School of Physics & Astronomy
Why do a research placement? Research is all about learning by doing – you’ll gain invaluable practical, theoretical and personal skills whilst taking part in cutting edge research. You’ll gain a better perspective on your undergraduate course and valuable experience for your CV.
What’s involved? Your placement will typically be 8 weeks, working full time with your chosen supervisor. You’ll be paid a stipend of around £180 per week.
Who is eligible? The placement must take place during the lifetime of your degree – you will therefore be a student of the School of Physics & Astronomy at Leeds, currently in year two (BSc or MPhys) or three (MPhys only) of study. You must be averaging a 1st class or 2.1-level performance at the time of application.
How do I register? Use the School web pages to find out a bit more about research activity in the School. Talk widely – don’t just stick to your tutors! You will also have the opportunity to talk to staff members about the projects at the Project Fair in December of each year. Once you have decided which projects you are interested in, you can select your top 4 choices using the online application form.
There will be an internal sifting process and successful candidates will be asked to apply for an externally-sponsored scholarship (Nuffield Foundation, EPSRC, RAS, Wellcome Trust) in January. The School will underwrite applications of candidates who have been successful in the first round (to a set maximum commitment), guaranteeing the position regardless of the success of the external application.
There will then be a second round of awards, for placements funded by the School. These would then be awarded in May 2012, once external funding awards have been announced.
More information (and a link to the application form) is available here.