ACU Scholarships Programme in Public Relations and Communications

As part of its campaign to help further the PR, marketing and communications capacity of member universities the ACU, in association with International Students House London, the University of Westminster and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, operates a scholarships programme in PR and Communications. This programme provides an opportunity for young university employees of ACU member universities in developing countries to undertake a Masters degree in Public Relations and Communications at the University of Westminster in London.

Introduction

The Association of Commonwealth Universities is pleased to invite applications for up to two scholarships to support full-time study in the United Kingdom for the Masters degree in Public Communication and Public Relations offered by the University of Westminster. The awards are jointly sponsored by the ACU, the University of Westminster, and International Students House London.

Purpose

The aim of this scheme is to improve communication between higher education and the media in developing countries. For higher education, improved communication could provide a vital route for better engagement with the societies that they serve, and a channel for the better dissemination of new ideas. For the media, better knowledge of higher education could provide insight into a wide range of expert opinion, critical analysis and new developments.

Length of Tenure

The scholarships will be held at the Harrow campus of the University of Westminster and will be tenable for one academic year from 15 September 2009 (date as yet to be confirmed).

Eligibility

The programme is intended for administrative or related staff currently employed by ACU member universities in developing Commonwealth countries who wish to develop their skills in media, public relations or marketing. Recipients should intend, on their return, to work in a role which aims to raise the profile of higher education in the media of their countries and the ACU would expect that employing universities would undertake to make sure that such opportunities were made available to them. Preference will be given to candidates who combine a strong record of achievement in their careers to date with clear plans for how the benefits of the scholarship would be used on their return.

Applicants must hold a first degree at upper second class standard or equivalent, although professional qualifications or substantial work experience may be acceptable. Candidates are also required to show evidence of English Language ability in the form of an IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL score of 600.

Value

The scholarships will provide for full overseas tuition fees, accommodation expenses, a monthly stipend toward other subsistence expenses and airfares to and from the United Kingdom.

Method of Application

Candidates should complete a University of Westminster application form, a blank copy of which can be obtained from their Executive Head. Candidates must also complete the Statement of Purpose form. Each candidate must also be nominated for this award by the Vice-Chancellor or Executive Head of their employing ACU member university. The nominating authority must complete a copy of the enclosed declaration, which must be forwarded direct with the candidate's application to the ACU. Applications will not be considered unless accompanied by a declaration. Applications must not be sent to the University of Westminster.

Closing Date: Applications should be addressed to:-

Human Capacity Development Division (AA)
Association of Commonwealth Universities
Woburn House, 20-24 Tavistock Square
London WC1H 9HF
United Kingdom

so as to reach the Association not later than 30 April 2009.

Conditions of Award

Award holders must undertake to return to their employing university at the end of the scholarship. Each recipient will be expected to provide a report on his/her tenure of the scholarship which may, at the discretion of the ACU, be included in future publications of the ACU or of the other scholarship sponsors.

Additional information on the University of Westminster and the MA in Public Communication and Public Relations can be found on the University’s website www.wmin.ac.uk.