Theresa Symons Postgraduate Scholarship in Philosophy * [F7002]

An asterisk (*) indicates that this scholarship is governed by conditions. See also General Conditions for Scholarships for Coursework Students except as set out in the conditions that follow.

The Theresa Symons Scholarship is provided from the annual income after capitalisation from the Theresa Symons Philosophy Trust (the Trust) established with a sum of money from the estate of Christopher Paul Symons for the purpose of providing scholarships or grants to students to encourage the furtherance of their study in the field of philosophy at postgraduate level at The University of Western Australia (the University).

If in any year there are no suitable applicants for the scholarship, or the income available is not fully expended on scholarships, the income, or the remaining income, may be used for the purpose of supporting, directly or indirectly, postgraduate research in philosophy at the discretion of the selection committee described in Clause 6.

The scholarship is awarded in accordance with the following conditions. 

Title
1. The scholarship is called the Theresa Symons Postgraduate Scholarship in Philosophy.

Purpose
2. The purpose of the scholarships is to encourage eligible students to pursue higher degrees by research in philosophy at the University under the supervision of members of the Discipline Group of Philsophy.

Type of Scholarship
3.(1) The scholarship may be offered as—

(a) a full scholarship; or

(b) a supplementary scholarship to be held in conjunction with an Australian Postgraduate Award, a University Postgraduate Award or equivalent postgraduate research award or another full scholarship approved by the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

(2) The selection committee may determine that a full scholarship can be held on a part-time basis.

(3) A supplementary scholarship may be held on a part-time basis providing the conditions of the primary award permit the primary award to be held on a part-time basis.

Number, Value and Type
4. (1) The scholarship is provided from the annual income of the Trust after capitalisation.

(2) The number, value and type of scholarships available each year is determined by the selection committee.

Eligibility Requirements
5. To be eligible for consideration for a scholarship a student must satisfy the admission requirements for, and intend to pursue a higher degree by research in philosophy.

Body Responsible for Selection
6. The selection committee for the scholarship comprises—

(a) the Chair of the Discipline Group of Philosophy, as Chair;

(b) two members of the Discipline Group of Philosophy nominated by the Chair of the Discipline Group;

(c) the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences or nominee; and

(d) the Head of the School of Humanities or nominee.

Selection Criteria
7.(1) Subject to (2), the scholarship is awarded by the selection committee to the applicant who, in its opinion, best demonstrates through their letter of application and supporting documentation—

(a) how they will benefit from the proposed scholarship funds;

(b) a significant research project; and

(c) academic achievement as evidenced by their academic record.

(2) Preference may be given to applicants from other Australian and overseas universities.

Selection Process
8.(1) Selection of the recipients is made by the selection committee having regard to the applicant's academic records, letters of application and referees' reports.

(2) The selection committee may interview short-listed applicants.

Awarding Body
9. The scholarship is awarded by the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, on the recommendation of the selection committee.

Method of Payment
10.(1) A full scholarship may be paid as a fortnightly stipend or in two equal instalments.

(2) A supplementary scholarship is paid as a fortnightly stipend in conjunction with the primary scholarship. 

(3) To assist with relocation expenses, the selection committee may determine that part of a full scholarship is to be paid as a lump sum to the student when they first enrol at the University. 

(4) The value of the lump sum is determined each year by the selection committee and is reimbursed to the student on first enrolment and production of receipts. 

Duration of Award
11. The scholarship is tenable for up to three years full-time or equivalent part-time.

Concurrent Awards
12.(1) A full scholarship may be held concurrently with another award providing the conditions of the other award so permit.

(2) A supplementary scholarship may be held concurrently with other supplementary scholarships, provided that the combined total value of the supplementary scholarships is no more than 75 per cent of the base stipend rate of the primary scholarship. 

Criteria for Continuation of Scholarship
13. Continuation of the scholarship from year to year is subject to the recipient—

(a) maintaining continuous enrolment at the Univeristy as a full-time student, unless otherwise recommended by the selection committee and approved by the Head of the School of Humanities and the Board of the Graduate Research School; and

(b) submitting, through their supervisor and the Head of the School of Humanities, a satisfactory Annual Progress Report to the Board of the Graduate Research School.

Application Procedure
14.(1) Written applications are called for annually by the School of Humanities and must be submitted to the Administrative Assistant of the Discipline Group of Philosophy by the advertised closing date.

(2) Written applications, must be in the form of a letter to the Chair of the Discipline Group of Philosophy and must attach—

(a) a complete academic transcript of the applicant's tertiary education;

(b) the names and contact details of two referees;

(c) a 250-word description of the research project; and

(d) an outline of no more than 250 words which explains how they would benefit from the scholarship.

Administering Body
15. The scholarship is administered by the Scholarships Office.

Publications
16. Any thesis, dissertation or other publication resulting from research undertaken by the recipient while in receipt of the Theresa Symons Postgraduate Scholarship in Philosophy must acknowledge the support of the scholarship and carry the University by-line.

Intellectual Property
17. Intellectual property is governed by the University's Intellectual Property policy available on the University's web site at http://www.universitypolicies.uwa.edu.au/page/117132.