At a glance

• Value: 2 bursaries, value: €10,000 each towards fees
• You must apply for the MSc Sustainable Development, Agri-Food and Co-operatives and have been offered and have accepted a place to be eligible for this bursary
• Questions on this scholarship should be directed to Dr. Mary O’Shaughnessy (mary.oshaughnessy@ucc.ie)  
• Applications should be submitted using the application form below to Ms. Rachel Cotter Programme Administrator rachelcotter@ucc.ie

About

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, launched this new bursary in 2024 to support a number of Masters Students in the area of rural development. The initiative is being rolled out in partnership with other third level colleges and delivers upon a commitment in the five-year rural development policy, Our Rural Future. As part of the initiative, two students will be supported with a bursary in UCC with a total value of €20,000 towards fees. The bursary was developed in collaboration with the Higher Education Institution Network which was established by the Department to encourage the wider take-up of rural development research at postgraduate level. Funding is awarded to University College Cork for the MSc Sustainable Development, Agri Food and Cooperatives at Cork University Business School. The bursary is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development (DCRD). The students who will be selected will engage with the DCRD and other nominated departments in the formulation of specific research questions focused on advancing the objectives of Our Rural Future and providing an evidence base to aid the development of public policy or support evaluation of specific policy challenges. The bursary recognises the impact of rural development studies and education and demonstrates the Government’s continued commitment to supporting research to contribute to the evidence base underpinning national policies relevant to sustainable rural development. 

Entry criteria

To be considered for a competitive bursary, the following criteria must first be met:

• Students must secure a minimum Second Class Honours Grade 1 in an approved primary degree or equivalent.
• Students must have applied for the MSc Sustainable Development, Agri-Food and Co-operatives via the UCC Applications System, have received an offer and have accepted a place on the programme.
• This bursary is open to all EU/UK students.

Applications

Applicants must have applied for, been offered and have accepted a place on the MSc Sustainable Development, Agri-Food and Co-operatives.

Applications must include a short personal statement in response to the following (max 500 words):

 What impact would achieving this bursary have for you? Include details on:

• Your reason for applying, academic background and notable achievements

• Your future career ambitions

Selection

A shortlist of students will be chosen and an interview will take place to discuss your application. The judging panel will include academic staff of the MSc programme.
 

Applicants must name at least two referees – one academic and one professional.

Please note if a bursary holder withdraws from the programme for which s/he has registered or fails to continue throughout the year to meet the attendance and other requirements for the programme, including examination entry, s/he may be required to repay to the College the whole or part of the bursary.  

Applications: Application Form 2024/25

Closing date for applications:   23^rd August 2024

Shortlisting of applications: 26^th August 2024

Interviews: 3^rd September 2024, in person on campus