URSS: Information for staff - selection process
Two-stage selection process
URSS 2025 applications will be selected by a two-stage partial randomisation selection process.
The new process will offer a fair and transparent process which will help achieve a fairer distribution of URSS funds across all departments whilst maintaining the integrity of the URSS.
Our proposal will introduce a new two-stage process. There will be an initial vetting process to ensure that all applicants have the support from their supervisor and meet a basic threshold of quality and merit. Those that meet the threshold will be chosen through a randomisation process.
Benefits of a randomisation approach
- Avoids a counter bias – reduces biases that might influence the decision-making process;
- Encourages diverse research – support for innovative project that might not score as highly in a merit-based system;
- Inclusivity – this system can ensure that underrepresented groups have a fair chance of receiving a bursary
Information for supervisors:
As a URSS supervisor you will be required to provide academic supervision for the student’s project, as well as advice on developing the project proposal for the application.
As part of the two-stage approach you will need to complete the supervisor's support formLink opens in a new window for each applicant you are supervising, confirming that you fully support the project and would like it to progress to stage two of the selection process.
Key dates for supervisors:
- URSS 2025 student application deadline: Friday 7 February 2025
- URSS 2025 application deadline (for supervisors to complete their section): Friday 21 February 2025
- URSS 2025 Consultation Board: Tuesday 4 March 2025, 11-1pm
- URSS 2025 application outcome communicated: March 2025
- URSS 2025 bursary transferred: End of April 2025
- International Conference for UG Research (ICUR): 18-19 June 2025, Oculus
- URSS 2025 Showcase: Wednesday 12 November 2025, 1-4pm