Undergraduate Research & Leadership Scholarships 2015
Faculty of Arts
We are delighted to announce the continuation of the extremely successful and prestigious
Undergraduate Research and Leadership Scholarship (UGRLS) Scheme, with three Laidlaw
Scholarships available for current first year students studying in the Faculty of Arts1.
This has been made possible through the very generous support of our Alumni.
The scheme has arisen out of the University’s commitment to teaching in a research-intensive
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.
Undergraduate Research and Leadership Scholars will receive a total of £4000 for working with
researchers in the Faculty, on specific projects, for six-weeks full time (or equivalent) through the
summer period in both 2015 and 2016; 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). Scholars 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.
This round of scholarships and projects 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.
Undergraduate Research and Leadership Scholars will work under the supervision of an academic
mentor. Scholars will also function as student ambassadors for the Faculty 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).
Undergraduate Research and Leadership Scholars will
• 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 their School, Faculty and University as a Student Ambassador
• Receive a total honorarium of up to £6000
1 Comprising of the School of English; School of History; School of Languages, Cultures & Societies; School of Philosophy,
Religion and History of Science.
o
£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)
o
Up to £1000 x2 to recognise ad hoc work through the rest of the academic year
Applications
The Scholarships are only open to current level one students in the Faculty of Arts. Joint Honours
students are eligible and may apply for an Arts scholarship if one of their two main subjects is
studied in a School in Arts. You may apply for more than one project.
1. The application form asks for a personal statement in two sections. In completing these sections
you should aim to evidence:
• 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:
a) An up-to-date CV (not more than 2 sides). This should include a section outlining your cocurricular achievement and personal development planning.
b) A supporting statement from your personal tutor.
The deadline for applications is Friday 20 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 t.r.hornsby-smith@leeds.ac.uk with the subject line
‘UGRLS Application’. Please send all documents in .doc/.docx format.
Short-listing and Interviews
The shortlisted candidates will be interviewed the week of 20 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.
Arts Contact point for UGRLS:
Tess Hornsby Smith
t.r.hornsby-smith@leeds.ac.uk
Find out more about previous research scholars at: www.arts.leeds.ac.uk/ugresearch
Faculty of Arts UGRLS Project Proposals 2015
Project Title: Representing Postcolonial Disaster: Mental Health and Creative Practice
Project Lead: Anthony Carrigan, English
This UGRL scholarship will enable a student to take part in a significant AHRC and Ignite-funded
research project based in the School of English, entitled Representing Postcolonial Disaster
(http://arts.leeds.ac.uk/postcolonialdisaster/ ). The project looks at how postcolonial literature and
films challenge clear-cut divisions between social and natural catastrophes, and disrupt linear
notions of reconstruction in global contexts. It involves a range of external partnerships and
collaborations, including with the Bhopal Medical Appeal, Postcode Films, Kala Sangam, The Tetley
gallery, and Peepal Tree Press, and the scholarship will build on these through an independent focus
on disasters, mental health, and creative practice.
The student will pursue independent research into the representation of mental health issues and
long-term recovery in the wake of global disasters, with a particular focus on the Bhopal Gas
Disaster. This speaks to the Leeds Centre for Medical Humanities research theme of colonial and
postcolonial health, and to Dr Clare Barker’s shared interests in particular (Dr Barker has agreed to
offer additional supervisory support during the scholarship). The student will develop
interdisciplinary research skills by situating findings in the context of current research in global
health and the environmental and medical humanities. The student will receive support in accessing
and analysing resources in the Health Sciences library along with the Brotherton, and synthesising
scientific and arts-based research. The student will also have the opportunity to travel to and
conduct research at the Sambhavna Library and Documentation Centre in Bhopal, the world’s largest
repository of resources on the disaster.
The scholarship will allow the student to apply research findings through external collaboration, and
is situated in the context of existing intersectoral partnerships with the Bhopal Medical Appeal
(BMA) and Kala Sangam, a South Asian Arts Centre based in Bradford. Specifically, the student will
take part in development meetings with Melanie Hadida (BMA) and Kala Sangam’s artistic director,
Geetha Upadhyaya, leading to the construction of new performance-based art dealing with issues of
post-disaster health and recovery (this may be in conjunction with Dr Carrigan’s plans to collaborate
with Kala Sangam in applying for AHRC Follow-on Funding to support further impact and
engagement activities). The student’s research will support the findings of the Representing
Postcolonial Disaster project in providing a conceptual base for collaborating on a creative
production – most likely a theatrical or musical performance piece – to be staged at Kala Sangam.
