support Grant (RTSG).  Currently members of the EU are as follows: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Denmark, The Irish Republic, UK, Greece, Portugal, Spain, Austria, Finland, Spain, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, The Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Romania, and Bulgaria.

4. Assessment of Applications in the ESRC Schemes

Marks will be given for the quality of candidates on the evidence of their initial qualifications, their aptitude for research and either the full description of their project for the +3 or the outline of the topic area for 1+3; the matching of the candidate’s and his/her supervisor’s interests for +3 or the possible supervisors for 1+3; as well as the suitability of the specific training proposed or already undertaken.

The application will be marked in three sections as follows:

Section 1 Part one is completed by the student, part two by the referees. Personal Examiners will allocate up to 40% weighting in this section in the details & case of 1+3 applications and 30% for +3 applications. references

Section 2 This section is completed by the student and the examiners will Proposed allocate up to 30% weighting for 1+3 applications and 40% for research +3 applications. area

Section 3 Supervisors Section 3 is completed by the prospective supervisor(s). section Examiners will award up to 30% weighting for 1+3 applications and +3 applications based on the supervisor's analysis of the student’s training requirements and the fit between the supervisor and the student’s research topic.

The examiners will then allocate a final grade for each application based upon the overall weighting derived from the above table.

The grades will follow the guidelines below:

ALPHA An alpha grade should be awarded to an application felt to be of such potential scientific merit, timeliness and novelty that it is likely to make a significant contribution to knowledge and the development of the research area. ALPHA + Rates the potential of the applicant as very strong, the application as outstanding in terms of its potential scientific merit and the training arrangements and supervisor fit to the research topic as excellent. ALPHA Rates the potential of the applicant as strong, the application as having considerable potential scientific merit and the training arrangements and supervisor fit to the research topic as very suitable, but does not warrant an A+ rating. ALPHA- Rates the potential of the applicant as good, the application as having good potential scientific merit and the training arrangements and supervisor fit to the research topic as suitable, but is not of a consistently high quality not to warrant an A rating. BETA Rates the potential of the applicant as fair, the application as having average potential scientific merit and the training arrangements and supervisor fit to the research topic as acceptable, but is not of consistent quality not to warrant an A- rating.

REJECT Rates the potential of the applicant as low, the application as having below average potential scientific merit, or is flawed in its scientific approach, or is otherwise judged as not worth pursuing, and the training arrangements and supervisor fit to the research topic as being of a low standard. 5. General Advice on completing the form  The ESRC recommends that applications are typed. When completing the application electronically, candidates should attempt to retain section spacing and page numbering.  The residency section of the DE (Declaration of Eligibility) form will be checked and stamped by staff from the Student Services Centre (SSC) on 26 April 2007. Forms must not be detached from the application or nomination form.  The degree result section of the DE (Declaration of Eligibility) form will be checked by Faculty. If the degree result is not known at the time of application the result must be sent to the ESRC by 31 July 2007.  Candidates should make sure the address included is the one they wish to be contacted on when the results are released. Please note, the ESRC expect candidates to confirm acceptance of an award within 10 working days.

Testimonials (references):

 Potential supervisors should not be encouraged to be a referee.  Referees should include a comment on the academic ability of the applicant (Remember they need a good 2i or 1st).  Referees are asked to comment on the research project in relation to the applicant and the supervisors.  References should be looking for a way to fit the application with the research project in a convincing way. IMPORTANT: when the applicant is asking their referees to write their reference, they must tell them that they need to connect it to their research proposal. The applicant must closely liaise with their referees over the preparation of their research project.  References should be wholly positive at all times. ESRC Examiners are told to watch out for generalisations, repetitions and ‘lukewarm’ statements in references such as “very good student”.  Extra curricular activities should also be highlighted in references to show that the referee knows the applicant well.  Note priority areas for ESRC – social statistics and demography.

Section 2: of 1+3 competition form

Two pages are allocated for the student to describe their research project and work experience, etc. More space than previous years has now been provided for applicants to:

 emphasise why they are interested in this research project  describe how their research interests reflect current qualifications and/or work experience. The career fit of this section is important.  demonstrate that they are the right candidate for this research and that it fits in with the supervisor’s research projects.

