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Birkbeck bursaries

Please note, some of the information on this page refers to Birkbeck's old structure and will be updated as soon as possible.

Birkbeck is able to offer a limited number of bursaries, supported by generous donations from alumni and organisations supportive of Birkbeck's mission, which are available for current undergraduate and postgraduate students. Information on eligibility criteria and how to apply is listed under each bursary below.

Faculty of Business and Law

Environmental Student Research Project Support Fund

GOLDMAN SACHS AND BIRKBECK DIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP

Legal & General Sustainable Leaders bursary

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Aaron Sims MA Scholarships

  • Instituted under the will of Dr Aaron Sims, a former student of the College, this is a bursary for postgraduate language students.
  • Up to six bursaries are available for excellent students on the MA Modern Languages and Comparative Literatures. 
  • Priority will be given to part-time applicants on the French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish language pathways, though the scholarship is available to full-time applicants, and part-time students entering their second year.
  • Eligibility criteria: Applicants should demonstrate academic excellence (at least a 2:1 or equivalent in an undergraduate degree).
  • Value of bursary: £21,000 shared among up to six applicants, to be used for tuition fees or maintenance. Applicants should have made arrangements to meet the remaining costs of fees and other expenses.
  • How the bursary is paid:
    • The bursary is paid to part-time students in two instalments of £1750 in January of each academic year.
    • Part-time students who receive the award for their second year of study only, will receive one payment of £1750 in January.
    • Full-time students will receive one payment of £3500 in January.
    • All payments are subject to confirmation of satisfactory attendance and progress.
  • How to apply: Complete our online application form.
  • Application deadline: 2 September 2024 by 2pm.

Antonia Helen Clark Exhibition

  • Instituted as a memorial gift in 1907 by Miss Marion Hall, this scholarship is open to part-time undergraduate students studying for a degree in the School of Creative Arts, Culture and Communication or School of Historical Studies.
  • The purpose of the award is to relieve financial hardship in respect of part-time tuition fees. 
  • Value of the award: According to the circumstances of the successful applicant but not normally more than £1000.
  • Eligibility criteria: Eligible applicants will:
    • be enrolled on a part-time undergraduate degree in the School of Creative Arts, Culture and Communication or School of Historical Studies
    • normally be in their third or fourth year of study (priority will be given to students entering their fourth year)
    • priority will also be given to students with a record of academic excellence in their studies.
  • How to apply: Applications for 2024/25 entry are now closed. Further updates on the availability of this award for the 2025/26 academic year will be confirmed in May/June 2025
  • Application deadline: 24 June 2024 by 2pm.

DR CAROLINE ROBERTS BURSARY

  • Instituted under the will of Dr Caroline Roberts, a former lecturer in politics at Birkbeck, this bursary is for mature female students (30 years or over) who have completed an undergraduate degree programme in politics, and are currently enrolled on a master's or MPhil/PhD programme in politics for the 2024/25 academic year. 
  • The purpose of this bursary is to assist with the cost of tuition fees for students whose financial circumstances may otherwise prevent them from beginning or continuing their studies, such as low income or financial hardship. A one-off bursary of up to £4000 is available, payable towards tuition fees only.
  • Eligibility: you must:
    • be a 'Home' student
    • be currently enrolled on, or have been made an offer and be intending to enrol on a Master's or MPhil/PhD programme in politics in the 2024/25 academic year
    • be a mature female student (30 years of age or over)
    • have completed an undergraduate degree in the politics and be progressing onto postgraduate study.
  • If you have any queries or would like more information on this scholarship, .
  • Apply by completing the application form. The deadline for applications will be Monday 2 September 2024.

Environmental Student Research Project Support Fund

Eric Hobsbawm Postgraduate Scholarship

  • Birkbeck is pleased to announce the ninth year of Eric Hobsbawm Postgraduate Scholarships, named in memory of one of the greatest historians of the last century. From 1947 until his death in 2012, Eric Hobsbawm was a loyal member of Birkbeck College.

    The Scholarships have been set up to encourage the next generation of talented historians to pursue original, high-quality and exciting research in history by assisting financially with study and research costs.

