The University of Liverpool is delighted to announce the Peter Astaire Memorial Scholarship in Beatles Studies, established in 2023 through the generous support of Mark Astaire and the Astaire family. This scholarship has been created in memory of Peter Astaire and seeks to celebrate his passion for music, art, culture, and creativity while supporting academic study in Beatles heritage.
The University of Liverpool was founded in 1881 as University College Liverpool and became one of the first civic universities in the UK. It gained its royal charter in 1903 and is a founding member of the Russell Group. The University is known for its strong research tradition and has made major contributions in fields such as medicine, engineering, and the arts, with a global reputation for academic excellence.
Table of Briefs
| Scholarship Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Peter Astaire Memorial Scholarship in Beatles Studies |
| University | University of Liverpool |
| Programme | MA in The Beatles, Heritage and Culture |
| Award Value | £4,000 tuition fee discount |
| Number of Awards | Two per academic year |
| Study Level | Postgraduate Master’s |
| Eligible Students | UK and International |
| Academic Year | 2026/2027 |
Background
The Peter Astaire Memorial Scholarship in Beatles Studies was established in 2023 following a generous donation to the University of Liverpool by Mark Astaire and the Astaire family. The scholarship honours the memory of Peter Astaire by celebrating the music, art, culture, and creativity that shaped his life.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Peter Astaire Memorial Scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
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Have applied for and received an offer for the MA in The Beatles, Heritage and Culture
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Submit the official scholarship application form applications without the form will not be considered
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Be a UK or overseas applicant
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Not hold a previous postgraduate qualification, including PGCert, PGDip, Master’s degree, or equivalent
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Be willing to regularly update the University on academic progress and achievements
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Agree to assist with promotional activities for the scholarship and the MA programme when requested
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Maintain satisfactory academic progress and professional behaviour throughout the course
Benefits
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Two scholarships are awarded each academic year
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Each scholarship is worth £4,000
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The award is applied as a tuition fee reduction
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The full amount is redeemed against the first year of study
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The scholarship supports students who demonstrate academic commitment and professional conduct
Application Process
The application process involves two key steps:
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Apply for the MA Programme
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Secure an offer for the MA in The Beatles, Heritage and Culture
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Keep your University of Liverpool application ID number ready
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Submit the Scholarship Application
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Complete the Peter Astaire Memorial Scholarship in Beatles Studies 2026/2027 application form
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Submit the form to Dr Holly Tessler, Programme Director
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As part of the application, candidates must submit a 500-word statement addressing:
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Two major challenges to Beatles heritage in Liverpool, and
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Practical solutions to address these challenges
Important Dates
Application Deadline: 3 July 2026 and 31 July 2026.
Conclusion
The Peter Astaire Memorial Scholarship in Beatles Studies is an outstanding opportunity for students who wish to explore music heritage in an academically rich and culturally significant environment. With financial support, academic recognition, and global relevance, this scholarship is ideal for students aiming to build careers in music heritage, cultural studies, arts management, and related fields.