Graham Earp Student Support Scholarships, MRes in Geography, 2025

Summary

Following a generous bequeathment to the Department of Geography in the estate of Mr Graham Earp, we are able to offer up to five Student Support Scholarships of £1,000 each for applicants beginning a Masters (MA or MSc) by Research ('MRes') degree in the Department in 25/26.

Scholarship money will be paid directly to successful recipients once they have begun their degrees, and can be used to support payment of tuition fees, living expenses and/or other research costs (fieldwork, travel, analyses etc.)

Eligibility

Eligible applicants must be able to meet the following criteria:

• Studying a full or part-time MA or MSc by Research (MRes) in the Department of Geography, Durham University in 25/26.
• Do not already hold a Masters-level qualification (excluding an integrated Masters degree).

Home and Overseas students are eligible to apply.

Receipt of the award is contingent on a successful application to study an MRes degree at the Department of Geography, Durham University.

Any dispute concerning eligibility for the Graham Earp Support Student Scholarship will be determined by the Head of Department (or delegate), whose decision shall be final.

Guidance

• Successful applicants who are alumni of Durham University (for their undergraduate degree) are also eligible for the Alumni Fee Scholarship. the Graham Earp Student Support Scholarship and the Alumni Discount can both be held at the same time. The Graham Earp Student Support Scholarship cannot be held with any other centrally or Department funded scholarship.
• Part-time recipients will be paid pro-rata 50% per year for each of the two years of study.
• Payment of the award is contingent on a successful application to study an MRes degree at the Department of Geography, Durham University, meeting all the requirements and following the process outlined here: https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/academic/geography/postgraduate-study/research-masters/
• If a successful recipient of a Scholarship withdraws, or is withdrawn, from study before the end of Term 1 of 25/26, the Department may request that the Scholarship funds are repaid to the Department, depending on the circumstances and reason for withdrawal.

How to apply for the Graham Earp Scholarship

1. Apply for a course

Submit an academic application to Durham University for an eligible programme of study by the scholarship deadline (1700, 4^th July 2025):

MA by Research in Human Geography: L8A007

MSc by Research in Physical Geography: F8A009

Further details of the application process are available on University and Department webpages:

https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research-degrees/how-to-apply

https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/academic/geography/postgraduate-study/research-masters/ 

Please contact Kathy Wood, Postgraduate Research Coordinator (pg.geogadmin@durham.ac.uk) for further guidance on the application process.

2. Complete a Scholarship application

Submit an online Scholarship application form by 1700 on 4th July 2025. Applicants will be notified if they have been successful within 6 weeks of this deadline. Scholarship money will be paid directly to successful recipients once they have begun their MRes degrees, and on the condition that all eligibility criteria have been met and any evidence requested in support of the application has been accurately provided.

3. Selection process

Applications will be assessed by a panel chaired by the Director of Postgraduate Studies in Geography. The panel will consider your application against the following criteria:

1. Your academic achievements and progress to date;
2. your motivation for studying for an MRes degree in Geography at Durham University; and
3. your statement on how the award of a scholarship would make a difference to allowing you to undertake postgraduate study at Durham, considering any financial difficulties you might have and how the scholarship would: enhance your experience as a postgraduate student at the Department of Geography; allow you to make the most of the opportunities that Geography and Durham can offer you; and allow you to explore your personal development and employability during your time at Durham.

If you have any questions about the scheme, please contact the Director of Postgraduate Studies, Professor Matt Brain (matthew.brain@durham.ac.uk).