Dr Ruth Thompson Global Teaching Scholarship

Following a generous legacy donation from Dr Ruth Thompson, the Global Teaching Scholarship has been established to encourage social mobility, the advancement of learning and to invest in global education systems and practice.

This award aims to provide students with an opportunity to attend a world class education conference chosen by the Institute of Education, based overseas (for example, The American Educational Research Association Annual Conference), to expand their knowledge of education systems and practice and to bring back innovative ideas to share with fellow students.

There is funding of up to £1,500  per person (to partially cover costs of international travel and conference fees) to be provided for six of our postgraduate students.

This award is focused on providing students with the opportunity to attend the American Educational Research Association Annual Conference 2025 in Los Angeles, California, 8-12 April 2026. The Award will enable students to network, expand their knowledge of education systems and practice, and bring back innovative ideas to share with fellow students.

Applications for the award will be judged against the following criteria. All decisions made are final.

• All full and part-time postgraduate students studying for an academic studies qualification e.g. MA, EdD or PhD. (PGCE/PGCHPE/APA students will not be eligible).
• University of Staffordshire staff will not be eligible.
• Not previously attended via the Dr Ruth Thompson Global Teaching Scholarship.

Applications will be anonymised for reviewing, and shortlisting will be the responsibility of the Institute of Education, with support from Development and Alumni Relations using agreed criteria.

Please be aware that if you are successful you will be invited to attend an online bursary information sessions in October 2025 (further details will be provided).

You can apply to the fund through our partner platform, Blackbullion, using the following link:

Dr Ruth Thompson Global Teaching Scholarship

If you've not already registered with Blackbullion you'll be asked to register with them, using your student email account before completing your application. Registration is free and will give you access to all Blackbullion's online resources and learning modules designed to help you develop essential money skills, as well as exclusive competitions. For more information on Blackbullion please watch the video: We are Blackbullion: For Students

In their application, students must provide a synopsis of the benefits an international conference visit would have on their:

• research,
• methodology and improvement,
• potential career and/or setting.

This should be linked to the conference theme, or society group of the conference.

Spell check your application

Highlight your goals and ambitions

Explain why you chose us for your degree

We hope you take the time complete the application to the best of your ability and if you encounter any issues or require additional support during the application process, please contact developmentoffice@staffs.ac.uk.

Applications close on 31 October 2025.

• The University will conduct a review of a student’s bursary if progress or performance in their studies is deemed to be unsatisfactory (without an appropriate reason).
• If the scholar ceases to be a registered student at the University or they take up full-time employment whilst in receipt of the funds and are not studying alongside, no further payments will occur.
• The University has the right to withdraw an award from anyone who is found to have misled the institution about any aspect of their eligibility, and to seek repayment of any monies already paid to them.
• University of Staffordshire reserves the right to revise or amend these terms and conditions at any time without prior notice. All decisions made by the Development and Alumni Relations Office are final.