Royal Charter 40th Anniversary Scholarship

About the scholarship

In celebration of The University of Buckingham receiving its Royal Charter on 11th February 1983, the University has created a Scholarship Scheme for outstanding applicants for research degrees.

In 2025, there are 4 scholarships available.

From 2026, the RC40A scheme will be renamed ‘The University of Buckingham 50th Anniversary’ Research Scholarship scheme (U50A), in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the University’s incorporation in 1976 as the University College at Buckingham.

Awards will be made to candidates with excellent academic profiles and professional potential: normally, a Distinction at Master’s level and/or in the Master’s dissertation project/dissertation element, and a strong CV and outline proposal.

Home students

Under the RC40A scheme, successful home applicants will have the entirety of their fees paid by the University for the duration of their studies. Successful candidates will also gain professional work experience by contributing a small number of hours per week to Departmental projects as a condition of tenure of their award.

International students

Under the RC40A scheme, successful international applicants will only be charged the difference between the UK and international fee rate*, with the remainder of their fees paid by the University for the duration of their studies. Successful candidates will also gain professional work experience by contributing a small number of hours per week to Departmental projects as a condition of tenure of their award.

* In almost all cases this will be less than 50% of the international fee. Please consult the ‘Fees & Scholarships’ sections of the relevant course info page.

Criteria and eligibility

Awards will be made to candidates with excellent academic profiles and professional potential. For PhD applications, a Distinction at Master’s level and/or in the Master’s project/dissertation element will normally be required, and a strong CV and outline proposal. For Master’s by Research applications, normally a first class Undergraduate degree, with a strong performance in any dissertation element, along with a strong CV and proposal will be expected.

How to apply

Candidates wishing to be considered should:

• Complete a standard application for the desired research programme and entry point.
• Download and read the RC40A Further Particulars.
• Contact the School or Department directly which they hope will host their research. (Contact details for individual academics in the Four Faculties of the University can be located, along with an outline of their research interests, using the Faculty links in the Staff Directory)
• Submit an outline research proposal titled ‘RC40 Scholarship Proposal’ to the relevant School/Department, to ensure it fits with local priorities and that appropriate supervision is available. (Each School/Department will supply a suitable template for the proposal or indicate what it should contain)
• Apply via the Scholarship and Bursaries application form.

Depending on the discipline, a panel interview – in person or online – may also be requested.

Matched courses

To qualify for the scholarship, an application to one of the programmes listed below is required. Courses start in both January and September.

How to apply

Reminder: You need an application ID to submit an application for this scholarship, which you receive after submitting your application to one of our courses. Ensure your course application is submitted before applying for our funded scholarships.