Funding and scholarships

Dr Edward Ward Scholarships

Undergraduate applicants to the University of Sheffield can apply for an Experience Sheffield Scholarship worth £1,200 each year of their degree. Thanks to a generous endowment made in memory of Dr Edward Ward, a number of additional scholarships in this scheme are guaranteed to go to students starting an undergraduate course in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

Students who meet the eligibility criteria for an Experience Sheffield Scholarship, and who intend to study a course in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, should complete the standard Experience Sheffield Scholarship application process to be considered for one of the scholarships funded in Dr Ward's memory.

Apply for an Experience Sheffield Scholarship

Other scholarships at the University of Sheffield

Edward Ward scholarship stories

I'm originally from Szeged, Hungary but moved to England at the age of four. I have a huge passion for science. I'm hoping to have a career in physics and to explore the world. The [Edward Ward] scholarship gives me extra motivation to achieve my aspirations.

Robert Toth

Physics and Astrophysics MPhys

I have never really stepped out of my comfort zone but this scholarship pushes me and gives me a reason to broaden my experiences and develop myself by taking up opportunities. I am truly grateful to have been accepted as part of this scholarship.

Usman Shiekh

Physics and Astrophysics BSc

The Physics and Astronomy Distinction Scholarships

The Department of Physics and Astronomy is pleased to recognise the achievements of our top incoming UK undergraduate students through our Distinction Scholarships. Each year we'll award scholarships to ten of our incoming students, each worth £2500 which is paid during semester one of year one. As well as the cash award in year one, scholarship holders will also be given priority when we select students to represent the department during open days, at outreach events, and meeting distinguished visitors to the department.

No application is required and all awardees will be contacted during the fourth week of their first semester.

The top ten students will be selected based on:

• Firstly, grades in A Level Physics and A-Level Mathematics*;
• Secondly, highest A Level grade in the most relevant third subject;
• Thirdly, total UCAS tariff.** 

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for this award, applicants must:

Be accepted to one of the following BSc or MPhys courses at the University of Sheffield for year one entry in 2023 after placing it as their firm choice in UCAS before their UCAS reply date:

• Physics;
• Physics with an Industrial Placement Year;
• Physics and Astrophysics;
• Physics and Astrophysics with an Industrial Placement Year;
• Physics with Particle Physics;
• Theoretical Physics;
• Theoretical Physics with an Industrial Placement Year;
• Physics with Medical Physics;
• Physics with Philosophy.
• Achieve a minimum of A*AA at A Level in their best three subjects. The A* must be in Physics;
• Be eligible to pay the home rate of fees classified as UK for fees on your acceptance to the university.

_{*Or equivalent; please contact physics.ucas@sheffield.ac.uk for information regarding equivalent qualifications.}

_{**Any further tie-breakers will be decided based on GCSE (or equivalent) grades in the most relevant subjects.}