Applications are now open for Trinity Term and will close on Monday 8th May.
UNDERGRADUATE APPLICATION FORM
About the Catherine Hughes Fund
The Catherine Hughes Fund was established in 2017. Its purpose is to fund initiatives to raise aspirations and expand horizons in the student community, with a focus on intellectual curiosity and social conscience.
Catherine Hughes (née Pestell) was Principal of Somerville between 1989 and 1996. A diplomat and senior civil servant, she was born in County Durham and came to St Hilda’s Oxford after winning a scholarship to Leeds High School. Hughes was elected Principal of Somerville in 1989 and had a particular interest in the intellectual development and wellbeing of students. She famously oversaw the College’s decision to admit male students, a move which was undoubtedly controversial in some quarters, but which many argue stood in Somerville’s tradition of widening access to all who would do well here. Following her retirement in 1996, Hughes made generous gifts to support students and Fellows in History, English and Modern Languages. She died on 10th December 2014 leaving a generous bequest to Somerville.
Eligibility
Enrolled students are eligible. This includes research graduates who have submitted their thesis, but not received leave to supplicate. Students who are on suspension, visiting students and associate are not eligible. The project does not need to be course-related. Applicants should be in need of financial support, and be able to demonstrate that their proposed project meets the aim of the Catherine Hughes Fund:
- To fund initiatives to raise aspirations and expand horizons in the student community with a focus on intellectual curiosity and social conscience.
The planned travel or project must start after a certain date each term. In Trinity Term, this is Wednesday 24th May. It is not possible to be considered for retrospective funding unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Award levels
Environmental sustainability is integral to Somerville’s commitment to social responsibility. Students who are applying for funding for travel within Europe will now be incentivised to choose lower carbon travel solutions. The following award levels will apply unless there are exceptional circumstances. These could include disabilities that prevent long train journeys, caring responsibilities or the need to avoid travelling through particular countries.
| Standard award over the length of the course | Up to £2,000 |
| Travel within Europe which does not involve flying | Up to £2,400 (20% more funding) |
| Travel within Europe which involves flying | Up to £1,600 (20% less funding) |
Students should refer to the University’s Guide to Sustainable Business Travel for information about reducing carbon emissions. They are also encouraged to offset flights using an offsetting scheme compliant with the Gold Standard.
Application process (graduate)
- Graduates should complete the application form and email it to their Supervisor, copying in the Scholarships and Funding Officer. We recommend that this is done at least a week before the application deadline. This is to allow enough time for Supervisors to complete their section. Students should also include any evidence of estimated or actual costs.
- Supervisors should complete their section and email the application form to the Scholarships and Funding Officer by Monday 8th May.
- The Scholarships and Funding Officer will forward applications to College Advisers for their comments.
Application process (undergraduate)
- Undergraduates should complete the application form and email it to the Scholarships and Funding Officer by Monday 8th May. Students should also include any evidence of estimated or actual costs.
- The Scholarships and Funding Officer will forward applications to Personal Tutors for their comments.
Application process (BMBCH)
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (BMBCH) students should complete the application form and email it to the Scholarships and Funding Officer by Monday 8th May. Students should also include any evidence of estimated or actual costs.
- The Scholarships and Funding Officer will forward applications to Personal Tutors for their comments.
Application and project deadlines
Applications are accepted each term.
| Term | Deadline for application to be received from student (undergraduate and BMBCH) or Supervisor (graduate) | Deadline for project to start |
| Michaelmas Term 2022 | Monday 17th October (2nd week) | Wednesday 2nd November (4th week) |
| Hilary Term 2023 | Monday 23rd January (2nd week) | Wednesday 8th February (4th week) |
| Trinity Term 2023 | Monday 8th May (3rd week) | Wednesday 24th May (5th week) |
Decisions
Decisions will be made by Somerville College Travel and Special Project Grants Committee.
Reporting
Successful applicants will be expected to submit a report after the completion of their project.
Queries
If you have any queries, please email the Scholarships and Funding Officer.