Undergraduate Research & Leadership Scholarship for level 1 Law students
Information pack
The School of Law is delighted to announce the continuation of the extremely successful
and prestigious Undergraduate Research and Leadership Scholarship (UGRLS) Scheme, with
a scholarship available for current first year Law students, the Keith Lee Research and
Leadership Scholarship. This has been made possible through the very generous support of
Mr Keith Lee, an alumnus of the School.
The scheme has arisen out of the University’s commitment to teaching in a researchintensive environment and recognises the quality of research opportunities available in the
subjects covered by the arts and social sciences faculties. It aims to offer funded
opportunities for students to become closely involved in the research culture of the Faculty
and will be of particular interest to students who are considering postgraduate study.
Selection for, and successful completion of, a scholarship is likely to significantly enhance
scholars’ CVs and their employability subsequent to graduation.
The successful scholar will receive a total of £4000 for working on a project based in the
School of Law for six-weeks full time (or equivalent) through the summer period in both
2015 and 2016 – see below for further details of the project. In addition a small amount of
activity, including an ambassadorial role, will be expected during term time (the volume of
which will be compatible with full-time study). The scholar will receive £2000 for each of the
summer periods of research and additionally be able to earn up to £1000 in each of their
second and third years of study for ambassadorial and other duties.
Scholarships will be awarded on a competitive basis. The criteria for award, application
details and selection process are set out below. There is a particular emphasis on evidence
of academic potential, suitability for the chosen project and capacity to work in a reliable
and professional manner.
The project
The main aim of this research is to conduct an ‘oral history’ of the School of Law, University
of Leeds. The project will use interviews with former students and former/current members
of staff to investigate how learning and teaching has evolved over the history of the School.
In this way, the project will complement and further develop the School’s research into legal
and criminological education. The scholar will make a substantial contribution to the
project: with the support of School staff, she/he will take the lead in data collection, by
designing and delivering a programme of interviews covering a wide range of subjects
(including staff and student experiences of learning and teaching, and student
employability). The scholar’s work in this area will produce a valuable dataset on the
experiences of former students and staff, which will serve as a vital resource for developing
scholarship on legal and criminological education within the School.
The successful scholar will work under the supervision David Churchill and will also function
as a student ambassador for the School of Law and the University, helping throughout their
degree to communicate the distinctive benefits of our research-dependent academic
mission (for instance at selected Open Days or events with cultural partners and
organisations: these in themselves will present valuable personal development
opportunities).
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Work on the project will commence in June 2015 and run over a period of 2 years
incorporating both summers and with ambassadorial duties ending in June 2017. Special
arrangements will be arranged for students on four-year programmes.
Key tasks to be pursued by the scholarship holder
With the support of staff, the scholar will play a key role in gathering the data for this
research project, as well as contributing to ambassadorial duties within the School. Specific
tasks include:
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Investigating research methods and techniques related to oral history.
Designing, evaluating and modifying interview schedules for use in the research.
Working with School support staff to identify appropriate former students and
former/existing members of staff to act as participants in the research project.
Making contact with the participants in order to schedule interviews.
Conducting the interviews, recording and analysing the data generated by them.
Engaging in regular meetings/communications with the supervisor and mentor.
Preparing reports on the progress of the research and a final summary of findings.
Presenting research findings at events in the School of Law.
Supporting academic and support colleagues with induction week activities.
Acting as a student ambassador at undergraduate open days.
Supporting the School’s communications with former and existing students.
Principal academic outcomes/outputs to be generated by the scholarship holders’
research
The scholar will present their findings at two events in the School of Law: 1) an internal
workshop, followed by supportive feedback from staff; 2) an end-of-project presentation
open to School alumni and other external invitees. The scholar will also produce a brief
report on their research for Liberty Brief, the School’s newsletter. In addition, the scholar
may wish to explore alternative ways to present their findings – for example, by producing a
short video to be uploaded to the School’s website.
Person specification
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Interest in and willingness to engage in an extended research project
Interest in higher education and experiences of teaching and learning
Ability to work to deadlines, including when not under immediate supervision
Confidence in working with members of staff and engaging with a wide range of
individuals (including research participants and potential students)
Excellent written and oral communication skills
An awareness of the ethical issues associated with conducting research
Familiarity with use of IT and basic office software (e.g. Word, Excel)
Familiarity with producing audio and video recordings, or willingness to develop skills
in this area
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The Keith Lee Research and Leadership Scholar will
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Develop their academic potential through their research activities
Receive individual mentoring from an academic specialist/research team
Gain valuable skills in enterprise, research and leadership
Enhance their employability through undertaking project work and participating in
workshops designed to promote leadership, innovation, self-confidence, initiative
and creativity
Represent the School of Law and University as a Student Ambassador
Receive a total honorarium of up to £6000
£2,000 for research work during each summer of the project (Scholars should expect
to work flexibly around project activity, but as a guide not less than the equivalent of
6 weeks full-time work on the project based in Leeds)
Up to £1000 x2 to recognise ad hoc work through the rest of the academic year
Applications
The Keith Lee Research and Leadership Scholarship is only open to current level one
students in the School of Law. The application form (see page 4) asks for a personal
statement in two sections. In completing these sections you should aim to evidence:
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grasp of related academic areas, the focus of your academic enthusiasms and
interests
prior experience or independent work particularly relevant to the project
how the development opportunities are personally relevant
strengths in responsibility roles, professional conduct, reliability
2. Additional supporting information must be provided. This will include:
3. a) An up-to-date CV (not more than 2 sides). This should include a section outlining
your co-curricular achievement and personal development planning.
