The College of Optometrists

23 January 2007

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Each year, as a core element of its research activity, the College of Optometrists awards a number of postgraduate Scholarships and Summer Scholarships. Over the past 10 years alone, the value of these scholarships has totalled more than £800,000 and of those awarded the PhD scholarships, approximately 50% have entered an academic career.

Postgraduate Scholarships are made in support of research work in optometry or a closely related subject and are granted to postgraduate students working and registered for the award of a higher degree. Selection of the scholarship will be based on the scope and content of the project proposed by the intending supervisor.

The aim of the Summer Scholarships is to encourage optometry undergraduate students in the UK, usually in the penultimate year of their course, and expected to achieve a first or upper second class honours degree, to consider a career in research or academia. The scholarships last for eight weeks and sponsor a short period of experience in an active research laboratory. Students are assigned to a project working under the direct supervision of a postdoctoral (or more senior) supervisor and should receive an introduction to research at postgraduate level.

The closing date for receipt of the completed applications for the postgraduate Research Scholarships (for the 3-year period commencing October 2007) and Summer Scholarships (for an 8-week period in 2007) is Friday, 30 March 2007. Final selection for the scholarships will be made by the end of May.

For a copy of the regulations, the conditions of awards and application forms please contact Theresa Murtagh by email or phone: 020 7766 4364.