NB: successful applicants from previous years did have quite defined research proposals. If the research is more indicative rather than precisely structured, you need to justify why those proposed areas might be ones to pursue.

Of +3 form:

 ‘Coherence, justification & feasibility’ of project  ‘abilities to carry out the research’  Ethical considerations  Fieldwork proposals  Issues re access to data

Section 3 of 1+3 form:  Make the fit of the research proposal with supervisor’s interests explicit.  The institutional link is a good place to make up extra marks.

Of +3 form:

 As above  Can still apply for +3 even if MA not ESRC recognised  If the MA is not ESRC recognised then the supervisor needs to establish that the previously awarded MA training clearly meets ESRC requirements and/or that this can be supplemented with additional methods training during the 3 years research. ESRC Postgraduate Awards 2007/08

Guide for Applicants on How to Apply for an ESRC Postgraduate Award

 Download relevant ESRC application form, the DE form and the Equal Opportunities Form from:  http://www.esrcsocietytoday.ac.uk/ESRCInfoCentre/opportunities/postgraduate/fundingo pportunities/  Read the guidance notes carefully  Contact your two potential testimonial writers (referees) and check that they are available to provide a reference (It is strongly recommended for 1+3 students to use undergraduate tutors to complete your testimonials where possible. +3 candidates should use either undergraduate or postgraduate tutors).  Complete Part 1 and Part 2 of the application form yourself, in consultation with the prospective Programme Director/Supervisor. Application forms are only available in electronic form and must be word-processed or typed (minimum 10pt typescript).  Make sure you complete the details of your second testimonial writer and prospective supervisor at the foot of page 4 of the application forms.  Establish a secure summer address, and enter it on the form, NOT your semester-time address. If your address changes over the summer inform the ESRC immediately, in writing.  Make a plan B for what happens if you do not get funding  Check with the discipline in which you intend to study their internal closing date for receipt of ESRC applications and allow yourself, your referees and the institution sufficient time to complete the form. Although receipt of the application forms at the ESRC is 1 May 2007, disciplines/institutions will set an internal deadline in advance of this date (the School of Languages, Linguistics & Cultures deadline is 30 March 2007).  Remember to sign and date the form.  Forward the whole form to the first of your two testimonial writers. This should include a copy of the Notes on Completing the Application Form, for their information. Ensure that you provide the first testimonial writer with the address of the second testimonial writer in order that the form can be forwarded without delay. The second testimonial writer then sends the package to the prospective Supervisor/Programme Director who completes section 3.  If you have completed your degree(s) at an institution outside of the UK, you should forward your degree results and transcripts to the institution at which you will be studying.  A senior member of the Registry staff checks the full application form, completes the final page of Part 3 and sends the original plus two copies to the ESRC. Please note: Manchester University disciplines must send their fully completed forms (+ copies) to the Faculty of Humanities (who liaise with members of staff in the Student Services Centre) by Thursday 26 April 2007. It is essential that you check the internal closing date with your discipline to allow them sufficient time to meet this deadline.  The Registry staff will complete the necessary checks and stamp the forms and then forward the forms to the ESRC by their closing date of 4pm on 1 May 2007.  Attach a stamped, self-addressed postcard to your application if you wish the ESRC to confirm receipt of your application.

It is your responsibility to ensure that all parties have completed the form in time for it to reach the ESRC by 1 May 2007.

When will you learn the outcome of the competition? Candidates for research studentships will be notified of the results before 31 July 2007. However, reserve list candidates will not find out the final decision until September 2007. Key Dates for Members of Staff Dealing with the 2007/08 Round of the ESRC Studentship Competitions

February/March Application forms available to download from the ESRC website http://www.esrcsocietytoday.ac.uk/ESRCInfoCentre/opportunities/postgradu ate/fundingopportunities/

30 March 2007 School deadline for applicants to submit Part 1 of the form to the Postgraduate Office.

5 April 2007 School deadline for submission of Part 2 – referees reports.

13 April 2007 School deadline for submission of Part 3 — institutional statements.

20 April 2007 School deadline for checking of applications by PGT/PGR Programme Directors.

26 April 2007 School coordinates University eligibility checking and stamping by Faculty (Open competition).

30 April 2007 School submits original application form (stamped) + 3 photocopies to Faculty Office.

1 May 2007 Closing date for receipt of all completed Open Competition applications to the ESRC (sent via Faculty Office).

