Summer research scholarships pilot (SRSP)

A new scholarship initiative for MA and BA Social Work students. 

Multiple hands rest on a fallen treeOverview of the Scheme

The SRSP scheme will give four social work students the opportunity to develop their research skills by working on a bespoke research project for a five-week period over Summer, 2023.

Student projects could involve: carrying out exploratory research as part of scoping project/proposal, working with an experienced researcher to conduct interviews or focus groups as part of a wider, established study or carrying out secondary data analysis. Please see the Projects page for further details.

As part of the scholarship, students will receive enhanced academic mentoring from the project lead and they will attend three SRSP student group support sessions. Students will receive a financial stipend (based on working approximately 24 hours a week at £12 an hour) and project-related expenses (e.g. for project-related travel, equipment, etc).

Why apply?

Taking part in the project, you will have the opportunity to:

  • Develop knowledge and skills in research methods and ethics.
  • Secure a stipend (i.e. paid role) that will enhance you social work practice and academic skills, without forfeiting the need to find paid employment over the summer.
  • Access mentoring and guidance, including around research careers/pathways in social work.
  • Demonstrate that you have taken part in a competitive recruitment process. If you are not successful, you will still receive feedback on your application.

What would be involved?

Students need to:

  • Be committed to undertaking the research as set out in the original proposal within the timescale agreed at the outset.
  • Attend weekly monitoring meetings with the academic lead for the project.
  • Students are expected to work 24 hours a week during five-week period of the Scholarship; for this they receive a stipend of approximately £300 per week. Dates and working patterns will vary between projects.
  • Write a blog and produce a two-minute video about their project and the experience of being a SRSP researcher. The blog and video will be made available on the Department of Social Work and Social Care website.
  • After the project has ended, to take part in an interview about their experience SRSP scheme.
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