Industrial Design Studentships

The 1851 Commission belies its name by energetic support for the cutting edge of science and technology, and its profitable exploitation by British industry.

The Commission's distinguished history is rich in scientific heroes who were supported in their early days by 1851 Awards. These include twelve Nobel Laureates, six holders of the Order of Merit and four Presidents of the Royal Society - names such as Lord Rutherford, Sir John Cockcroft and Lord Penney.

The Commissioners, who wish to encourage innovation and profitable creativity in industry, see design as an integral part of the process. One of the reasons that the Great Exhibition was so successful was that it overflowed with the fruits of dynamic, forward-looking Victorian design, embodying novelty and aesthetics in over 100,000 artefacts. In the Commissioners' view, industrial design cannot be dissociated from a clear understanding of the underlying engineering science of the product and it is for this reason that first degrees in science or engineering are prescribed.

These are complementary, not alternative disciplines. For products to succeed they must not only be fit for purpose, but they must also look good and represent value for money. The Commission hopes, by funding these Studentships, to encourage a holistic approach to excellence in product development, in which aesthetic design and engineering both play their full and proper parts.

Applicants and their colleges are assured that, once awarded, the 1851 Fellowships are refreshingly free of tiresome bureaucratic procedures, and lay no claim on intellectual property rights or commercial-in-confidence material.

Aim

To stimulate awareness of industrial design among the country's most able graduates.

Scheme

About six Industrial Design Studentships are offered each year for selected graduates with a good grounding in engineering or science who wish to develop their capabilities in industrial design.

Eligibility

• British nationals, resident in UK.
• Intending to make a career in British Industry.
• Good first degree in engineering or science.
• Must have obtained admission to a suitable postgraduate course in UK or overseas.
• Normally recently graduated.

Award

• All tuition fees paid, up to the normal UK course level for UK students.
• Stipend of £9,450 pa. paid.
• Allowance of £850 pa. for materials paid.
• Some travel expenses - may be paid.
• Duration: one year. A second year will be similarly supported if the course demands it and the first year has been satisfactorily completed.

Applications

• All applications must be accompanied by the completed Application Form [Word doc] and sent to The Secretary, with:
  • A CV which gives details of past work experience,
  • A convincing statement and evidence of your interest and expectations in industrial design,
  • Evidence of acceptance for the course you intend to take.
    
• The closing date is Thursday 24th April 2008.

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