    The Eric Hobsbawm Scholarships have been made possible thanks to many donations from his friends and former students. Birkbeck College gratefully acknowledges the help and support of the Hobsbawm family.
  • Eligibility: Applications are invited for two MA studentships worth £5000 each to assist students interested in studying on one of the MA programmes in history, classics or archaeology in the School of Historical Studies. We encourage applications from overseas students as well as from UK and EU students. The scheme is open to part-time as well as full-time students.
  • How to apply: 
  • Application deadline: 28 June 2024 by 5pm

Greta Dexter Exhibition Bursary

  • Instituted under the will of Mrs Greta Dexter in 1996, a former student of the College, this scholarship is open to part-time postgraduate, MPhil and PhD students studying French or French Studies.
  • The purpose of this award is to relieve financial hardship in respect of one or more of the following:
    • part-time fees at Birkbeck - fees will be paid directly to the Fees Office
    • purchase of approved books
    • cost of travel associated with the student’s studies.
  • Value of award: According to the circumstances of the successful applicant but not normally more than £1000.
  • Eligibility criteria: You must be:
    • 21 years of age or older
    • enrolling on an eligible course in the School of Creative Arts, Culture and Communication (a first degree in French Studies or a first degree in which French is one of two principal components; a Master’s degree in which French is the only subject of study or is one of two principal components; an MPhil or PhD degree for which the research project is concerned with the study of French literature, language or culture)
    • in part-time or full-time employment, or working in the home in a role that attracts financial support from the government (e.g. full-time carer)
    • experiencing financial hardship (normally defined as having an income of less than £25,000 per year - evidence is expected to be provided).
  • How to apply: Complete the Greta Dexter Exhibition bursary application form.
  • Application deadline:  2 September 2024 by 2pm

Jeanne Houston Scholarship

  • Instituted in the memory of Jeanne Houston, this is a bursary for female undergraduate students studying languages courses.
  • The purpose of this award is to relieve financial hardship in respect of one or more of the following:
    • fees at Birkbeck - fees will be paid directly to the Fees Office
    • purchase of approved books
    • costs of travel associated with the student's studies
    • other (personal maintenance including childcare, living expenses etc)
    • applications will be considered on the basis of need, prioritising cases where a student would be forced to leave the programme without this financial assistance.
  • Value of the award: According to the circumstances of the successful applicant, but not normally more than £1050 (or two awards of £525 each).
  • Eligibility criteria: You must be:
    • female
    • 21 years of age or older
    • enrolled on an eligible undergraduate language degree programme (a degree in French, German, Italian, Japanese or Spanish)
    • in part-time or full-time employment or working in the home in a role that attracts financial support from the government (eg a full-time carer)
    • experiencing financial hardship (normally defined as having an income of less than £25,000 per year - evidence is expected to be provided).
  • Supporting documentation: Supporting material may consist of:
    • a letter from an employer, a redundancy letter
    • a doctor's letter
    • photocopies of recent bank statements from all household accounts to cover a period of 3 consecutive months
    • a photocopied P60
    • a letter of rejection for financial support.

LEGAL & GENERAL Sustainable LEADERS BURSARY

MA History of Art Scholarship 

  • We are offering fee waivers for part-time or full-time Home postgraduate taught students for the 2024/25 academic year.
  • Eligibility criteria: This award is available to applicants of academic merit studying the MA History of Art in the School of Historical Studies. Students on the Curating and Collections Management pathways of the MA are not eligible to apply.
  • Value of scholarship: £5,400 towards full-time fees of £10,800 for one year or to cover the full £5,400 for two years for part-time students, to be used for tuition fees only.
  • How to apply: Complete the MA History of Art Scholarship online application form.
  • Application deadline: 2 December 2024 by 5pm.

MFA Theatre Directing Awards

  • The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Scholarship will support an emerging director from a disadvantaged socio-economic background or under-represented background, to undertake our two-year director training programme, the MFA Theatre Directing.
  • The Scholarship of £23,100 runs over two years, to cover course fees and to provide funds towards the costs of study.
  • Please do not make applications directly to the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation as they will not be considered.
  • Applications for 2024/25 entry are now closed. Further updates on the availability of this award for the 2025/26 academic year will be confirmed in May/June 2025.

Olga Turner Scholarship

  • Instituted under the will of Olga Turner, a former student of the College, this scholarship is intended to provide financial support for part-time postgraduate students of Spanish in the School of Creative Arts, Culture and Communication. 
  • The scholarship is a one-off bursary of £1500. 
  • Please note that preference will be given to female students and the number of studentships available is strictly limited.
  • Eligibility criteria: you must:
    • be a current student
    • be studying part-time on an MPhil or PhD in Spanish Culture/Language
    • need financial assistance for a limited, critical period in your studies (normally defined as the writing up period)
    • not be in receipt of another donor or legacy bursary
    • provide evidence that sufficient financial provision has been made to meet the remaining costs associated with fees and other course costs.
  • How to apply: Complete the Olga Turner Scholarship online application form.
  • Application deadline: 2 September 2024 by 2pm

