Following a generous benefaction in honour of Emeritus Professor Keith Hawkins, Oriel College now offers a scholarship to support one postgraduate student to undertake research into English or American legal history. The first scholar joined the College in the 2021 academic year.
The Keith Hawkins Scholarship is open to candidates of any nationality pursuing a postgraduate research degree in legal history at the University of Oxford. Current University of Oxford MPhil and DPhil students are also welcome to apply, and would be expected to migrate to Oriel College if successful in their application. The successful candidate receives the following benefits:
- Financial award of £7,000 per year (equivalent to 75% of the total annual Home/ROI student DPhil Law course fee in 2023-24)
- Guaranteed College accommodation for at least the first year of their course
The selection criteria for the Scholarship are:
- Academic achievement
The successful scholar may have a first class honours degree or equivalent, or an outstanding academic record at Master’s level. Requirements may vary between disciplines and from year to year depending on the strength of the field. Other evidence of high academic achievement may include individual marks on student transcripts; evidence of previous university prizes or awards; information on your overall position within your cohort; and publications (if applicable).
- Future potential and aptitude
Particular consideration is given to an applicant’s future academic potential and aptitude of the proposed course of study. This may be assessed by reviewing references and research proposals to determine evidence of an applicant’s aptitude for research, and the likelihood of contributing significantly to the field of study.
- Motivation and commitment to studies
This is assessed through evidence of the applicant’s commitment to the proposed course as well as evaluation of the personal statement and the referees’ reports.
All new applicants will also be considered for University funding, in addition to the scholarship.
Status: Open for applications for Michaelmas Term 2023 entry.
Application Procedure
Any person wishing to be considered for this award must complete a copy of the below application form, and submit this to the College alongside a CV, covering letter and copy of their research proposal by 22nd May 2023.
The application form can be found here.