The University of Wales has scholarships for Masters and PhD students in research projects. Knowledge Economy Skills Scholarships (KESS) is a major European Convergence programme led by Bangor University on behalf of the HE sector in Wales. Benefiting from European Social Funds (ESF), KESS will support collaborative research projects (Research Masters and PhD) with external partners based in the Convergence area of Wales (West Wales and the Valleys).
KESS will run from 2009 until 2014 and will provide 400+ PhD and Masters places.
Both the Research Masters and PhD elements are integrated with a high-level skills training programme, leading to a Postgraduate Skills Development Award.
The key objectives of KESS are as follows:
• Increase the research capacity of SMEs by linking with a PhD / Masters project;
• Encourage SMEs to undertake research and recruit researchers;
• Prepare and train individuals to contribute to research as professionals;
• Support the development of key technologies in the Convergence area;
• Promote Higher-level Skills Development.
KESS is closely aligned to meeting the higher-level skills needs of the Welsh Assembly Governments' priority economic sectors and will prioritise projects in these sectors:
• Digital Economy
• Low Carbon Economy
• Health and Bioscience
• Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing
KESS, alongside the other collaborative ESF Convergence HE projects, Access to Master, Work Based Learning and Foundation Degree, provide 'demand responsive' accredited provision for key growth sectors in the economy.
The KESS project is unique in Europe in the way it uses ESF support to deliver collaborative research projects and higher-level skills training in partnership with employers.
Final Call for applications for the following Maxi PhD Studentship vacancies:
1. Faculty of Business and Creative Innovation (Project Partner: Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council): Creating Animation Content (http://www.newport.ac.uk/research/researchdegrees/Documents/KESS%20PhD%20-%20Animation%20v%203JS220611.pdfin%20New%20Technology%20Contexts).
2. Faculty of Business and Creative Innovation (Project Partner: Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council): Community Content Production for IPTV (http://www.newport.ac.uk/research/researchdegrees/Documents/KESS%20PhD%20-%20Film%20v%203JS220611%20(2).pdf).
3. Socio-Economic (Faculty of Education and Social Sciences)
Eligibility of Student:
To be eligible to receive a KESS studentship, you must:
• Have a home address in the Convergence area* of Wales at the time of application
• Have the right to take up paid work in the Convergence area upon completion of the scholarship
• Be classified by the University as 'Home' or 'EU' for tuition fees purposes according to the University's guidelines
• Satisfy the University of Wales, Newport's admissions criteria
How to Apply:
There are limited numbers of studentships available and as this is the LAST call for PhD projects under the current funding arrangements all applications must be completed in full.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview in September and if successful must start the studentship week commencing 3rd October 2011.
For further information please contact:
Julie Smith in the European Office – julie.smith@newport.ac.uk
Application Deadline: 29th July 2011.
Knowledge Economy Skills Scholarships (KESS)
(http://www.newport.ac.uk/research/researchdegrees/Pages/KESScholarships(KESS).aspx)
It is advisable to submit your application before the deadline. If you need further information, please post below. Good luck!