In line with its mission to excel at teaching, learning and research, Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in Lincoln has launched a second round of PhD studentships as part of its ‘Future Research Leaders’ programme.

Following on from the University’s success in the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014), in which it was judged to be undertaking world-leading research, BGU is offering up to six full-time PhD studentships in History and Education.

Successful candidates will receive a bursary of £14,000 per year plus tuition fees for up to four years to study at BGU.

The University’s Vice-Chancellor, the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil, said the new posts represent a significant investment by BGU in its research strategy.

“We are keen to build on our success in the REF 2014 as we are convinced that the best teaching is always informed and improved by high-quality research,” he said. “We are committed to enhancing the quality and quantity of our research, and increasing the proportion of postgraduate research students is key to this objective.

“We also want our research to be applied and to be of benefit to society. I am delighted that we are in a position to offer opportunities to students who wish to take the next step in their academic journey.”

Among the studentships available is a project looking at the works of the University’s namesake Robert Grosseteste and the contribution he made to the history of educational thought.

Dr Jack Cunningham, Academic Co-ordinator for Theology at BGU, explained: “Robert Grosseteste was an English statesman, scholastic philosopher, theologian, scientist and Bishop of Lincoln during the 13^th Century which was a crucial period in the religious history of this country.

“He was also interested in many aspects of education and had a good deal to say on what we should learn, how we acquire knowledge and how it benefits us. However, this area of Grosseteste’s thought remains largely undiscussed so this is a unique opportunity for someone who is passionate about education to study the life and works of a truly fascinating man.”

Vytautas Nastajus was awarded a PhD studentship in Psychology at BGU in June 2016. He recommends the university to anyone thinking of doing a doctorate.

“The support you get in here is fantastic, especially from the doctoral group which is made up of PhD and EdD students and meets on a regular basis to talk about projects, achievements and any issues you may be having,” he explained.

“My own experience has been great so far: excellent supervisors, teaching opportunities, funding for attending conferences and so on. I am really glad I chose Bishop Grosseteste University.”

To find out more about the opportunities or projects available please visit www.bishopg.ac.uk/phdstudentships or email Dr Caroline Horton, Academic Co-ordinator for the PhD programme, at caroline.horton@bishopg.ac.uk

The studentships will commence in summer 2017 and the closing date for applications is 17^th February.

Notes to Editors

• Bishop Grosseteste University was established in Lincoln in January 1862 and celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2012.
• BGU is a top three university for student employability with over 97% of leavers in work or study six months after graduating (2014/15 DLHE – read more here).
• BGU is the 2nd highest ranked public university in England for student satisfaction (National Student Survey 2016 – read more here).
• BGU has over 2,300 students, including undergraduate, postgraduate and research, with over 280 students at collaborative partners across Lincolnshire.
• To learn more about Bishop Grosseteste University visit www.bishopg.ac.uk

For media information please contact:
Kate Strawson
Shooting Star
01522 528540
kate@weareshootingstar.co.uk
[BGU206PhD]