The student will also have the opportunity to write reflective articles on this to be published on the
BMA and project websites, and to archive research findings on these platforms.
The scholarship will make a significant contribution to extending the reach and impact of the
Representing Postcolonial Disaster project by looking at the under-examined area of disasters and
mental health, and will provide the student with research and leadership skills that cross-cut the
postcolonial, environmental humanities, and medical humanities research areas within the Faculty.
The student will also have an opportunity to present research findings, with supervisory support, at
one of the Leeds Centre for Medical Humanities research seminars.
Project Title: Mapping the Museum
Project lead: Michael Finn, PRHS
This project will provide the opportunity for an undergraduate student to contribute to the work of
the Museum of the History of Science, Technology & Medicine. Based within the School of
Philosophy, Religion & History of Science, the Museum works to preserve, study and display items of
scientific heritage from Leeds and the surrounding area. Across the university campus there are over
20,000 items, ranging from biological specimens and geological samples to early computers and
laboratory instruments.
For this project, the student would be responsible for putting together an interactive map of
collections across the campus, which would go on the Museum’s website
(http://arts.leeds.ac.uk/museum-of-hstm/ ) and represent a significant development in making the
collections more accessible to staff, students and the public. The project would involve visiting the
various collections, photographing them, and writing reports on each that would be suitable for
online reading, including links to further information. The student would use library and archive
materials, as well as the collections themselves, and would be encouraged to add to the project with
their own initiatives, whilst developing research in those areas in which they are most interested. In
addition to the interactive map of collections on campus, their findings would also be made available
through posts on the Museum’s blog, and through contributing to public displays. The student would
be supervised and mentored by members of the Museum, and receive training in various aspects of
museum practice, as well as guidance in conducting historical research.
Project Title: Remembering War differently: Resistance to the First World War and the
Centenary 2014-18
Project lead: Ingrid Sharp, LCS, UGRL mentor: Sabine Grimshaw
The centenary of the First World War has attracted a great deal of public and academic interest and
offers a chance to re-examine some of the assumptions made about the causes, nature and legacy of
the conflict. Previously marginalised and under-researched groups are now the objects of scholarly
and public interest, including the minority in each combatant and non-combatant nation who
opposed the war and worked for peace throughout the conflict, often across national boundaries.
As leader of the Resistance to War strand of the University’s Legacies of War project, I am coordinating a series of Leeds-based events designed to mark 2016, 100 years since the introduction of
conscription into Britain during the First World War, as a year of conscience. During this year, a
number of national, international and local events will bring the stories of those who did their
utmost to bring the war to an end, often at great personal cost, to the fore in the public mind.
At Leeds, I will be working in collaboration with local and national peace groups, museums and
academic networks and Leeds City Council to offer a programme of events throughout 2016:
1.
March 2016: an international academic conference Resistance to War 1914-24.
2.
May-December 2016: Exhibition at Leeds City Museum: local resistance to war (Quakers and
Conscientious Objectors).
3.
October 2016: Peace History Conference to be held in Leeds for the first time. This is a highprofile event that brings together leading academics, activist and community groups working to
build peace.
The project will enable to student to undertake research into an aspect of pacifism and protest
against the war locally, nationally or internationally and place this within a broader understanding of
the way these aspects are being commemorated through:
•
assistance with the organisation and running of the conference and attendance at
conference panels and public-facing events
•
contribution to the planning of the peace history conference and Exhibition
•
working closely with Sabine Grimshaw, who holds a Collaborative Doctoral Award on
Pacifism and Protest shared by Leeds and the Imperial War Museum North.