Peltz Studentships

  • We are offering partial fee waivers for part-time Home/EU or international postgraduate taught students for the 24/25 academic year.
  • Eligibility criteria: Preference may be given to applicants studying the below listed subject areas, but we encourage applications from all prospective students within the School of Creative Arts, Culture and Communication within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences:
    • Literature
    • Medieval Studies
    • Renaissance Studies
    • Victorian Studies
  • Value of scholarship: There are five scholarships awarded of £3k each to be used for tuition fees only
  • How to apply: Complete the Peltz Scholarship online application form
  • Application deadline: 31 October 2024 by 5pm

Royal Female School of Art Foundation Bursaries

  • Birkbeck is delighted to receive grant aid from the Royal Female School of Art Foundation to help support students who are suffering short-term financial hardship.
  • Successful applicants will be awarded a sum to assist with costs such as tuition fees, the purchase of books, travel and childcare.
  • Applications will be considered on the basis of need, prioritising cases where a student would be unable to start or forced to leave the programme without this financial support.
  • Value of award: The sum will vary according to intensity of study. There will be a maximum of £750 for students on the Certificate of Higher Education and Graduate Certificate; a maximum of £1125 for students on the 4-year BA; and a maximum of £1500 for those on the accelerated 3-year BA. 
  • Eligibility criteria: If you are a current student, you must be enrolled on one of the following courses: 
    • Accelerated 3 year BA Art History / with Curating / and Language
    • Part-time 4 year BA Art History / with Curating / and Language
    • Cert HE / Grad Cert / Grad Dip Art History
  • If you are not a current student, you cannot apply for one of these bursaries until you have been offered a place on the BA or Graduate Certificate or enrolled on the Certificate of Higher Education. 
  • You need to be able to make a case as to why you need one of these bursaries and how you think it will help you to continue with and complete your programme of study. 
  • You will need to supply any supporting material you are able to offer, and to provide a supporting statement. 
  • How to apply: Please complete the online application form.
  • Application deadline: Friday 31 January 2025 at 5pm
  • Please note: these bursaries are open to students of any gender.

Sophie Warne Fellowships

  • The Fellowship offers fees or maintenance award of £1750 shared between one or two outstanding students studying the MA Creative Writing.
  • A Cove Park residency and an award of £1750 is also awarded at Exam Board to a high achieving graduating student.
  • Eligibility criteria: 
    • You must be a full-time student or in the second year of your studies.
    • The award is based on the quality of the work and financial need. 
  • How to apply: Complete and submit the online Sophie Warne Fellowships application form.
  • Deadline: 2 September 2024 at 2pm.

Faculty OF SCIENCE

Acker Postgraduate Psychology Bursary

  • This fund is made possible by a generous donation from the alumni couple, Bill and Claire Acker.
  • Students accepted onto a taught MSc or MA postgraduate programme delivered by the School of Psychological Sciences will be eligible to apply for this bursary.
  • Those who have completed an undergraduate degree at Birkbeck previously will be considered highly.
  • The bursary looks to support talented students who come from a low income background or demonstrate financial difficulty.
  • The award is open for both full-time and part-time (50%) studies.
  • Selection of the recipients will be made from those applicants meeting the criteria laid out above based on academic merit. It is expected that all recipients would normally have been awarded a first-class undergraduate degree.
  • Conditions of application and award: 
    • To be considered, applicants must have submitted an application on one of the MA/MSc programmes delivered by the School of Psychological Sciences.
    • Awards are intended to acknowledge and support applicants with a very strong academic record.
    • The successful applicant(s) will receive £5,000 to be used towards tuition fees.
    • An award will only apply for the 2024-25 academic year of entry and cannot be deferred. If you are selected to receive the bursary but hold a conditional offer, you will need to meet the conditions of your offer and enrol onto the programme in order to be awarded the bursary.
  • How to apply: Please complete the online application form.
  • Deadline: 12 July 2024.

Benedetta Ciaccia Memorial Studentship

  • Students are invited to apply for one of two Benedetta Ciaccia Memorial Studentships. These studentships have been established in memory of Benedetta Ciaccia who was tragically killed in the terrorist attack on the London Underground on 7 July 2005. 
  • The studentship will pay the full tuition fees for two ‘home' students wishing to study BSc Computing or BSc Data Science and Computing at Birkbeck starting in October 2024. This applies to all modes of study and also includes Foundation Year entry. 
  • How to apply: Please complete the online application form. Your application should be in the form of a short personal statement of no more than 250 words. Your statement should answer the following two questions:  
    • Why do believe you are worthy of the studentship on offer?
    • What can you contribute to a BSc in Computing or Data Science and Computing?   
  • Deadline: The deadline for applications is 2pm on Monday 30 June 2024.

