University College London (UCL) is happy to announce the Research Excellence Scholarship for Cross-disciplinary Training (RXD) for the academic year 2025/2026. This scholarship offers current UCL MPhil/PhD and EngD students a unique opportunity to spend a year in a different UCL department, acquiring new research skills and knowledge from another discipline.
University College London (UCL) was founded in 1826 as London University, becoming the first university in England to welcome students regardless of their religion. It aimed to provide a liberal education and was a pioneer in teaching modern subjects, such as science and engineering. In 1836, it was granted a royal charter and became University College London. Over the years, UCL has grown significantly, establishing a reputation for excellence in research and education, and is now one of the leading universities in the world, known for its diverse student body and groundbreaking contributions to various fields.
Table of Briefs
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Value | Full tuition fees (Home/Overseas), maintenance stipend, research costs |
| Available to | Current UCL MPhil/PhD and EngD students |
| Eligibility | Full-time or part-time MPhil/PhD and EngD (excluding distance learning and professional doctorates) |
| Application Deadline | 10th January 2025 |
| Results Notification | April 2025 |
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the RXD scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Current Registration: Must be currently registered at UCL in an eligible full- or part-time MPhil/PhD or EngD research programme (excluding distance learning and professional doctorates).
- Guaranteed Funding: Applicants must provide proof of guaranteed funding for the standard research years of their current MPhil/PhD or EngD programme.
- Research Phase: Candidates should be in the research phase of their current degree and still paying tuition fees. Those who have entered or are scheduled to enter Cross-disciplinary Research Studies (CRS) before September 2025 are not eligible to apply.
- Permission for Current Funding: Students receiving other scholarships or funding (e.g., from UKRI) must seek written permission for this arrangement. If current funding is deemed incompatible with RXD funding, applicants will be ineligible.
- Self-funding Students: Must provide evidence of full funding for the remaining years of their PhD.
Benefits
The RXD scholarship offers a comprehensive funding package, which includes:
- Full Tuition Fees: Covers either Home or Overseas tuition.
- Maintenance Stipend: For 2024/25, the stipend is £21,237 for full-time study (the rate for 2025/26 is yet to be confirmed).
- Research Cost Allowance: Up to £1,200 to support additional research expenses.
The scholarship is tenable for one academic year of full-time study in the host department, beginning on October 1, 2025 (subject to confirmation).
Application Process
Interested candidates should follow these steps to apply for the RXD scholarship:
- Discuss Plans: Candidates must discuss their RXD plans with both their home and proposed host academic departments, ensuring that relevant department heads and supervisors are informed.
- Submit Application: Applications must be submitted directly to the current (home) academic department by the January 10, 2025, deadline.
- Central UCL Selection Panel Review: After submission, applications will be forwarded to the central UCL Selection Panel for review and final decision-making.
Required Application Documents
Candidates must prepare a single PDF document containing the following:
- Training Proposal Outline:
- Full name and UCL student number.
- MPhil/PhD/EngD project and subject area.
- Host department.
- Benefits of training in an area outside the principal discipline.
- Potential impact of the research project enhanced by cross-disciplinary training.
- Detailed Description of the Training Programme: This should involve coursework and should aim to immerse the student in the methods and approaches of another discipline.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A full CV of the applicant.
- One-page Outline of the Research Project: A concise overview of the MPhil/PhD/EngD research project.
- Evidence of Guaranteed Funding: Proof of funding for the standard research years of the current programme.
- Certification Letters: Letters signed by the heads of both home and host departments confirming:
- Acceptance of the student for the specified training programme.
- Agreement of the relevant funding body or Research Council to the proposal.
- Necessary financial arrangements between the two departments.
Important Dates
Application Deadline: 10 January 2025.
Conclusion
The UCL Research Excellence Scholarship for Cross-disciplinary Training is a unique opportunity for research students to broaden their expertise and enhance their research capabilities. By investing in cross-disciplinary training, students can open new avenues for research and collaboration, ultimately enriching their academic experience. With the right preparation and support, applicants can maximize their chances of securing this prestigious scholarship.