The student will develop high-level research skills, using the Liddle Collection as well as extensive
material held at Leeds and elsewhere, and will work with her supervisor and mentor in identifying
research questions, structuring and bringing a research project to a successful conclusion and
disseminating the findings. S/he will also gain valuable experience of and a real insight into academic
life and its impact on the community. The student will also develop skills to enhance employability,
through helping to plan and support the events s/he will develop team-working skills, organisational
and interpersonal skills.
Project title: The Changing Face of Christianity in Britain: African Churches in Leeds
Project lead: Adriaan van Klinken & Melanie Prideaux, PRHS
Theology and Religious Studies (TRS) at the University of Leeds has a long tradition of studying
religious dynamics in the city, particularly through the Community Religions Project (CRP) that has
been running for almost 40 years. However, the presence of African churches in Leeds has never
been categorically investigated. Studies in other British and European contexts show that Africaninitiated and/or -dominated churches are among the most vibrant faith communities in many cities
and contribute to a revitalisation of Christianity in secularised contexts. Through a wide range of
activities they contribute to religious vitality and innovation, but also provide social services and
contribute to social cohesion, particularly among marginalised groups such as asylum seekers,
refugees and immigrants.
African churches in Leeds are clearly growing in number, activity and visibility, but little is known:
How many there are, what buildings they use, which people they attract, their activities, their
relation to other churches and faith groups, their perception of the city and their role in the city. This
project, developed in collaboration with the Leeds Church Institute (LCI), addresses these questions
through quantitative and qualitative research. The project aims to provide insight into African
churches in Leeds, their religious and social dynamics, and how they (re)shape the face of
Christianity in the city.
The proposed UGRL scholarship will be part of the CRP and will build on the study of African
Christianity as a major strength in research and teaching within TRS at Leeds. The scholarship would
provide a promising UG student with an opportunity to benefit from existing knowledge and
expertise while participating in this project and conducting original empirical research into African
churches in Leeds.
1.
In the first summer (2015), the student over a period of six weeks will do a quantitative
exercise: a mapping of African-initiated/-dominated churches in Leeds (based on internet research
and existing knowledge of LCI/CRP contacts; complemented by email/telephone contact with the
identified African churches to collect as much as possible of the following data: name and address,
website and email of the church; name and contact details of the pastor; overview of activities.
2.
In the second summer (2016), the student collects material (e.g. brochures, leaflets,
booklets, photos, videos) from as many churches identified under (1) as possible as well as a photo
of their place of worship (exterior). Further, from a selection of at least five churches, the student
collects in-depth interviews with pastors and makes photographs and/or video recordings of the
place of worship (interior) and the congregations.
The student will be involved in the organisation of a symposium on African churches in Leeds (2016),
to be organised by the CRP and Centre for Religion and Public Life in collaboration with the LCI, as
well as in the preparations for a future exhibition on the Changing Face of Christianity in Leeds
(organised in collaboration with LCI).
The student will be provided with appropriate training and preparation before embarking on the
fieldwork.
Application Form for UG Research and Leadership Scholarship
Faculty of Arts
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 t.rhornsby-smith@leeds.ac.uk with the subject line ‘UGRLS Application’.
Please send all documents in either .doc/.docx format.
Submission deadline is Friday 20 March 2015, 12pm.
Name:
School:
Programme of study:
Email address:
Project I am applying to join:
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 Tess Hornsby Smith, t.r.hornsbysmith@leeds.ac.uk, by Friday 20 March 2015, 12pm, including your name in the subject header ie
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
Tess Hornsby Smith, t.r.hornsby-smith@leeds.ac.uk
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 that interviews will take place the week of April 20 2015
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, eg 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.
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
•
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.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Recruitment skills: CV, interview, assessment centres, how to make the most of your Scholar
Network experience.
Writing workshop: An insight into writing donor letters and much more.
Typical events open to Scholars in the Scholar Network:
Scholar Network Welcome Drinks (October): Meet other scholars and find out more about
different scholarship types.
Scholarships Reception (December): All scholars are invited to the widely anticipated annual
scholarships drinks and canapés reception.
House of Lords reception (June): Open to scholars by application only.
Campaign Weekend: Open to scholars by application only. An opportunity for high level
donor engagement and further intensive training, eg 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
Funding details
A Laidlaw Research and Leadership 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:
 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.
iv.
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).
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.