Benefits of the Laidlaw Scholarship and How to Apply
The Laidlaw scholarship gives you the opportunity to and develop your leadership skills undertake a research project .
As a Laidlaw Scholar you will:
- Undertake a research project, which is generously funded over two Summer periods.
- Have the opportunity to showcase your research at high profile events.
- Have access to training and mentoring with qualified trainers and employer mentors.
- Have access to a network of like-minded peers across the University, the UK and beyond.
- Enhance your academic potential through the experience of working in partnership with leading researchers.
- Receive individual support and mentoring from a specialist supervisor and an associated research team.
- Gain valuable, transferable skills in research, communication, project planning and leadership.
- Increase your employability through undertaking project work, and through participation in workshops designed to promote self-confidence, initiative, innovation and creativity.
- Represent the institution and programme as an ambassador.
- Receive funding totalling up to £6,000
Want to know about the types of projects you can undertake as a Laidlaw Scholar? Download our 2018 Scholar profiles, which give overviews of the research projects which were available in that year.
How to apply
Applications for the 2019 scholarship are now open - you can view the current projects and application forms on MyCareer.
If you are interested in applying for the Laidlaw Scholarship 2019 please ensure that:
- You will be based at the University of Leeds during 2019-21
- You are a first year undergraduate student
As the Laidlaw Scholarship is merit-based, you are eligible to apply for it even if you are already in receipt of a scholarship from the University of Leeds.
If you have any questions regarding your eligibility for the programme, please email the Laidlaw Scholarship Administrator (laidlawscholarship@leeds.ac.uk) in the first instance.
Please note: MBchB students are NOT eligible to apply for the Laidlaw Scholarship
In order to apply you need to identify the research project – there are two options available:
Option one
Review the list of predefined research projects and decide which one you would like to apply for (you can only apply for the ones based in your faculty) and then discuss your potential application with the project supervisor.
If applying for a predefined project you will need to explain why the project interests you, why you are interested in the leadership programme, and what qualities and experience you have which will make you successful in completing both. You will also need a statement from your personal tutor or academic representative on your suitability for the scholarship.
Option two
If you are not suited to any of the predefined projects and have an original research project proposal you need to discuss it with a potential academic supervisor who can support you through the project.
If you have defined a project yourself, you will need to write a short research project proposal explaining why the project interests you, why you are interested in the leadership programme, and what qualities and experience you have which will make you successful in completing both. You will also need to agree and confirm the support of your academic research project supervisor, who will need to complete a statement of support for the research project and your suitability for the scholarship.
Complete the online application form
Applications for 2019 will open on 1 February 2019 and close on 8 March 2019.
Note: Applications from the Faculty of Medicine and Health have an extended deadline of 15 March 2019.
Submit the application
Shortlisted candidates will be asked to attend an interview.
Interviews for shortlisted candidates will take place in late March.
Scholars will be selected based the strength of evidence provided for the following:
- Motivation for applying for the scholarship
- Suitability
- Leadership experience
- How the scholarship will support their career aspirations
- Motivation for undertaking the selected/proposed research project
