The DCU postgraduate Scholarships

Dublin City University recognises outstanding achievements by undergraduates wishing to pursue a higher degree at DCU by full time research through the Annual Postgraduate Accommodation Scholarships. Up to five scholarships may be awarded annually to research students who are in the first year of their Masters or Ph.D. degree by full time research at DCU. The scholarships consist of rental expenses within the Post-Graduate Centre at DCU for one year (value approximately €4,000). The Postgraduate Centre (http://www.research.dcu.ie/accommodation.shtml) provides top quality accommodation where postgraduate students pursuing degrees across a wide range of disciplines can meet. This experience helps develop a breadth of experience and facilitates interaction across traditional disciplinary boundaries. The scholarships are open to all EU graduates who have been accepted to pursue a higher degree by research at Dublin City University.

Selection Criteria

Scholarships will be awarded to research students in the first year of their higher research degree based on their outstanding undergraduate track record. The selection criteria will include:

• Level of the undergraduate degree including ranking within group.
• Quality and impact of project work.
• Enhancement of the social environment of the undergraduate institution.
• Excellence or innovation in research or education.
• Work experience.
• Acquisition and dissemination of advanced skills.
• Contribution to the development of their peer group or alma mater.

Nature of the Scholarship. Each scholarship will consist of rental expenses within the Postgraduate Centre located on the DCU campus. The name of the winners will be inscribed on a plaque which will be located within the Centre. The formal presentation of the awards will take place at a dedicated Scholarship reception.

Mechanism. The closing date for nominations is July 30, 2002. To be eligible for consideration, candidates must:

1. Be nominated a member of the academic staff at DCU who agrees to act as the applicant's supervisor while they are pursuing their Masters/Ph.D. degree at DCU.
2. Have the proposed supervisor submit a one-page description of the research project to be conducted at DCU and supporting material indicating the sources of living expenses and fees for the applicant.
3. Submit official transcripts of all years of undergraduate exams, a copy of their degree parchment and evidence of their standing within their peer group.
4. Provide evidence to support their case, this may include, but not restricted to, a personal statement from the applicant and supporting material (e.g., letters from referees/previous employers, copies of project work, evidence of extra-curricular activities during their undergraduate degrees etc.

The Research Office will establish a Scholarship Committee drawn from DCU academics representing a reasonable spread across the disciplines of the university that offer higher degrees by research, as well as external representation. Where the Committee views it as desirable, applicants will be interviewed. Canvassing of the Committee members will disqualify an applicant. The Committee reserves the right not to make an award in any year and to solicit external input where appropriate. Preference will be given to applicants who completed their undergraduate degree in the year in which they apply for the scholarship.