The British Society for the Philosophy of Science is offering a doctoral scholarship for doctoral work in the philosophy of science at a UK university, subject to a candidate of sufficient merit presenting them. These scholarships are open to both UK/EU and international students.
The British Society for the Philosophy of Science (BSPS) is a professional society that furthers the study of the logic, the methods, and the philosophy of science, as well as those of the various special sciences, including the social sciences. The BSPS provides doctoral scholarships, small conference grants, and administers awards. It organises an annual conference for its members.
Eligibility Criteria
The following criteria must be met in order for applicants to be eligible for the scholarship:
The competition is open to both UK/EU and international students. The scholarship will be awarded for a period equal to the institutional norm for PhD study at the student’s institution minus any time already spent on the PhD. For example, applicants in their first year of postgraduate study at institutions that follow a 2+2 (Masters + PhD) model may apply for three years of funding to begin in the second year of their master’s degree. Applicants must apply for all other sources of funding for which they are eligible. The scholarship is conditional on being accepted onto an appropriate doctoral programme in the philosophy of science at a UK university in time for the start of the next academic year.
Offered Benefits
The doctoral scholarship will cover UK/EU fees at Research Council rates. International fees will be covered in part or in full, depending on the case, but will be covered at least up to UK/EU levels. The scholarship also includes a maintenance grant at the Research Councils UK rate (£14,057 in 2015/16; £15,590 in London).
Application Process
A. Applicant Submission
Doctoral scholarship applicants should send as a single PDF:
- CV. A curriculum vitae (no more than 2 sides of A4);
- Proposal. An outline of the proposed research (no more than 750 words);
- Eligibility. A statement that:
- confirms either that the applicant is not eligible for AHRC funding or that they have taken the necessary steps to be considered for such funding;
- states how much other funding, if any, the applicant has already secured; and
- states what other sources of funding have been applied for and the dates by which they will hear whether these applications have been successful.
- Status. If the applicant has already been accepted onto an appropriate doctoral programme, they should provide evidence that this is so. Otherwise, the award will be made to the successful candidate subject to confirmation at a later date of their having been accepted onto an appropriate programme.
B. Supervisor Submission
The proposed supervisor should send a brief statement to the Honorary Secretary (no more than 500 words) explaining why they are happy to supervise the applicant on the proposed project and how and why the supervisor’s institution is a good fit for the person and project. (See, also, the Additional Information below.)
C. References
Two academic referees (one of whom may be the proposed supervisor) should write reference letters directly to the Honorary Secretary.
D. How to Submit
All doctoral scholarship applications should be sent by email to the Honorary Secretary at secretary-at-thebsps.org.
