The University of Liverpool, through its School of Law and Social Justice, is pleased to announce the Brenda Thomas Scholarships for the academic year 2026. This prestigious scholarship supports postgraduate students enrolling in master’s programmes within the Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology.
The University of Liverpool was founded in 1881 as University College Liverpool and became an independent university in 1903. It is one of the original “red brick” universities in the UK, known for its strong focus on research and innovation. Over the years, it has produced many notable alumni and Nobel Prize winners, and it continues to be a leading institution for teaching and research across a wide range of subjects.
Table of Briefs
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Brenda Thomas Scholarship |
| University | University of Liverpool |
| Number of Awards | 3 |
| Study Level | Postgraduate Master’s |
| Eligible Courses | MA & MRes in Sociology-related fields |
| Scholarship Value | £12,500 MA / £5,238 MRes |
| Deadline | 29 May 2026 |
| Start Date | 28 September 2026 |
| Eligibility | British citizens only |
| Location Requirement | Merseyside connection required |
Background
The Brenda Thomas Scholarship is offered by the School of Law and Social Justice to support students enrolling in master’s programmes within the Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology. It was established through an endowment by Brenda Margaret Thomas, a respected academic with strong ties to Birkenhead.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, candidates must meet the following essential requirements:
- Must be a British citizen international students are not eligible
- Hold a relevant undergraduate degree minimum 2:1 or equivalent) OR relevant professional experience
- Must reside in, originate from, or have strong links to Merseyside
- Must have applied to one of the following programmes starting 28 September 2026:
- MA Criminology and Criminal Justice
- MA Social Research Methods
- MRes Criminological Research
- MRes Social Research
Benefits
- MA students receive a fee waiver of £12,500
- MRes students receive a fee waiver of £5,238
- The award is applied toward tuition fees only
- Only three scholarships are available, making this highly competitive
Application Process
To apply for the Brenda Thomas Scholarship:
- Apply for an eligible master’s course at the University of Liverpool
- Download and complete the application form
- Write a personal statement max 600 words explaining:
- How you meet eligibility criteria
- Your academic interests and goals
- Financial challenges if applicable
- Submit both documents via email to the programme director
Contact: Dr William Shankley Director of Postgraduate Taught Programmes
Important Dates
Application Deadline: 29 May 2026.
Conclusion
The Brenda Thomas Scholarship is more than just financial aid it’s a gateway to academic and professional advancement in the social sciences. With limited awards available, a well-prepared and thoughtful application is essential. If you meet the criteria and are passionate about making an impact in fields like criminology or social policy, this opportunity is worth pursuing.