OCMS (www.ocms.ac.uk) -
The Oxford Centre for Mission Studies
Advancing Holistic Mission through Scholarly Engagement

Securing scholarships for a research degree

Once your application has been considered by the Admissions Committee you will be sent a letter offering enrolment or enrolment conditional on your meeting some requirement, often evidence of funding. Each of this these can be used to help you raise the funds necessary for you to be admitted or continue in the Research Programme.

You must take personal responsibility for this aspect of your preparations to study with OCMS. It may require dedication of time and energy on your part to find the necessary help. This can, at times, be frustrating and you will need to be pro-active and patient to succeed! Every individual is different and there are no guarantees, but there are a few basic things to consider.

1. You should prepare a simple 'business plan' for your studies. Financial sponsors need to know what your plans are, why you think they are important and what they will cost. They want to help motivated people and by laying out your own vision and relating it to this course of study you will help them see the value of supporting you (rather than a hundred others also knocking at their door!).

So prepare a short (one to two page) business case. Briefly describe your background and your career or ministry goals and explain why you believe this course will enhance your knowledge and skills in relationship to your future plans. This needs to be angled at the aims and interest of each potential donor or likeminded groups of donors. What are your specific aspirations and what do you hope to learn from a research degree that will help you fulfill these? Attach your curriculum vitae (CV) and a budget. You need to add the cost of international and local travel and any other expenses involved, for instance, in fieldwork and visiting archives.

2. Compile a list of possible sponsors, including:

2.1 Is your own organization or church willing to contribute? Perhaps they would consider helping you buy a computer, or pay for your travel. They may be willing to contribute towards your monthly allowance or a percentage of your fees. Be creative. You will not know until you ask.

2.2 Compile a list of personal contacts whom you could approach to ask for advice. Are any of them in a position to help even in a small way? Can you ask them for suggestions on others you could approach? Would they be willing to introduce you? A church or mission leader, for example, might have international contacts that could be approached.

2.3 Compile a list of organizations, agencies and churches who are active in your area or field of interest. Do a little research on each organization; the Internet is a great help here. Do they have a scholarship fund? In what way does your topic of study align with their aims and objectives? Can you identify a person or department that you should contact? In addition to giving them a copy of your business plan, try to give them a specific reason why they, in particular, should sponsor you. If you have a personal contact, ask them informally whether they could help.

As far as the bigger agencies are concerned you will have to follow their protocol. An initial enquiry briefly stating your goal in pursuing research, asking whether they would consider an application for a scholarship, and requesting information on how to apply might save you some time.

2.4 Revisit this process every month. You may have been turned down at the beginning of your search but once you have secured some of your funding you may be able go back a second time (it is easier to say "I have 70% of the funds I need, could you help close the gap?" than "I am just starting out - would you be willing to make the first contribution?").

3. OCMS is willing to write an additional letter if necessary to support your application to a potential sponsor, confirming your acceptance on the course and indicating how we believe this could help further your goals. Please let OCMS have the specific name and address details for each application you wish to pursue. The letter will be sent to you to include with your application.

4. OCMS is an associated institution of the University of Wales and a sponsoring establishment of the Open University, and these are the main awarding institutions for the research degrees that we deliver. Some agencies will only give scholarships for study on a recognized degree programme and it is therefore important to mention the University.

We pray that the Lord will grant you what is necessary to accomplish laudable aims. For enquiries concerning admission, please contact administration@ocms.ac.uk in the first instance.



Research Programme Guide



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This page last edited on Thursday, 18th June 2009 by WILLIAMS, Andrew

   

 
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