The University of Sheffield
Research & Innovation Services

Wolfson Postgraduate Scholarships in the Humanities – Terms and Conditions

This information is for all recipients of the Wolfson Postgraduate Scholarships in the Humanities. You should also read this in conjunction with the most recent Code of Practice for Research Degree Programmes, which contains a wide range of information common to all students, such as on registration and fees, time limits, the Research Training Programme, supervision, and thesis preparation and submission. By accepting a scholarship award you agree to comply by these terms and conditions and the Code of Practice.

Award details and finances

The Wolfson Postgraduate Scholarships pay:

These scholarships fund up to three years full-time or six years part-time study, subject to satisfactory progress. Part-time studentships will be paid at 50% of the full-time rate (i.e. £7500 stipend per year).

University terms and conditions

Wolfson Postgraduate Scholarships are subject to the same terms and conditions as University-funded scholarships, and you should read the linked page for details of these.

Additional Wolfson Foundation terms and conditions

In addition to the University terms and conditions above, Wolfson Postgraduate Scholarships are also subject to the following additional terms and conditions as part of the funding agreement from the Wolfson Foundation:

Transfers

If a student transfers to another institution, the award cannot be transferred with them. Unless the student had yet to commence their study, no remaining monies from the scholarship can be allocated to another student.

Residency

Students should be resident within the UK and live within a reasonable distance of the host university for the duration of their study (with the exception of periods of fieldwork or when attending conferences).

Paid work

Students in receipt of a Wolfson scholarship are allowed to undertake some teaching work/ research assistance. Other paid work is not encouraged. Other part time paid work is permissible for those students undertaking part time study.

Change of circumstances

Any changes to a student's circumstances that impact upon their study (e.g. if they suspend their study for a period of time) should be reported to the Foundation by the University, and any extension to the award period would need to be formally requested and approved. Funding will cease during periods of suspension of study.

Any major change in research direction, including change in supervisor, must be agreed by the University and communicated to the Foundation.

Changing between full and part-time study may be permissible, with agreement from the Foundation.

Students are not entitled to any funding upon termination of studies, including in cases of early submission of doctoral thesis.

Any overpayments are to be reimbursed to the Foundation.

Maternity leave

Award holders who become pregnant, with an expected date of birth during the scholarship period, may take a period of six months leave from study during which the maintenance element of funding will continue. Following this, a further period of six months may be taken, during which no funds (either for maintenance, research training or fees) will be paid.

Monitoring and reporting

The Foundation should receive a brief update on student progress at the end of each academic year, together with an annual expenditure statement showing how the funds were allocated including details of research and training costs. The research element of the award will be spent at the discretion of the student not the university. The year end date is 31 July.

At the end of the study period, a detailed final report must be submitted, which should include a summary of the results of the research, an assessment from the student's supervisor, and a final expenditure statement showing how the funds were allocated across the full period of the award. The reports should be submitted and collated by the university.

Acknowledgment of support

Any output during the period of the award, including the final dissertation or thesis, must acknowledge the Wolfson Foundation's support. If any aspect of the work is published at a later date, whether in print or electronic media, the Wolfson Foundation's support must be acknowledged.

Who to contact

If you have any queries about your Wolfson scholarship, please contact the Scholarships Team at pgr-scholarships@sheffield.ac.uk