1 May 2007 ESRC Closing date for submission of DE (Declaration of Eligibility form) and DR forms (Degree Result forms) for all applicants who have completed their undergraduate and/or postgraduate degree. (Open Competition).

31 July 2007 ESRC closing date for submission of DR form (degree result forms) for all applicants who will complete their previous degrees in 2007.

31 July 2007 Offers made to successful 1+3 competition and +3 competition applicants.

1 October 2007 New awards start. APPENDIX 1 The University of Manchester

ESRC Recognised Outlets

FT = Full-time PT = Part-time

OUTLETS WITH 1+3 RECOGNITION

NAME OF OUTLET TYPE OF SUBJECT AREA RECOGNITION

School of Arts, Histories & Cultures FT1+3/PT1+3/CASE ESH (Economic and Social MA in Cultural History FT1+3/PT1+3/CASE History) MA in Economic and Social History FT1+3/PT1+3/CASE MA War, Culture and History FT1+3/PT1+3/CASE

School of Education FT1+3/PT1+3/CASE EDU (Education) MSc Educational Research FT1+3/PT1+3/CASE

Institute for Development Policy and FT1+3 AST (Area and Development Management Studies) MA (RT) Development Studies FT1+3 MA (RT) International Development FT1+3 MSc (RT) Environment and Development FT1+3

Geography FT1+3/PT+3/CASE HUG (Human Geography) MA in Human Geography FT1+3/CASE (PT for +3only)

Planning and Landscape FT1+3/CASE PLA (Environmental MA Urban and Environmental Planning FT1+3/CASE Planning/Planning)

Centre for the History of Science, FT1+3/PT1+3/CASE STS (Science, Technology Technology & Medicine and Engineering)

MSc Research Methods in History of FT1+3/PT1+3/CASE Science, Technology and Medicine

School of Languages, Linguistics & FT1+3/PT1+3 LIN (Linguistics) Cultures MA Linguistics FT1+3/PT1+3

School of Law FT1+3/PT1+3/CASE SLS (Socio-Legal Studies) MRes Crime and Criminal Justice FT1+3/PT1+3/CASE

Manchester Business School FT1+3/PT+3/CASE MBS (Management and MRes in Management FT1+3/CASE Business Studies) MSc in Accounting and Finance FT1+3/CASE MSc in Finance FT1+3/CASE MSc in Human Resource Management FT1+3/CASE and Industrial Relations MSc in International Business and Management FT1+3/CASE MSc in Marketing FT1+3/CASE

School of Psychological Sciences FT1+3/PT1+3/CASE PSY (Psychology) MRes Psychology FT1+3/PT1+3/CASE

The Cathie March Centre for Census FT1+3/PT1+3/CASE SMC (Statistics, Methods and Survey Research and Computing) MSc in Social Research Methods FT1+3/PT1+3/CASE and Statistics

Economics FT1+3/CASE ECN (Economics) MSc in Economics FT1+3/CASE MSc in Economics and Econometrics FT1+3/CASE

Government & International Politics FT1+3/PT1+3 PIR (Politics and MA Human Rights (Research) International Relations) MA International Politics (Research) FT1+3/PT1+3 MA Political Science FT1+3/PT1+3

FT1+3/PT1+3

Social Anthropology FT1+3/PT1+3/CASE SAP (Social Anthropology) MA (Econ) in Anthropological Research FT1+3/PT1+3/CASE

Sociology FT1+3/PT1+3/CASE SOY (Sociology) MSc in Sociological Research FT1+3/PT1+3

OUTLETS WITH +3 RECOGNITION

ESRC Centre for Research in FT+3/PT+3/CASE STS (Science, Technology Innovation and Competition and Engineering)