The University of Southampton

Mayflower Scholarships

School of Physics and Astronomy
University of Southampton

Applications are invited for four PhD studentships supported by Mayflower Scholarships in the School of Physics and Astronomy of the University of Southampton. The Mayflower Scholarships provide full support of fees, student stipend, and some research support. These scholarships are available only to applicants eligible for the ‘Home/UK’ tuition fee (for details see information on tuition fee status).

We are seeking applicants with interests that align with one of our three research groups:

We offer an international atmosphere in a lively, interdisciplinary research environment with strong links between the School of Physics and Astronomy and the Schools of Mathematics, Electronics and Computer Sciences, Chemistry, and Engineering. 

Applicants should have, or be about to obtain, aupper second or first-class honours degree in Physics, or equivalent. Successful applicants are expected to engage in research in one of our internationally leading groups and to assist in the School's teaching programmes, acquiring a combination of research and teaching skills that are highly valued by both the academic research and education professional economies. For further information and application forms, potential candidates should contact the graduate school office at feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk.

 

Mayflower Scholarships Rules of the Scheme

The school is offering a scheme to support home/UK students who wish to study for a PhD. The rules of the scheme for academic year 2022/23 entry are: 

1. Students will be fully funded for 4 years. 

2. The main purpose of the scheme is to provide students with an opportunity to carry out research to a PhD level in one the world-leading groups in our school. The applicant therefore needs to satisfy all the normal entrance requirements for the PhD programme 

3. The student will receive a stipend at the level of ~£11,109 pa for AY21/22, increasing following UKRI inflation rates in future years. The Scholarship includes fees. 

4. In addition to the stipend, Mayflower scholars engage in paid demonstrating (teaching) of up to 300hrs per year spread over 46 weeks (just under 20% of their working time), with no more than 12 hours in any one week. Payment will be made on submission of relevant demonstrator claims, payable through the Fees and Casual payroll at the current demonstrating rates. The combination of the stipend and the paid demonstrating is equivalent to a standard UKRI stipend. 

5. All applicants need to be interviewed by the Deputy Head of School (Education) in Physics and Astronomy (or his/her nominee) as well as the normal research group selection process. This is to assess the suitability of the applicant to support our teaching programme. 

6. The time the student spends teaching will be line-managed by an appropriate person, e.g., the Director of Undergraduate Programmes. This manager will endeavour to develop the teaching skills of the student and use them in a positive and creative manner over the four years.