Aziz Foundation Scholarships at Goldsmiths University of London

The Foundation is offering two Masters scholarships for the 2018-19 academic year at Goldsmiths, University of London. The aim of these scholarships is to help develop a pool of professionals and practitioners capable of addressing the social challenges facing British Muslim communities. The focus is on supporting the development of practical leadership in all areas of community service and at all levels. The objective is to improve the skills of imams and chaplains, community and youth workers, and teachers and counsellors working on the ground, addressing complex social problems, so that they can deliver inspiring solutions to the highest standards in community service. The Foundation is keen, however, to support students who would like to pursue a career in community work not just to benefit Muslims, but all communities, secular and religious, in pursuit of their specific and common goals that will help create a more cohesive Britain.

The scholarships will cover tuition and living expenses for a year, up to a maximum of £25,000 in total. The range of courses to be supported is listed below. The successful applicants will be selected through an application and interview process managed by both Goldsmiths, University of London and the Aziz Foundation.

Further Support

Students will additional be supported through the Aziz Foundation’s Leadership Support Scheme (LSS), which will assist in developing their knowledge-base, personal qualities, leadership skills and professional networks. They will be matched with mentors to support and guide them during and after their study. They will further undertake two short placements with a community related or research organisation and a statutory sector agency respectively.

Criteria

The selection process will favour those who will pursue careers in: chaplaincy, mosque-based work, social work, community work, and counselling.

Applicants should meet all the following requirements:

• Have or be expected to achieve an upper second class or equivalent undergraduate degree from a reputable, internationally recognised university, such that an offer from Goldsmiths for postgraduate study is likely to be made, or;
• In the absence of an undergraduate degree, be able to demonstrate strong community development experience and record;
• Be active within their local and/or Muslim faith community and demonstrate a desire to develop intellectual skills within a secular / multi-faith environment;
• Be able to demonstrate long-term commitment to community/societal development and good relations work through effecting community service;
• Be eligible for Home fee status at Goldsmiths.

Application Process:

If you meet the above criteria and would like to apply for these scholarships, please:

Step 1 – Choose a Course

Choose the course you wish to study from the list below. Please refer to Goldsmith’s department of Social, Therapeutic and Community Studies for more information on these courses.

Step 2 – Apply to Goldsmiths for a Course of Study

Complete the application process for your chosen course of study by 3rd May 2018. This will usually require an interview and the submission of a statement with your application to Goldsmiths – this statement should address why you should be accepted onto your chosen course, and particularly your academic suitability for the course. Goldsmiths will normally have decided on whom to admit by 28 June 2018. The decision-making process for admission to a course of study at Goldsmiths will be independent of the scholarship application.

Step 3 – Apply to Goldsmiths for an Aziz Foundation Scholarship

This is a separate application to the above and requires you to additionally submit:

• A short covering letter setting out which course you are intending to apply for;

• A statement of no more than 1,000 words setting out why you are applying for this course, how you meet the criteria above, and how you hope to use this scholarship opportunity for your future work;

• A tailored CV detailing your qualifications and work history (no longer than 2 pages).

Your scholarship application should be sent to Shoshana Jackson, Scholarships Coordinator,

Goldsmiths, University of London via email to scholarships@gold.ac.uk by 5 July 2018 .  You MUST put your student reference number (found on your application in MyGoldsmiths) and ‘Aziz Foundation Scholarship’ in the subject line of your email.

Step 4 – Attend the Aziz Foundation Scholarship Interview

If called, please attend the interview with Goldsmiths and the Aziz Foundation. Reasonable travel expenses can be reimbursed on production of receipts. Interviews will normally be held in July 2018.

Courses

The following Masters courses are covered under this Scholarship funding:

• MA Applied Anthropology and Community Development
• MA Applied Anthropology and Community & Youth Work
• MA Applied Anthropology and Community Arts
• MA Understanding Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse
• MA Counselling
• MA Social Work

Contact

The Aziz Foundation welcomes informal enquiries from candidates considering an application. Enquiries should be made to grants@azizfoundation.org.uk