The Caroline Thomas Memorial Fund has been established to further research into human security in developing countries by supporting females of outstanding merit and research potential from the African continent who would otherwise not have the opportunity or financial resources to do undertake such work. The fund, which will be run as a charitable trust administered by the University of Southampton, will provide a scholarship to qualified students for a three year doctoral programme in the School of Social Sciences at the University of Southampton with its focus on any aspect of human security in a developing country context.

The fund has been set up in memory of the late Professor Caroline Thomas of the University of Southampton, who devoted her career to the plight of the poor and disadvantaged in developing nations. Caroline’s 1987 book, ‘In Search of Security: the Third World in International Relations’ was influential in changing the traditional approach to security issues. Security had previously meant only the military security of the state, but in proposing to broaden the agenda beyond its narrow focus on war and arms control, Caroline sought to include issues such as poverty, health and environmental degradation that confront the people of the developing nations, rather than their states.

Based within the Social Sciences at the University of Southampton, you will be part of a multi-disciplinary school with an international reputation and research expertise in political theory, comparative politics, global politics and international relations.

The fund, open for 2011 entry, covers the international fees and provides an annual stipend of £13,590 in respect of the candidate’s living expenses, as well as a research allowance of £2000.

Applications are competitive and will be assessed on the basis of academic merit and financial need. Applications will be accepted from female students from the continent of Africa, providing you are either a:

• Graduate with a first or upper second class honours degree (or its equivalent)
• Final year undergraduate student proposing to undertake postgraduate studies and who are expected to achieve a first or upper second class honours degree
• Postgraduate with a Master’s qualification in a relevant field study.

Application Deadline: 31 May 2011

Further Scholarship Information and Application