GOLDMAN SACHS AND BIRKBECK DIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP

EMILY PAIGE SHORT FUND

  • Current students studying the subject areas of Earth and planetary sciences can access awards of up to £1000, for help with pioneering academic activities that: 
    • go beyond the remit of your programme of study  
    • provide valuable geology and petrological experience in petrology and related fields. 
  • How to apply: You should . 
  • About Emily Paige Short: Emily was born into a musical family in Rome, Italy, where she grew up in a cosmopolitan community speaking English and Italian. She graduated from Chelsea College of Art and Design in 2008, her final work being an installation in wood entitled, 'If you should see Fred, say "Hello"'. Her works appeared in Berlin, Rome, Poznan (Poland) and Australia. Emily came to Birkbeck to study BSc Geology, graduating with first-class honours in 2014. Her passion for geology led her to participate in many activities that broadened her experience in geology and petrology. For example, Emily participated in field-based volcanology summer schools on Kilauea, Hawaii and in Kamchatka, Russia, and also took short courses in micro-tectonics and high-grade metamorphism at the University of Mainz, Germany. She conducted her undergraduate map and thesis on a Greek island. Her thesis title was 'Brittle-Ductile Deformation and the Onset of Partial Melting on Naxos Metamorphic Core Complex'. An avid cyclist, Emily raised money for those affected by geological processes when she cycled the circumference of Iceland alone in 2011, raising funds for survivors of the Haitian earthquake.

ENABLING FUND FOR NON-FIELDWORK EXPENSES

  • A generous donation from a former (anonymous) student has allowed us to provide students studying the subject areas of Earth and planetary sciences with financial assistance for non-fieldwork costs.
  • Awards will usually be limited to £500.
  • You must provide evidence to support your application, and evidence of expenditure to demonstrate that the funds were used as requested.
  • Eligibility criteria: You should be enrolled on a BSc or postgraduate degree (PhD, MPhil or Master's) in the subject area of Earth and planetary sciences, this will include students on the new Natural Sciences undergraduate degree on the Earth and planetary sciences stream.
  • How to apply: You will need to complete an enabling fund application form and return it to . There are three application deadlines per year:
    • 30 November
    • 28 February
    • 31 May.

Environmental Student Research Project Support Fund

NATURAL SCIENCES POSTGRADUATE BURSARY

  • Please note: Applications are now closed and details given below are subject to change and will be updated when the next bursary is confirmed.
  • One bursary worth £5,000 is to be paid to the successful student in one year for a full-time student or split across two years in the case of a part-time student.
  • This bursary is open to any student eligible for Home fees enrolling on a postgraduate Master's degree in the School of Natural Sciences: MSc Microbiology, MSc Bioinformatics, MSc Analytical Bioscience, MSc Analytical Chemistry, MSc Structural Molecular Biology, MRes Structural Biology, MRes Bioinformatics, MRes Global Infectious Diseases, MRes Chemical Research or MSc Astrobiology.
  • Eligibility criteria: The bursary is to be awarded to a talented student experiencing financial hardship about to begin a Master’s programme in the School of Natural Sciences. Applicants should hold a BSc (Hons) at 2i or above, or an equivalent qualification. Preference will be given to an applicant who, in addition to meeting the previous requirements, obtained their undergraduate degree from Birkbeck. The applicant of this bursary must already be an applicant to Birkbeck.

TIM NEWLING FUND

  • A generous donation from a former student, Mr Timothy J Newling, has allowed us to establish a fund to provide students studying the subject areas of Earth and planetary sciences with financial assistance that helps with travel associated with academic projects that cannot be funded by other means. This could help with fieldwork or travel to a conference or other academic-related travel costs.
  • Eligibility criteria: You should be enrolled on a BSc or postgraduate (PhD, MPhil or Master's) degree in the subject areas of Earth and planetary sciences, this will include students on the new Natural Sciences undergraduate degree on the Earth and planetary sciences stream.
  • How to apply: You will need to complete a travel funding application form and return it to . There are three application deadlines per year:
    • 30 November
    • 28 February
    • 31 May.
  • More information: In the case of financial hardship, we expect you to contact the Student Advice Service in the first instance.