4. b) A supporting statement from your personal tutor.
The deadline for applications is Monday 23 March 2015, 12pm.
Applications and CVs should be saved as a single file with your name as the file name. They
should be submitted electronically by E-MAIL to m.pelan@leeds.ac.uk with the subject line
‘Law Scholarship Application’. Please send all documents in .doc/.docx format.
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Short-listing and Interviews
The shortlisted candidates will be interviewed the week of 14th April; we will give the
shortlisted candidates at least one weeks’ notice for the interview. As part of the interview
process, short-listed applicants may be asked to give a short presentation or undertake an
exercise on a topic related to the application (this will be advised to short-listed applicants).
The selection panel will comprise of academic staff from across the Faculty.
Successful applicants
Successful applicants will meet their supervisor before the end of Semester Two to discuss
the practical details of starting their scholarship in summer 2014. As part of the Scholarship,
successful applicants must attend a compulsory residential induction programme on 10-11
June, as well as attend the launch party on Tuesday 28 April, 2-4pm.
Contact point for UGRLS:
Martin Pelan m.pelan@leeds.ac.uk
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Application Form for UG Research and Leadership Scholarship
School of Law
If you would like to apply, please complete this application and attach a CV. Applications and CVs
should be saved as a single file with your name as the file name. They should be submitted
electronically by E-MAIL to m.pelan@leeds.ac.uk with the subject line ‘UGRLS Application’. Please
send all documents in either .doc/.docx format.
Submission deadline is Monday 23 March 2015, 12pm.
Name:
School:
Programme of study:
Email address:
Please answer the following questions in no more than 500 words per question.
1. What particularly interests you about this research project?
2. How will this scholarship enhance your knowledge and skills?
3. How will this scholarship contribute to your career plans?
4. What makes you especially suited to this project?
PERSONAL TUTOR’S STATEMENT
Your application must be supported by a statement from your personal tutor. Please email your
application and the project learning contract you are interested in to your personal tutor and
arrange to meet them to discuss your project activity. Your personal Tutor will need to complete
this section of the form and then send it directly to Martin Pelan, m.pelan@leeds.ac.uk, by Monday
23 March 2015, 12pm, including your name in the subject header i.e. Fred Blogs UGRLS Reference.
FOR THE ATTENTION OF THE PERSONAL TUTOR:
Please consider the following points in a supporting statement:
1. The likely benefit of the project to the student
2. The ways in which the student’s skills will be developed
3. The ability of the student to complete the project
4. Whether carrying out the project will damage the student’s academic progress
If you have any queries, please email your Faculty UGRL Scholarship Administrator
Martin Pelan, m.pelan@leeds.ac.uk.
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Please confirm that you have attached an Up-to-date CV
Please confirm that you can attend the COMPULSORY UGRLS launch event,
April 28, 2-4pm
Please confirm that you can attend the COMPULSORY UGRLS residential in
Leeds 10-11 June
Please note it is expected that interviews will take place the week of April 13
2015
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Responsibilities of the Scholar
Each Scholar is expected to:
1.
Attend the residential induction event
2.
Attend the Team Building and Leadership Training events
3.
Undertake the work necessary to complete the Scholarship Project (normally 6 weeks in the
summer vacation at the end of the 1st and 2nd year)
4.
Work on campus in appropriate workspace provided by the school, e.g. office, lab etc.
5.
Respond to communication from project leaders and scheme coordinators in timely fashion,
over the summer and during term time.
6.
Attend Research Project meetings with the project supervisor at the start, middle and end of
each of the two research periods.
7.
Report on progress weekly during the summer Research Project.
8.
Provide a Project Report at the end of each period of research work by the 20th September;
the structure of the report is to be agreed with the project supervisor, but will include
reflections on progress towards meeting the project outcomes and the development of
leadership skills. A report pro-forma is attached as Annex 2e, page 17. This report to be
signed-off by the project supervisor, and emailed to the Scholarship Administrator.
9.
Provide a thank you letter to their alumni donors. This letter should be emailed, no later
than 20th September, to your Scholarship Administrator, who will then forward to the
Alumni Office for presentation to the Scholarship donor.
