Master's Degree Bursaries

The BSHS will each year award a number of bursaries of £1000 to support students taking taught Master's courses in the history of science, technology or medicine. Applications are particularly welcome from those who have not studied the history of science, technology or medicine during their primary degree course. Applications are also welcomed from those who are ineligible for grants from the usual funding bodies.

• Applicants must have a confirmed place upon a taught Master’s course focusing on the history of science, technology or medicine, at a higher education institution in the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland.
• The bursaries are intended to cover living expenses and not fees. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that their fees will be covered.
• There is no nationality requirement for applicants. There is no age limit.
• Preference may be given to those who have not already studied the history of science or technology as part of a degree course.
• Non-members of the Society are welcome to apply.

Applications should be made on the form provided, and should include a financial statement indicating what other funding has been sought. Your application form must be signed and stamped by your institution. All application materials should be sent to the Executive Secretary (envelopes marked as 'Bursary Scheme') by 30 September each year. Applications will not be accepted by email. You should ask two referees to send their supporting statements directly to the Executive Secretary, using the forms provided.

Applications will be considered by members of the Society's Grants Committee, and other experts as appropriate. No interviews will be held. Applicants will normally be notified by the end of October. Details of successful applicants may be published in the Society's newsletter Viewpoint where appropriate. No correspondence will be entered into except under exceptional circumstances.

In addition to the £1,000 bursary, the successful applicants will receive a year’s free membership of the BSHS and a free registration at the BSHS postgraduate conference in January. Grants will be paid by cheque at the start of the agreed award period. Grants not taken up within six months will be cancelled. Bursary recipients must notify the Society if their situation changes; a portion of the bursary may be reclaimed if the course is not completed. Bursary recipients must submit a formal two-page report at the end of their award period, and an informal 700-word article for publication in the summer issue of Viewpoint. They should acknowledge the support of the Society in any publications or conference presentations which may arise from their Master's course.

Download the application pack (MS Word format)

Paper copies of this form are available on request to the Executive Secretary.