Fully-funded scholarships for research-related Masters degrees available for UK students from Black backgrounds.

A photograph of David Afikuyomi who received an Opportunity Scholarship

David Afikuyomi, Opportunity Bristol Scholar

22 February 2022

Opportunity Bristol is a scholarship scheme available to fully fund students to study on research-related Masters degrees. The scheme, for entry in the 2022/23 academic year, will equip successful awardees with research skills, opening up further doctoral research opportunities. To support interested applicants, the Bristol Doctoral College is running Application Support Workshops.

Data shows that students from Black backgrounds are much less likely to pursue a PhD or consider a career in academia. The University of Bristol is committed to taking positive action to address this under representation and this scheme aims to support and encourage Black students to pursue research as a possible career path.

Opportunity Bristol provides financial support to UK students from Black backgrounds to undertake a research-related Masters degree. Part of the University of Bristol’s Black Bristol Scholarship Programme, which is supported by philanthropic donations, a scheme which seeks to address the lack of representation of the Black community at every level of study in higher education from undergraduate students to those completing PhDs. To date, Opportunity Bristol has provided funding to 14 Black students to study on research-related Masters degrees.

David Afikuyomi, a current Opportunity Bristol funded scholar, said:

“I was lost for words when I received the scholarship. This is one of the best things that has happened to me and I’m incredibly grateful. Ultimately this funding helps my dream to complete a PhD in economics”. Once established within his chosen programme of study, David remarked that “I feel a new sense of belonging: I’m starting the journey to a community of the people who are the gatekeepers of research. I can see the challenge that’s in front of me and it’s exciting”.

For this year’s cohort of interested applicants, the Bristol Doctoral College is running Application Support Workshop on Tuesday 15 March via Zoom.

Benefits of Opportunity Bristol include:

Course fees covered in full
Grant for living costs at the UKRI rate (at least £15,609 per year)

Opportunity to develop research skills and experience that will equip successful awardees for doctoral research opportunities in the future

Further information

To apply for the Opportunity Bristol scheme, you need to:

Apply to the University via the online form to apply for entry to an eligible Masters programme (please note, as outlined above not all Masters Programmes are eligible. Read the guidance document to check whether the course you are applying for is eligible), and

Complete the Opportunity Bristol Application Form

Both applications must be submitted in full by Monday 25 April in order for you to be considered for funding.

Please read the OB guidance note 2022 (PDF, 183kB) for the scheme and application process before submitting your application. (‌No applicant will be able to take up an award unless they are also offered a place on an eligible Masters programme.)‌

If you have any questions about the scheme, please contact Dr Patrick Ashby - Patrick.Ashby@bristol.ac.uk or Hattie John – harriet.john@bristol.ac.uk.