1. Are there any opportunities to do a longer/ year-long placement outside the scheme?
No. The ICR does not offer study/ work placements for students, either undergraduate or postgraduate outside of the summer vacation studentship programme.
2. How does the online application form work?
If you are interested in applying to the ICR summer studentship scheme you need to complete the online application form.
The online form compiles:
- your personal details, your university studies and other information that you usually provide as part of your CV
- the research groups you are interested in
- an optional Equality and Diversity form.
You will not be able to upload any additional document (e.g. CV, Supporting statement). CV/Supporting statements submitted separately via email won’t be considered. Only applications submitted via the online form will be valid.
3. Is there any time limit to complete the online application?
There is no time limit to complete the final application, other than the final submission deadline. The application can be completed at your own pace, you can save your progress, and return to continue with it. If you want to return to the survey at a later time, please click “finish later” and note down your specific survey link or enter your email address for the survey link to be emailed to you.
Please note that you need to complete the form before the final deadline of Friday 17th of February (Thursday 9th February for some research teams) for your application to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be processed.
4. Can I apply to more than one project/research group?
Students are permitted to express interest in up to 3 different research teams. However, students are advised to select only the teams they are particularly interested in, applications will not be disadvantaged if they only pick one team.
The team leaders will conduct their own selection, and if successful at this stage students will only be able to apply for funding with one research team and should inform individuals if they are interviewing with multiple teams.
5. If I am in the final year of my undergraduate degree and planning to go on to study a Masters am I eligible to apply?
No, due to the requirements for offering students bursary candidates must be in the middle years of their undergraduate degree. Students graduating from a bachelor’s degree and then starting a Masters course do not fulfil the criteria.
6. Can I undertake a studentship if I have/ will be undertaking a year-long placement elsewhere as part of my degree?
Students planning to undertake/ undertaking a placement as part of their degree are eligible to apply for the scheme. The details of their placement should be included in their CV and may be used as a criterion in the selection process.
7. I haven’t heard back from a researcher, have they received my application?
All the applications that meet the eligibility criteria (undergraduate students at UK Higher Education institutions in the middle years of their undergraduate degrees) will be sent to the corresponding research groups after the application deadline is closed.
Demand for these scholarships will be high so we cannot guarantee that all research teams will be able to contact all the candidates that apply to their group.
If you have not been contacted by 24th March please assume that your application was not successful this time.
8. What are the dates and hours of the summer studentships?
Studentships will take place over the summer months between June and September.
Specific start dates will depend on the availability of the research supervisor and the student. When applying students should ensure they are available for a continuous 6-8 week period over this timeframe. Students are expected to work standard hours 9.30am-5.30pm.
9. How do I arrange accommodation?
Students are responsible for finding their own accommodation. The stipend is intended to cover accommodation and/or travel costs. A brochure with guidance on finding private accommodation in London can be made available to successful candidates.
10. What happens if I am successful in my application?
If you are successful you will need to complete an Occupational Health Questionnaire and Assessment and may need to attend a medical examination or health interview to receive health clearance.
You will also need to provide documentary evidence to show you have the right to reside and study in the United Kingdom for the duration of the studentship.
11. When I will be paid?
The stipend will be paid to the student at the end of each month for the duration of the placement.
12. Will I have to pay tax?
No. A Summer Research placement is not 'employment', it is an educational opportunity to work with an academic on specific research.
13. What happens after the project finishes?
Participating students will be expected to prepare and submit a short report on their project and their experience as a vacation student.