CSJR Postgraduate Student Bursary
Deadline: 7 May 2020
The Centre for the Study of Japanese Religions offers a CSJR Postgraduate Student Bursary in Japanese Religions to be held at SOAS, University of London.
The total value of the scholarship is £5,000 for one year only for full-time programmes, providing a contribution towards fees. If the successful candidate receives a grant to cover fees from another funding body, the bursary can be used towards maintenance.
Applications are invited from outstanding students of Japanese religions, regardless of nationality.
Eligible Programmes
- full-time Research Degree: Religions and Philosophies in Japanese Religions (Department of Religions & Philosophies, School of History, Religions & Philosophies)
- full-time MA Religions of Asia and Africa or MA Buddhist Studies focusing on Japanese Religions/ Japanese Buddhism
- full-time MA Religions of Asia and Africa and Intensive Language (Japanese) focusing on Japanese Religions/ Japanese Buddhism
- New admissions only (programmes starting in September 2020).
Candidate Criteria
- Applicants must possess an outstanding academic record
- Taught Masters (MA) applicants must focus on Japanese Religions / Japanese Buddhism. Evidence of this should be included in the statement of their application and reflected in their choice of modules.
- Taught Masters (MA) and Research Degree (MPhil/PhD) applicants should give evidence in the statement of their application of their ability to use sources in Japanese.
- Open to UK/EU and Overseas candidates.
- Applicants must have an offer of admission for one of the eligible programmes at SOAS by the scholarship application deadline.
- Applicants must meet the English language condition of their offer of admission to study at SOAS as soon as possible but no later than 1 June 2020.
Please note that most scholarships do not cover funding or even allow for Pre-sessionals. Please check the wording of your scholarship offer carefully to see if you are eligible for a Pre-sessional course or whether you need to achieve SOAS direct entry scores by the deadline specified in your scholarship terms and conditions.
Candidate Assessment
- Candidates will be assessed on academic merit by a Selection Panel. The Centre reserves the right not to make an award in the event that no suitable application is received.
- Candidates will be assessed on evidence that the primary focus of their study is Japanese Religions / Japanese Buddhism and that they have sufficient knowledge of Japanese to use sources in Japanese.
- The assessment of your application will be based on the information in your application for admission. Selectors will be looking at academic references, degree results, statement, CV, research proposal (MPhil/PhD applications only) and other relevant information.
Scholarship Application Deadline
- Scholarship applications must be received no later than 15:00 (UK time) on 7 May 2020.
- Applicants must also submit a complete application to their programme well in advance and then submit an application for the scholarship. Please note that complete applications for admission can take 4 weeks to be considered by the Department, although this duration can vary depending on the time of year. You should be prepared to wait up to 6 weeks in busy periods. It is recommended to apply for the programme about six weeks before the scholarship deadline (that is, by 23 March 2020).
- Late or incomplete scholarship applications will not be considered.
Notification of Results
The successful candidate will be notified by email by mid-July. If you have not had a response to your application by mid-July you may assume that you have not been successful.
Scholarship Application Procedures
You must follow two steps:
- STEP 1: Apply for your programme
Applicants must submit a complete on-line application for admission and have an offer of admissions by the scholarship application deadline.
Please see here for an on-line Taught Masters application.
Please see here for guidance on how to apply for a Research Degree (MPhil/PhD) and for an on-line application.
A complete application for admission includes transcripts, an explanation of the grading system for any degrees obtained outside of the UK, two references, CV, research proposal (MPhil/PhD applications only) and a personal statement. The panel will be considering your scholarship application TOGETHER with your online application for admission. Please note that complete application for admission can take up to 4 weeks to be considered by the Department, although this duration can vary depending on the time of year. You should be prepared to wait up to 6 weeks in busy periods. It is recommended to apply for the programme about six weeks before the scholarship deadline (that is, by 23 March 2020).
- STEP 2: Apply for the scholarship by 15:00 (UK time) on 7 May 2020.
You must apply for this scholarship via the on-line application form which will open on 23 January 2020.
For academic enquiries:
- Dr Lucia Dolce – ld16@soas.ac.uk
For scholarship enquiries:
- Email: scholarships@soas.ac.uk
- Telephone: +44 (0)20 7074 5094/ 5091