The following criteria will be used to assess applications across all themes and degree formats.
Fit to Themes (20%)
This will be based on how well you can demonstrate that your research project is fit around one or more of the five interdisciplinary SEDarc themes.
Project Quality and Feasibility (40%)
This will be based on your outline of your proposed research project, your reasons for pursuing it, and its wider significance. SEDarc assessors will be looking for evidence of the following: your ability to design and conduct a research project; a coherent and well-thought-out research plan; a strong awareness of the place of the literature in your field; and the potential impact of your research on professional practice. Reference will be made to your personal statement, as contained in your application, as well as your supervisors’ supporting statement.
Student Quality (40%)
This will be based on your description of how your previous experience (this includes life experience as well as academic and/or professional experience) has prepared you for postgraduate study and research. Reference will be made to your personal statement, as contained in your application, as well as your supervisor’s supporting statement.
Please note that all 4.5-year award applications (1+3.5) will be assessed in a way that recognises that applicants are likely to have had less training and fewer opportunities to develop a detailed proposed research project than an applicant for a +3.5 studentship.