FURS Studentships

FURS Studentships within the field of urban and regional studies

FURS is concerned to promote urban and regional research and within this broad field it is particularly keen to encourage an understanding of the interconnection between social, economic and political processes and of the broader causes and effects of these processes. This means for example that research which examines policies critically and focuses on their unintended as well as intended consequences is more likely to be supported than research on managerially defined questions. Conversely, research which takes a 'technical' approach to urban and regional questions and does not place them within wider contexts of understanding is unlikely to be given priority. Although these concerns are likely to lead to social scientists such as sociologists, political scientists, geographers, economists and town planners predominating among applicants, others such as lawyers, cultural theorists, anthropologists and historians should not be discouraged from applying.

Applications are invited for a number of studentships within the field of urban and regional studies.

Two types of studentships are available (see below for further details):

1. One year studentships for new or continuing doctoral candidates only (Masters students are not eligible.) 
2. Six month writing up grants for doctoral students who are close to submission.

Applications must be received by 31 January. Late applications will not be considered under any circumstances and no correspondence will be entered into. Each application will be acknowledged and successful applicants will be informed by the end of April.

Eligibility: ONLY applicants whose nationality falls into the countries listed in Groups B and C of the World Bank classification will be eligible to apply. For details, see here. 

There are two types of Studentship available but applicants are only able to apply for ONE of the following:

1. The one year studentship for doctoral research (is renewable annually for a further one or two years subject to satisfactory progress reports): The value of this studentship is normally up to £11,100 per annum. The Trustees have the discretion to increase this in the light of special circumstances or hardship. No support can be given towards travel expenses. The studentship can be spent on living expenses or fees but is not intended to cover the full costs of being a student, and applicants will therefore need to apply for other sources of funding.

2. The six month writing up grant for doctoral students. Students may apply for this award if they have completed all their field work, commenced their writing up, and already know the date when they will submit their dissertation. Applicants usually will be in their third or later year of study. The value of this studentship is normally up to £6,000. No requests for extensions will be considered. The Trustees have the discretion to increase the amount in the light of special circumstances or hardship. No support can be given towards travel expenses. The studentship can be spent on living expenses or fees but is not intended to cover the full costs of being a student, and applicants will therefore need to apply for other sources of funding.

FURS studentships may be held in any department where the Trustees are satisfied with supervisory arrangements for research on urban and regional subjects. In general, these will be departments with a tradition of supervision in these areas, but if you wish to study in a department where this is not the case, you will need to supply evidence regarding the appropriateness of the department.

All studentships are conditional on acceptance and evidence of continuing registration by the University department. If an offer of a place has been received by the time of application for the one year studentship this should be included. Successful candidates will be asked to provide a copy of a letter of acceptance from their chosen institution before the award of a studentship can be confirmed and any monies dispensed. Applicants for the writing up grants should provide evidence of the date of their submission where possible.

If you have any queries, please contact:

Sally Pepperall
Foundation for Urban and Regional Studies Limited
School of Geography and the Environment
Oxford University Centre for the Environment
Dyson Perrins Building
South Parks Rd
Oxford OX1 3QY
Tel: (+44) 1865 285066
Fax (+44) 1865 275885

Email: FURS Studentship Enquiry