10.
Attend the Alumni Donors reception in December of each year of the Scholarship.
11.
Participate in ambassadorial work as requested:
a.
by the School in support of their recruitment, student education and research
activities. This will be organised so as not to clash with the Scholars academic workload.
b.
by the Alumni Office in support of the ongoing relationship with potential donors,
and in particular the Scheme Donor.
This work will be will be organised so as not to clash with the Scholars academic workload and will
be up to a maximum total of 220 hours across years 2 and 3 of the Scholarship.
12.
Contribute appropriate copy/materials for publicity proposes and to help promote the
Scholarship scheme.
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The Scholar Network and being a Scholarship Ambassador
Undergraduate Research and Leadership Scholarships are funded by donations from former student
or other donors to the University. It is important we report back to these donors about the
difference their gifts have made and scholars are in a unique position to help do this by attending
events, meeting donors and influential alumni to tell them about the benefits of their personal
scholarship experience.
The Alumni and Development Team provide valuable training to help scholars do this effectively,
which also gives scholars new skills to take with them beyond their time at University and use in
their career. Attending the training and using the skills in meetings and events with donors make
scholars ‘Scholarship Ambassadors’ helping the University to secure more support for future
Scholarships.
Typical training offered to Scholars in the Scholar Network
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Events training: Covering networking skills, etiquette when meeting your donor, talks from
experienced scholars and other topics invaluable for your Scholarship Ambassador role and
your CV.
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Recruitment skills: CV, interview, assessment centres, how to make the most of your Scholar
Network experience.
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Writing workshop: An insight into writing donor letters and much more.
Typical events open to Scholars in the Scholar Network:
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Scholar Network Welcome Drinks (October): Meet other scholars and find out more about
different scholarship types.
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Scholarships Reception (December): All scholars are invited to the widely anticipated annual
scholarships drinks and canapés reception.
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House of Lords reception (June): Open to scholars by application only.
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Campaign Weekend: Open to scholars by application only. An opportunity for high level
donor engagement and further intensive training, e.g. on presentations.
Scholars may also be asked to meet the donor who funded their scholarship one to one or as part of
a small group. These meetings include a member of the Alumni and Development Team. They are
an opportunity to make a good impression on the donor but may also result in offers of mentoring,
work placements or career advice for the Scholar.
To get involved in the Scholar Network, scholars should find the Scholar Network on the VLE. It is
here that information is posted about upcoming events and calls are made for volunteers – often at
quite short notice. If a scholar needs to be added to the group, they should email:
stewardship@leeds.ac.uk
Scholars will find information at www.facebook.com/groups/uolscholarnetwork , but should note
they’ll need access to the VLE to sign up for events posted there.
Further information is available from the Stewardship Team, contact stewardship@leeds.ac.uk or
0113 343 3945
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Funding details
The scholarship provides a maximum of £6,000 scholarship plus support for teambuilding and for
personal and leadership development. Funding is allocated, as set out below, to cover activity in
each of three academic years:
A. Scholars’ Living Costs
i.
£4,000 paid directly to the scholar as payment for the work they do on the research
project. This is intended to cover their accommodation and living costs for two 6week periods in the summers following their first and second year when Scholars
work on their research project. This ensures they do not need to take on other paid
work to cover these costs.
ii.
It should be paid in two instalments, once in June in the first year and once in June in
the second year before they start each period of their research project.
B. Ambassadorial duties
i.
A maximum of £2,000 is allocated to each Scholarship to recognise the contribution
they make to school/faculty/centrally organised events and activities linked to the
UGRLS scheme and/or student education/research related activities.
ii.
This allocation is allocated as follows:
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Up to £1,700 during the second and third year of the Scholarship, for up to a
total of 220 hours at £7.67 per hour on the basis of signed timesheets
submitted by the Scholar to the Scholarship Administrators.
iii.
As a fixed payment of £100 at the end of each research period, on acceptance, by
the school, of a) an annual donor’s letter and annual project report (by 20th
September in scholarship years 1 and 2) , and b) a final report (by 1st June in their
final scholarship year).
iv.
Any funds not used in this way are returned to the Alumni Office at the end of the
Scholarship, to be reinvested in the scheme.
C. Research Project funding
i.
A maximum of £1,000 is set aside to cover any essential costs directly associated
with project work the Scholar will be undertaking to develop their research and
leadership skills.
ii.
This is not a grant. It is available only to be used where necessary to ensure the
Scholar has the resources they need to undertake their research project. It might,
for example, cover additional equipment/materials needed by the Scholar, or travel
and accommodation costs to attend a conference to inform the project work or to
present its outcomes.
iii.
Any equipment purchased remains the property of the Faculty and must be retained
for the benefit of future scholars.
iv.
Any funds not used in this way are returned to the Alumni Office at the end of the
Scholarship, to be reinvested in the scheme.
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