Current Scholarship Holders
Helen Mort - University Prize Scholarship 2011-12
Abigail Taylor - University Prize Scholarship 2011-12
Matthew Kerry - Hossein Farmy Scholarship 2011-12
Eleanor Hodgson - Dorothy Mabel Tingle Scholarship 2011-12
Janosch Prinz - Harry Worthington Scholarship 2011-12
Mark Lindquist - Harry Worthington Scholarship 2010-11
Helen Mort - University Prize Scholarship 2011-12
We award two or three prestigious University Prize Scholarships each year to the very best PhD applicants in any subject across the University.
My background and chosen research project
My research is inter-disciplinary, looking at the dialogic relationship between contemporary poetry and neuroscience. My interest in the topic comes partly from my life outside of academia, where I'm a practicing poet. I completed a BA in Social and Political Sciences at Cambridge University, specialising in Social Psychology and did my undergraduate dissertation on social representations of poetry and poets and after graduating, I was keen to explore some of these ideas about poetry further.
Why I chose to come to Sheffield
I was born in Sheffield and grew up in nearby Chesterfield, so this feels like 'home' to me: there's no better city in the UK! However, what really attracted me to the University was its excellent English department and emphasis on cross-disciplinary research.
What winning the scholarship means to me
Winning a scholarship means everything to me: I simply wouldn't be able to pursue my research otherwise. It's a tremendous privilege and freedom.
My experience here so far
Studying at Sheffield is a rewarding, stimulating experience. I have great supervisors and it's wonderful being part of an English department that values creative writing as well as literary studies.
My plans for the future
After completing my thesis (which remains a huge goal in itself!) I hope to work with other writers, perhaps teaching creative writing at University level, but my main plan is to continue writing poetry and write the best poems I can.
Any advice for prospective PhD students
There's no such thing as reading too widely.
Abigail Taylor - University Prize Scholarship 2011-12
We award two or three prestigious University Prize Scholarships each year to the very best PhD applicants in any subject across the University.
My background and chosen research project
I graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2009 with a BA Honours in French Studies. I remained in Sheffield in 2010 to complete an MA (Research) in French Studies. I followed the Sociological Pathway in the MA which focused on social exclusion, the informal economy and gender studies. I also took several voluntary modules on inequality in the Department of Geography. Following a year working in the public sector and after missing the world of French Studies and academia, I returned to Sheffield in autumn 2011 to commence a PhD on child poverty in France and England, supervised by Professor Jan Windebank from the French Department and Dr Adam Whitworth from the Geography Department.
Why I chose to come to Sheffield
I chose to study at Sheffield for my BA, MA and PhD because the French Department is one of the few French Departments in the country where you can study France from a socio-political perspective. The opportunity to have cross-faculty supervision is unique.
What winning the scholarship means to me
The scholarship is an incredible opportunity. Without the scholarship, I would have been unable to undertake my PhD studies. The Research Training Support Grant component of the Scholarship means that I have been able to attend conferences, and pursue plans to spend considerable time in France to undertake my fieldwork without worrying to much about the costs involved!
My experience here so far
My experience of PhD studies so far has been very positive. I have enjoyed being able to investigate my topic in-depth. I have benefitted considerably from the Doctoral Development Programme through which I have been able to improve my methodological skills, taking modules in the Geography and Sociology Departments. My supervisors have been incredibly supportive.
My plans for the future
I am looking forward to undertaking my fieldwork next year. After completing my thesis I hope to remain in academia, combining my interests in French Studies and Sociological Studies.
Any advice for prospective PhD students
In addition to contacting perspective supervisors, speak to existing PhD students in the Department you are considering applying to. I have learnt lots from talking to students further on with their PhD studies than me.
Matthew Kerry - Hossein Farmy Scholarship 2011-12
We award one or two Hossein Farmy Scholarships each year. This scholarship was founded by the late Hossein Farmy, a graduate of the University's former Department of Mining, and funds outstanding students to pursue research related to mining.
My background and chosen research project
I completed my BA in History and Hispanic Studies here, in Sheffield, before living in Spain for two years where I taught English and studied for an MA in Contemporary History at the Universidad de Zaragoza. My thesis explores ideas around radicalisation, violence and identity in the mining valleys of Asturias (Spain) during the Second Republic and Civil War (1931-7).
Why I chose to come to Sheffield
I had an excellent experience as an undergraduate and this, combined with my supervisor’s expertise, the department, the funding opportunities and the city itself, made Sheffield feel like the right choice.
What winning the scholarship means to me
Without funding I would not have been able to have embarked on a PhD. In that respect, it has certainly changed my life.
My experience here so far
Sheffield has provided a very supportive and stimulating experience. The PhD programme allows for considerable autonomy while receiving guidance from supervisors, in addition to extra training, such as the Doctoral Development Programme. My research has taken me down interesting roads that I didn’t expect and I feel my thesis is developing well so far.
My plans for the future
First of all, I plan to complete my thesis! I have more ideas and it would be great to continue in an academic environment. As everyone’s aware, it’s a changing and difficult situation, but hopefully the experience I will have gained during these three years will provide me with the skills to succeed in the future.
