There are up to 10 awards at each University (30 in total).

This will cover tuition fees for the Master’s Scholarship scheme across the University of Chichester, University of Brighton and the University of Kent.  There is also a stipend fee that is given to the individual successful applicants.

How much is the stipend and how will it be given?

A stipend of £18,622 will be given to you if you undertake the course over 1-year full time.  A stipend of £9,311 will be given each year for two years if you undertake the course part-time. This will be paid to you in monthly instalments.

The stipend is non-taxable and does not need to be paid back.  The payments will stop if you need to leave the course for any reason.

Will I be expected to work alongside the masters?

You can undertake the master’s courses full time or part-time, balancing work and study in often challenging and complex work environments.  We will offer structured tutorial and supervision to support successful academic outcomes, however, we will expect good time management and prioritisation skills.

For a full-time student, a good rule of thumb is to allocate between 10-15 hours per week for attending classes. In addition, a common guideline is to dedicate around 15-20 hours per week to studying outside of class and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It is important to note that these hours may need to be increased during periods of intense coursework or leading up to assignment submissions.

Will this affect my work benefits and pension?

The funding may affect your NHS benefits and you may need to speak with someone about this. The members’ notional whole-time pay is usually used when calculating benefits.  More information and FAQ can be found on this link. Part Time Membership FAQs V3 04 2014.pdf (nhsbsa.nhs.uk)

Please speak with your employer

Will I be expected to travel?

You will be expected to travel to the University you have chosen to undertake the taught component of the courses.  Travel is not reimbursed, but it is expected that the stipend will be able to cover these expenses.

How long is the course?

The course is one year for the full-time route and two years for the part-time route.

Is the course online?

The taught modules at both the University of Brighton and the University of Kent are face to face, so you will need to attend the University campus in person.  The University of Chichester will also expect you to attend in person with some online taught module options.  You can meet with your dissertation supervisor virtually and in person.

When does the course start?

The common start date is September and more specific dates will be given to you once you have successfully been awarded the funding.

How do I apply?

In the first instance contact Dr Nina Stewart to discuss the courses and which University and course is right for you via n.stewart1@brighton.ac.uk.

You will need to apply for the master’s course using the online application portal. All applications will be read and assessed by a selection panel of experienced academics. Scholarships will then be allocated and offers made to start in the following September.

What application documents do I need?

Before beginning your online application, ensure you have the following documents ready:

• a comprehensive personal statement
• duplicates of certificates and transcripts
• a copy of your marriage certificate or official name change document (if your certificates bear a previous name)
• your research proposal
• details of two referees, with one being an academic reference
• a copy of your registration documents if registered with a professional body
• photo identification such as a driver’s licence or a passport

What makes a good postgraduate personal statement?

Your personal statement presents a valuable opportunity to showcase not just your academic and research accomplishments but also your unique talents and passions.

To ensure your application stands out, consider incorporating something distinctive and memorable about yourself. This is the time to show how you have dedicated yourself to pursuing your chosen field.

For instance, you could:

• align your statement with the specifics of the course description, showcasing how it resonates with your goals
• highlight personal skills, achievements, and relevant research experience, while also discussing your future plans

Keep in mind that your personal statement should be succinct. Before submitting it, thoroughly proofread and spell-check the document. It is advisable to seek a second opinion from a friend or family member to review your statement for additional feedback.

Do my references have to be academic?

Ensure that at least one of your references is academic, but professional ones are also valuable. Upload the contact details for both referees so that the admissions team at your prospective university can contact them to request written references in support of your application.

How long will I have to wait for a reply once I have applied?

Generally, it takes a couple of weeks to hear back after you apply. This time allows the admissions team to thoroughly review your application and make an informed decision.

The admissions staff will process all received applications in chronological order. Hence, the sooner you submit your application, the quicker the team can initiate the processing stage.

Throughout the application process, you will receive email confirmations at various stages. If additional information is required beyond the initial documents – to demonstrate compliance with the course entry requirements – the admissions team will request it.

Will I need to attend an interview? If so, what does this involve?

You will need to attend an interview; it usually focuses on your motivations and suitability for the course.

The interview provides an opportunity for you to discuss your research ideas and how the programme fits in with your career plans.

Can I ask for feedback if my application is unsuccessful?

If your application is not successful, asking for feedback is a smart move. It can provide valuable insights for future applications. Please email the course lead for detailed feedback.

I am returning to education after a break. Will I be able to keep up?

Returning to education after a significant period of time can be daunting, but many returnees find they can draw on their life experiences to enrich their studies.

This could involve being capable of planning and executing projects or possessing refined communication and critical thinking skills used in debates.  Add experience in the workforce; knowing how to present professionally; work within deadlines and self-motivation. These are all skills beneficial for managing master’s level study.

How should I prepare for postgraduate study?

Vital preparation includes familiarising yourself with the course content, required reading, and engaging with current research in your field.  Lecturers and module leaders have published work of their own, which can offer big clues on the direction of study.

What support is available?

All three Universities offer comprehensive study, academic, research, library and well-being support to students. Well-being, mindfulness and learning related provision is available to ensure a healthy work-study-life balance.