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Centre for Development, Environment and Policy (CeDEP)

Distance Learning Commonwealth Scholarships

For the 2013 study year a total of 15 scholarships are available for resident nationals of either Sierra Leone or Rwanda to take the CeDEP MSc in Poverty Reduction: Policy and Practice programme by distance learning. The scholarships are awarded by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the United Kingdom and will cover full course fees.

Key Features of the Programme

  • Nine modules taught by self-directed study through specially written study guides and selected readings, supported by online tutors
  • Completion between 3 and 5 years.
  • Study time: To complete in three years, 15-17 hours per week throughout each 30 week study year.
  • Assessment is by examination (80%) and assignments (20%)
  • Examinations taken in exam centres in Sierra Leone or Rwanda

Please visit the MSc in Poverty Reduction Policy and Practice programme pages to find out more about content and delivery.

Application Process

  1. Applicants must apply through the Commonwealth Scholarship Electronic Application System (EAS). Full instructions on how to access the system and complete the application are available in this step-by-step guide. This guide is 21 pages long. We recommend that you print it out and read carefully before attempting to complete the online application.
  2. In addition applicants must complete our normal admissions procedures using our online application form. You should indicate on the form (under item 16) that you have applied for a Commonwealth Scholarship.

Eligibility

To be eligible for consideration for a scholarship, applicants need:

  • To be both resident and national of either Sierra Leone or Rwanda
  • A good and relevant undergraduate degree (ideally 2:1 or better) supported by valid certificates
  • Relevant work experience in the development sector or a clear commitment to pursuing a career in this sector  
  • A high level of English Proficiency equivalent to a score of 7.0 in the IELTS test, or a score of 600 in the TOEFL paper-based test (PBT) or 100+ in the internet-based test (with 25+ in writing)

Contact Details and Deadlines for Application (17th May 2013)

Note there are two application processes to complete and applications must be submitted to both:

  1. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission Electronic Application System (EAS) http://cscuk.dfid.gov.uk/apply/eas/applicants/distance-learning/ (by 17th of May 2013). Download instructions for EAS application (PDF format). Please also find a copy of the same file on the right-hand side of this page.
  2. CeDEP http://www.soas.ac.uk/cedep/applying/ (applications accompanied by all necessary supporting documents must be received by 17th of May 2013)

For further information, interested parties should contact cedepadmin@soas.ac.uk  or +44 (0) 20 7898 4273.