1. Anne Krayer – a.krayer@bangor.ac.uk

2.  … Knowledge Economy Skills Scholarships: opportunities for funded PhD and Masters by Research study in collaboration with a company partner.  The programme is based on collaboration – something that is increasing important to the success of both large and small businesses  There is a strong ‘postgraduate skills development award’ element to the course  The research is specific to an area of interest for the company partner  The company partner provides supervision and access to their business for the student for some of the study period

3.  A KESS Masters by Research scholarship lasts for 1 year full time study (submission of Thesis within 1 year and 3 months).  A KESS PhD scholarship lasts for 3 years full-time study (Theses must be submitted 6 months after the funded three year study period).  Part time study is not available for either scholarship.  The achievement of a Postgraduate Skills Development Award (PSDA) is compulsory for each KESS scholar.  The PSDA is based on a 30 credit award for a KESS Masters by Research and 60 credits for a KESS PhD

4.  Masters by Research programme…  For students who wish to gain more extensive training in research and who may be interested in pursuing a PhD/research career.  Allows students to gain knowledge and ‘hands-on’ research experience in a specific areas before branching out into PhD research.  Provides the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the principles and application of research design and analytical methods compared to taught programmes  Possibility to up-grade to a PhD  PhD programme …  Provides students who already have some skills and knowledge of the principles and application of research design and analytical methods with the opportunity to further their career and personal development

6.  A monthly stipend– for the current call (March-May):  3 years of funding @ £14,198 per year for PhD  one year funding @ £11,358 for Masters by Research.  Each scholarship has an additional budget for travel, equipment/ consumables and training to support your research.  KESS Scholarship holders do not pay university fees.

7.  Focus on a range of topics such as:  End of life hospice care (Partner: St David’s Hospice)  Evaluating co-production in third sector organisations (Partner: Wales Council for Voluntary Action)  Influences on voluntarism, community engagement and local service provision (Partner: Medrwn Môn)  Citizen engagement in policy-making (Partner: Barod)  Evaluation of the Hospital from Home Scheme – (Partners: British Red Cross and WCVA)  People with learning disabilities and the criminal justice system (Partner: Mencap Cymru)  Gwerthuso llwyddiant deunyddiau digidol ac apiau Cymraeg neu ddwyieithog (Partner: Cwmni Da)  Ffactorau yn arferion a dewisiadau gwylio – gwylwyr S4C (Partner: S4C)

8.  Current call for applications with a submission middle March- beginning of May  Next call expected later this summer  For further information see: http://www.higherskillswales.co.uk/kess/index.php.en

9.  All images sourced through: Google Advanced Image search; usage rights: free to use and share  Lightbulb – Jacob Hnri 6, based on file crystal clear app.ktip.png; Creative Commons Licence CC BY-SA 3.0  People – image in the public domain; CC0 Public Domain  Person - image in the public domain; CC0 Public Domain  Calendar – image in the public domain; CC0 Public Domain