Diversity100 studentships scoring matrix - Birkbeck, University of London

These grading components will be used to assess Diversity100 applications.

Scores in each section will be weighted as per the table below.

Full details of how to apply for the Diversity100 Studentship is available here.

Score	Research Proposal (40%)	Applicant Preparedness for Research (30%)	Research Environment (30%)
5	Abstract clearly captures the proposed research in a way that communicates research to non-specialists Proposal demonstrates exceptional originality Research design is exceptionally clear and robust with well-specified methodological approachesProject demonstrates comprehensive engagement with background research Timeline and objectives are clearly defined and realistic Shows sophisticated understanding of research context	Exceptional evidence of preparedness for doctoral study through any combination of: Academic qualifications Professional experience Other relevant experience Strong demonstrated ability to undertake the proposed research Exceptional understanding of the research area through any relevant background	Exceptional fit between project and supervisory expertise (either through primary supervisor or supervisory team) Strong evidence in the supervisory statement that supervisors are able to assess and support necessary training needs Research environment provides all necessary resources for project completion (as confirmed in the supervisory statement). Where relevant, any external connections (e.g. professional networks or other connections outside of Higher Education) are clearly described, including how these would complement and enhance the research environment at Birkbeck, while maintaining the centrality of university expertise.
4	Abstract effectively communicates research to non-specialists Proposal demonstrates strong originality Research design is clear with appropriate methodological approaches Project shows thorough engagement with background research Timeline and objectives are well-planned and feasible Shows strong understanding of research context	Strong evidence of preparedness for doctoral study through any combination of: Academic qualifications Professional experience Other relevant experience Clear demonstrated ability to undertake the proposed research Strong understanding of the research area through any relevant background	Strong fit between project and supervisory expertise (either through primary supervisor or supervisory team) Clear evidence in the supervisory statement that supervisors are able to assess and support necessary training needs Research environment provides most necessary resources for project completion Where external connections are relevant to the project, these are well described and their relationship to the Birkbeck research environment is clearly articulated.
3	Abstract adequately communicates research to non-specialists Proposal demonstrates clear originality Research design outlines appropriate methodological approaches Project shows good engagement with background research Timeline and objectives are feasible Shows good understanding of research context	Good evidence of preparedness for doctoral study through any combination of: Academic qualifications Professional experience Other relevant experience Demonstrated ability to undertake the proposed research Good understanding of the research area through any relevant background	Good fit between project and supervisory expertise (either through primary supervisor or supervisory team) Good evidence in the supervisory statement that supervisors are able to assess and support necessary training needs Research environment provides essential resources for project completion If external connections are relevant, their potential relationship to the Birkbeck research environment is outlined, though more detail would be beneficial.
2	Abstract needs improvement for nonspecialist audience Proposal shows some originality Research design and methodological approaches need development Project shows basic engagement with background research Timeline and objectives need refinement Shows basic understanding of research context	Limited evidence of preparedness for doctoral study through any combination of: Academic qualifications Professional experience Other relevant experience Some evidence of preparedness for doctoral study Potential ability to undertake the proposed research Basic understanding of the research area	Adequate fit between project and supervisory expertise Some evidence in the supervisory statement that supervisors can assess and support necessary training needs Research environment provides basic resources for project completion Where external connections are mentioned as relevant, their relationship to the Birkbeck research environment needs further development.
1	Abstract does not effectively communicate research Proposal shows limited originality Research design and methodological approaches are inadequate Project shows insufficient engagement with background research Timeline and objectives are unrealistic or unclear Shows insufficient understanding of research context	Insufficient evidence of preparedness for doctoral study Limited potential to undertake the proposed research Limited understanding of the research area	Limited fit between project and supervisory expertise Limited evidence that supervisors can assess and support necessary training needs Research environment lacks essential resources for project completion Where external connections are cited as relevant, their relationship to the Birkbeck research environment is unclear or inappropriately framed.