The Christine Bolt Scholarship was set up in memory of Christine Bolt, Emeritus Professor of History at the University of Kent, and is generously funded by her husband, Ian Bolt.

The scholarship of tuition fees at the home rate plus £10,000 will be offered for one year in support of a sustained period of research while in the USA. During this year the student must be registered on a full-time postgraduate degree (preferably research) at the University of Kent. In exceptional circumstances, the scholarship holder may be invited to re-apply for a further one year’s funding.

It is aimed at full-time postgraduate students whose area of research has an American element and/or where the centre of expertise or an important source of research material is located in the United States of America. It is designed to enable the successful candidate to spend a sustained period of time researching their thesis in the United States. Preference will be given to research students and to candidates who have not had the opportunity to live or study for an extended period of time in the USA.

Scholarship applications from students of history are preferred, but we welcome applications from students of any humanities or social science subject as long as there is a demonstrable American element to their thesis and/or candidates need to access research materials in the United States.

Selection Criteria
The candidate must:

• Hold an excellent bachelor’s (1 or 2.1), or master’s degree (merit or distinction).
• Hold an offer of a place, or be a currently registered student, for a full-time postgraduate degree (preferably research) at the University of Kent for the 2007-08 academic year.
• Have excellent communication skills, both written and oral, and be able to:
  • explain their project clearly and without jargon to non-experts
  • convey their passion for their project to a wider audience
  • convince the panel of the project’s wider value
  • act as ‘ambassador’ for both the University and their subject.

The successful candidate will be selected on the basis of academic excellence, achievements to date in their chosen field and their communication skills.

Application Process
Applications should include:

• Research proposal
• CV
• Covering letter
• Two academic references.

Candidates are reminded that an application will not be considered until all documents have been received. It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure that all documents, including references, are received by the Scholarships Unit before the closing date of 18 May 2007.

Interviews will be held on 21 June 2007. Candidates must be available for interview.

Please send applications to:

Scholarships Unit
Admissions and Partnership Services
The Registry
University of Kent
Canterbury
Kent, CT2 7NZ

Email: scholarships@kent.ac.uk

Via: University of Kent