The PhD studentships assist research projects focusing on themes related to the Commonwealth. Each year, there are two available studentships: one for students registered in the UK and another for students from Commonwealth countries outside the UK.

The research proposal should meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Have a connection to the Commonwealth as a whole or any institution or organization operating across the Commonwealth.
• Incorporate a significant comparative aspect that relates to the Commonwealth.
• Be relevant to a Commonwealth country other than the United Kingdom.

An instance of an eligible research project could be comparing the rights of the LGBT community in South Africa and Uganda.

Another example could be a project focused on reforming colonial-era legislation against the LGBT community in India. However, a project centred around the role of Stonewall in advocating for LGBT rights in the UK would not meet the eligibility criteria.

Applications from various humanities and social sciences disciplines are encouraged, with a preference for disciplines typically covered by the Round Table journal.

These disciplines may include but are not limited to politics, international relations, economics, international history, geography, law, development studies, and area studies.

The Round Table funds the studentships: The Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs and its publisher, Routledge, in collaboration with the ACU.

About ACU

The ACU is a global organization committed to enhancing the world through higher education. We firmly believe that international cooperation is vital in achieving this goal.

By facilitating the collaboration of universities worldwide and their students and staff, we strive to advance knowledge, foster understanding, expand perspectives, and enhance the quality of life.

We advocate for higher education as a fundamental building block of stronger societies and provide support to our members, partners, and stakeholders in this pursuit.

Routledge/Round Table Commonwealth Studentships

Aim And Benefits Of Studentship

The announcement of the awards will trigger a payment of £4,000 GB. The remaining GBP 1,500 will be disbursed upon completing the post-studentship requirements.

Requirements For Studentships Qualification

• The initial studentship is available to PhD students enrolled in universities in the UK, regardless of their nationality.
• The second opportunity is available to PhD students currently registered at universities that are members of the ACU (Association of Commonwealth Universities) in countries other than the UK. It is also open to Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships alumni currently pursuing a PhD at any university in the Commonwealth, excluding those in the UK.

Post-studentship requirements

Applicants who are selected for the opportunity will need to submit an article within twelve months of receiving the award. The article should be between 4,000 and 6,000 words based on their research.

This article will be reviewed for possible publication in the Round Table journal. Successful applicants are also required to create a podcast about their research, which will be published on the journal’s website.

Interview Date, Process And Venue For The Studentship

• Applications must be submitted by 17.00 BST on 28 July 2023.
• The winners will be announced in September 2023.
• The recipients of the awards can start utilizing them from 1 November 2023 until July 2024.

Also, Check: Scholarship For Developing Countries – DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Masters Scholarship 2024

Application Deadline

July 28, 2023

How To Apply

To apply for the Routledge/Round Table Studentship Awards, candidates must download the application form, fill it out, and submit it along with a current CV to secretary@commonwealthroundtable.co.uk. The deadline for submission is 17.00 BST on Friday, 28 July 2023.

The application form requires you to:

• Summarise your proposed research topic: Provide a concise overview of the research topic you plan to pursue with the Routledge/Round Table Studentship awards. This summary should be between 100-400 words.
• Summarise your intended outcomes: Outline the expected outcomes you anticipate if your application for the award is successful. Summarize these intended outcomes within a word limit of 100-400 words.
• Summarise the likely impact of your research: Explain the potential impact of your research and its significance within a range of 100-400 words. Justify why you believe your research is important in this summary.
• Summarise how the award would benefit your research: Provide a summary of how receiving the award would benefit your research. This summary should be within the word limit of 100-400 words.

You can type your answers directly into the form or send them as attachments.

In the form, you will be required to provide the name of the mentor you have proposed for your research.

The form also requests the names of two referees, one of which is your current PhD/DPhil supervisor. It is your responsibility to approach these referees and ask for their references. They can either send the references to you for inclusion with the completed application or directly to secretary@commonwealthroundtable.co.uk by Friday, 28 July 2023, at 17.00 BST.

For more details, visit the ACU website.