On route to a career in museums with the Leeds Masters Scholarships Scheme

The Leeds Masters Scholarships Scheme was set up to encourage students from under-represented groups to embark on a postgraduate qualification. It is part-funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), the Footsteps Fund and the University of Leeds.

Funding helps students to graduate from Leeds equipped to excel in an economy that is becoming progressively more competitive, enabling them to take advantage of potential career opportunities. For students commencing study this September, there are over 210 awards available. The Scholarships are highly competitive, with each awarding £10,000 paid in instalments over the duration of an eligible qualification.

The awards target those who started their undergraduate degrees in 2012 and paid the higher tuition fees of up to £9,000 per year. Applicants must also be able to evidence a lower-income background by having received the UK maintenance grant for at least one year as an undergraduate.

Abi Himan is currently studying on the MA Art Gallery and Museum Studies in the School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies. Abi comments on how being awarded funding from the Postgraduate Financial Support Package in 2014 (now Leeds Masters Scholarships Scheme) has helped her to study on an MA programme relevant to her chosen career path:

'There are many pressures on an MA candidate, funding being one of the most prominent. After I got my offer to study MA Art Gallery and Museum Studies at the University of Leeds, I was fortunate enough to receive the Postgraduate Financial Support Package which was made possible by the support of HEFCE, the Footsteps Fund and the University of Leeds.

‘Being a recipient of the funding has meant that I've not had to worry about the issue of funding and, as such, it has given me the opportunity to really put all of my energy into my studies; whether that be organising an exhibition at the Stanley and Audrey Burton Gallery with my course mates, researching for papers or doing my work placement at The Hepworth Wakefield. Postgraduate study is extremely important for a career in museums, so I am extremely grateful that my studies have been facilitated by the Postgraduate Financial Support Package, as it is allowing me to realise my ambitions!'

Dr Abigail Harrison Moore, Head of the School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies, said:

‘Abi is an amazing student and we are very pleased that the Leeds Masters Scholarship enabled her to study with us.’

The awards are available across all disciplines but only for 2015 entry. The application deadline is 5pm on Friday 12 June 2015. Full details, including eligibility criteria and the online application form, can be found here.

You can read more about Abi's experience as an MA Art Gallery and Museums Studies student on the Leeds Masters Scholarship Scheme blog.