Any advice for prospective PhD students
If the idea of a PhD appeals, then definitely apply – talk to prospective supervisors and develop a project. It’s better than thinking ‘what if’ later on.
Eleanor Hodgson - Dorothy Mabel Tingle Scholarship 2011-12
This scholarship was founded by the late Miss Dorothy Mabel Tingle, a graduate of the University and former teacher of French at High Storrs School, Sheffield, and is awarded to an outstanding PhD applicant in the French department.
My background and chosen research project
I completed my BA in French and Music at the University of Sheffield in 2010 before going on to study for an MA in French Studies, specialising in Medieval French, also at the University of Sheffield. My thesis focuses on an anonymous Old French text from the end of the twelfth century, Guillaume de Palerne, as I look at the way it interacts with and rewrites other Old French texts, and what this can tell us about Old French medieval composition.
Why I chose to come to Sheffield
I loved studying at Sheffield as an undergraduate and MA student, and felt that the department offered the best environment to support my research at doctoral level.
What winning the scholarship means to me
Winning the scholarship has made a huge difference to my financial situation this year, allowing me to focus on my research and use spare time to become involved in extra projects and activities in the department of French and the Faculty of Arts which enhance my experiences at Sheffield.
My experience here so far
I have been at the University for six years now, and my experiences have been nothing but positive, and continue to improve as I engage with the Postgraduate community around me.
My plans for the future
I hope to continue to Postdoctoral study and then to pursue a career as an academic.
Any advice for prospective PhD students
Definitely make contact with prospective supervisors and discuss your ideas early on in the application process, it's always good to say your ideas out loud to someone who will understand them, and who will be able to guide you in the decisions you make as you apply.
Janosch Prinz - Harry Worthington Scholarship 2011-12
We award two Harry Worthington Scholarships each year - these scholarships were founded under the will of Miss Doreen Worthington in memory of her father Harry, a local steel manufacturer, and are awarded to exceptional candidates in any subject.
My background and chosen research project
I studied Political Science, Comparative Literature and Media Studies at Bonn University, Germany, spending one year at the University of Birmingham on exchange. There I took classes from a MA programme in Political Theory. My research project under the provisional title “Realist Political Theory as a Critical Activity” challenges the prevalent, liberal-normative approach to Political Theory by engaging current debates about “realism” and “ideal theory”.
Why I chose to come to Sheffield
My department provided such a lovely warm welcome for me when I came to have a look at the city and the university. Besides the reputation of the department and the good thematic fit with my supervisor made me choose Sheffield. Since then the university has on many occasions shown me that it cares about its research students.
What winning the scholarship means to me
The scholarship allows me to concentrate fully on my studies. It also is a important form of recognition for my work which has given me confidence for the often dauting task of researching for a PhD.
My experience here so far
I am enjoying my studies at Sheffield. In most weeks there is a variety of interestings talks to attend at departmental, faculty or even at university level. I am really lucky to be part of a very nice cohort of PhD students which has added a lot to my experience here.
My plans for the future
I look forward to teaching seminar groups in Politicial Theory for the first time from October. Before that I need to pass my upgrade which is currently my focus. Hopefully I will manage to juggle teaching, thesis writing, conferences and much more…
Any advice for prospective PhD students.
I do not really feel competent to give advice yet, but if pressed for it, I would say that it is very important to be very much up to date with the literature of your specific topic. That can help you formulate your potential contribution.
Mark Lindquist - Harry Worthington Scholarship 2010-11
We award two Harry Worthington Scholarships each year - these scholarships were founded under the will of Miss Doreen Worthington in memory of her father Harry, a local steel manufacturer, and are awarded to exceptional candidates in any subject.
My background and chosen research project
I am a Canadian who has practiced landscape architecture and urban design in Canada and the US, and I have taught architecture, landscape architecture and urban design in Canada, the US, UK, and New Zealand. My research investigates the impact of digital media and digital visualization on the design and perception of urban environments. My PhD research involves investigating the psychophysiological responses to and incremental benefits of the audio augmentation of virtual space.
Why I chose to come to Sheffield
There were many factors that contributed to my decision to come to Sheffield, including the quality of life and quality of the city. One significant factor was the level of excellence available for PhD supervision at the University of Sheffield; Professors Eckart Lange and Jian Kang, my PhD supervisors, are world leaders in their research areas of visualization and acoustics, respectively. The other significant factor was winning the Harry Worthington Scholarship.
What winning the scholarship means to me
Winning the scholarship was extremely important. I would not have been able to undertake PhD research without this funding. I am very grateful to the scholarship sponsor and the University for this support.
My experience here so far
My experience has been very positive thus far. The coursework has provided a rigorous foundation to build upon while allowing time for thought and reflection, which is vital to complete a high-quality research project. Meetings with my advisors have been a great experience providing valuable feedback and insight into the direction of my research.
My plans for the future
Focus on my PhD and see what direction that leads me. The exciting thing about the whole experience is not knowing what exactly the future holds.
Advice for prospective students
If you are on the fence about moving internationally or undertaking PhD research, I strongly encourage anyone to take the plunge. While there are definitely challenges, the immediate and long-term rewards are immeasurable.