Summer Internship and Research Bursaries

The Senior Tutor invites applications from students of the College for the following awards which may be awarded to eligible candidates of sufficient merit.

The internship and research bursaries support a range of activities during the Summer Research Period (1 July ‑ 30 September).

Applicants should ensure that their application and supporting reference(s) are submitted by noon on the final day of Lent Full Term.

The amount awarded is dependent on the nature of the proposal, and the amount of time needed. The applicant’s academic qualifications and the likely benefit of the research or project to their future career are taken into account by the awards panel. Students will be informed of the outcome of their application by the start of Easter Full Term.

Awards of up to £1,500 each may be made to students who are proposing remarkable projects taking most of the summer research period. The competition panel of judges may choose to make awards of lesser amounts for students with shorter projects towards their general costs of undertaking their research.

Open to undergraduates

• engaging in either a research project or internship supervised by a Director of Studies, or an academic supervisor within the University of Cambridge or at another university
• on unpaid internships within commercial organisations
• with expenses needed to use research facilities, including libraries, language facilities or laboratories related to their course

Open to postgraduates

• on one-year Masters programmes taking up fieldwork due for completion in the summer research period (except for MPhil projects where the project is necessarily part of the course and normally funded through fees)
• clinical medicine students undertaking elective placements

• All applications must be received in full by the deadline advertised
• Study must specifically be undertaken during the summer research vacation period. Any unforeseen cancellation must be immediately reported to the Academic Office.
• The award must only be used for the purposes set out in the application.
• Any unspent monies (in whole or in part) must be promptly returned to the College.
• Any students who do not continue in their studies at Magdalene College in the following academic year must return the full value of the award.
• Applications containing false information or failing to declare relevant details about previous awards or external funding will be disqualified.
• All aspects of study and research are undertaken at the award holder’s own risk. The College cannot accept any legal liability for loss or hurt suffered. Successful applicants should personally ensure that all necessary steps are taken to look after their own wellbeing, safety, and the security of their belongings and documents. In particular, each applicant should consider the level of risk that pertains in the areas that they propose to visit.
• These awards are supplementary to all other awards
• College accommodation is not automatically provided for award winners and must be sought in the usual way (for undergraduates this is via OTR application)
• Retrospective applications may not be made.
• These awards have been made possible by the kind generosity of donors who wish to support Magdalene students. Successful applicants are expected to write a letter of thanks to the donor of the award, and a report of between 1000 and 3000 words, to be submitted to the Academic Registrar no later than 1 October in the year of award. If recipients do not supply a report and letter of thanks, or it is inadequate, they may be required to refund the award.

Your application must be supported by references from your Director of Studies (undergraduates) or Supervisor (postgraduates).

When you submit your application, an automated email will be sent to the reference email addresses you have entered on the application. Please ensure these email addresses are correct as missing references will not be chased.

It is your responsibility to ensure the references reach us by the deadline.

References need only be a few lines in length but must detail your (the student’s) role in the project and how participation will be beneficial to you. References should also note if the project will lead to a joint publication or another type of recognition.

To apply please complete the Summer Internship and Research Bursaries application form.