Research funding and project outline proposals Funding for TS research AHRC doctoral awards Writing a project outline

UK-based funding for TS Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) –MA awards schemes –Doctoral awards scheme –Research grants for university staff –£75 million annual budget –Funded, like other research councils, through Office for Science and Innovation, within DTI (government Department for Trade and Industry) British Academy Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)

AHRC aims to Support and promote high-quality and innovative research in the arts and humanities Support […] the development of skilled people for academic, professional and other employment Promote awareness of the importance of arts and humanities research and its role in understanding ourselves, our society, our past and our future, and the world in which we live Ensure that the knowledge and understanding generated by arts and humanities research is widely disseminated for the economic, social and cultural benefit of the UK and beyond Contribute to the shaping of national policy in relation to the arts and humanities

AHRC helps postgraduates to Make significant contributions to the advancement of knowledge and understanding Develop as highly skilled researchers ready for careers in the higher education and other sectors Develop the skills required by the knowledge-driven economy, and demonstrate the arts and humanities’ contribution to the UK’s cultural, social and economic well-being

AHRC doctoral awards A doctoral thesis is a piece of work that: –exhibits substantial evidence of original scholarship and contains material that can be prepared for publication, and –can be produced by a capable, well-qualified and diligent student, properly supervised and supported, within the period of award.

AHRC: A funding application must …define a series of research questions or problems that will be addressed in the course of the research …define its objectives in terms of seeking to enhance knowledge and understanding relating to the questions or problems to be addressed

AHRC: A funding application must …specify a research context for the questions or problems to be addressed …specify: –why it is important that these particular questions or problems should be addressed –what other research is being or has been conducted in this area –what particular contribution your project will make to the advancement of creativity, insights, knowledge and understanding in the area

AHRC: A funding application must …specify the research methods for addressing and answering the research questions or problems …state how you will seek to answer the questions, or advance available knowledge and understanding of the problems …explain the rationale for your chosen research methods and why you think they provide the most appropriate means by which to answer the questions.

AHRC: Assessment criteria Evidence of intellectual purpose and originality Details about your reasons for, and approach towards, undertaking your proposed study A good awareness of the research context

Tips for your project outline Present your case clearly and concisely Do not repeat information Make sure you answer ‘what, why, how questions’ in relation to your project Your proposal should convince assessors of the merits of the project and of your ability to to carry it out Follow the conventions of academic writing

Usefulness of task Preparation for MA proposal Starting point for (AHRC) PhD proposal Valuable practice for similar tasks in professional life, e.g. –applying for funding in professional context –bidding for contract –convincing employer, work colleagues etc. to pursue project/change/initiative

Further reading Guidance and notes for applicants: AHRC: ESRC: British Academy: University of Michigan guide to funding applications: tents.html tents.html European Foundation Centre: proposal_basics.html proposal_basics.html Abstracts of completed theses: TSA CTIS website (also theses in progress) UMI Dissertations (mostly North American), accessible through JRUL website

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