University PhD Grant Scheme

The Western Front Association PhD Grant Scheme is offered to provide research scholars the opportunity to enrich their research so that it makes a new and definitive contribution to the knowledge of the First World War. The Western Front Association wishes to build upon its track record of support exciting and innovative research into the Great War and is offering a number of individual grants up to the value of up to £2,500 to successful applicants.

Applications are sought from doctoral candidates in their second year or later. The grant is not restricted to the Western Front, nor are there any restrictions regarding topic. All projects related to the First World War will be considered. Previous winning topics include war artists in Sinai and Palestine, how troops dealt with boredom in Salonika, Ersatz food production in Germany, and logistics and engineering support in the Canadian Corps. Nothing is off limits!

See our full list of previous winners and to read how they used the grant money to enhance their research. 

In return for the financial support, recipients are expected to provide the WFA with publishable material, bringing cutting edge research to members. The scheme runs each autumn and applications are accepted from 1 September until 1 December – applications sent outside of this timeframe will not be considered.

Eligibility and Criteria

1. Registered on a recognised PhD/DPhil/MPhil Programme, either full or part time. Can be registered at a UK or International Higher Education Institution.
2. Applicants must be in their second (or later) year of study when they hold the award.
3. Topic to be related to the First World War, though does not have to be limited to the Western Front.
4. The award of the grant is subject to the receipt of a reference from one of the applicant’s supervisors.
5. The successful applicant will acknowledge support of The Western Front Association in their final PhD submission.
6. Successful applicant agrees to produce a short article (3,000-5,000 words) for Stand To! and/or The Western Front Association website, based on the research carried out using the grant.
7. Individuals are not eligible if they have already been awarded one of these grants, but those who have applied in the past are eligible to apply again.

Assessment process

Applications will be assessed by a committee consisting of the Universities Trustee, the WFA President, at least one other member of the Executive Committee and invited WFA members. The panel will then make recommendations to be approved by the Executive Committee.

What are the judges looking for?

The judging panel will score the applications based on the following criteria, all applicants should cover these in their application:

• A clear description of the project and its relation to the First World War.

• The original contribution to the historiography of the First World War the research is making.

• How and where the grant will be used.

• A high standard of written English.

Download PhD grant application form here