Gibson Trust Bursary for NI Students
Deadline: 31 August, 2025
Level of Study
Postgraduate Taught
Country Group
NI
Funding Amount
£7,300
Application Status
Open
Eligibility summary
- NationalityNorthern Ireland
- Level of StudyPostgraduate Taught
Overview
Thanks to the generous support of the Gibson Trust, a number of bursaries are available to support Northern Ireland-domiciled students enrolling to the MSc Leadership for Sustainable Development and MSc Leadership for Sustainable Rural Development programmes.
The bursaries are intended to support access to postgraduate study for individuals committed to developing the leadership skills needed to drive sustainability transitions across sectors.
Please note that bursary availability is reviewed annually and cannot be guaranteed for future intakes.
Further Information
Who is eligible?
The bursary is open to Applicants who have received and accepted an offer for one of the eligible MSc programmes (MSc Leadership for Sustainable Development, or MSc Leadership for Sustainable Rural Development Only) and who meet the Northern Ireland residency requirements (i.e. those who are ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland).
Where demand exceeds the number of bursaries available, further selection criteria will be applied. These may include:
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The class of undergraduate degree attained
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The strength and relevance of the supporting personal statement
As a mature student and mother of two young children, returning to education to study Leadership for Sustainable Development at Queen’s University Belfast was both a deeply personal and profoundly challenging decision but one I was mentally ready for. The Gibson Bursary provided a vital bridge that allowed me to make this step not only possible but sustainable for my family and me.
Balancing academic work, parenting responsibilities, and financial pressures can be daunting. The bursary provided much more than financial support—it offered reassurance. It meant I could afford reliable childcare during key academic periods, purchase essential course materials, and fully participate in fieldwork and group projects without constantly worrying about the financial strain it might place on my household.
Beyond the practical benefits, receiving the Gibson Bursary was a significant emotional boost. It was a gesture of belief—not just in my potential as a student, but in the broader contribution I hope to make in the fields of sustainability, community leadership, and systems change. That vote of confidence has helped sustain my motivation during more difficult moments and has strengthened my resolve to use this opportunity to its fullest.
This course has already transformed my understanding of what leadership for sustainable development truly involves—from understanding the impacts of climate change to policy engagement—and the support I’ve received has given me the confidence to take up space in conversations where change is most needed.
To the donors and decision-makers behind the Gibson Bursary: thank you. You are not only investing in students—you are investing in families, in communities, and in a more sustainable and equitable future. I hope to honour that investment in the work I do beyond this degree.
Rebecca McPolin, Gibson Bursary Recipient
Funding Towards
Tuition Fees
Funding Body
The Gibson Trust
Funding Amount
£7,300
The Gibson Institute bursary includes tuition fees for a one year Masters.
Funding Body
The Gibson Trust
Terms and Conditions
Eligibility
Please note
Applications will be reviewed by a selection panel within the Gibson Institute for Land, Food and Environment. Bursaries will be awarded to applicants who best meet the criteria and demonstrate a clear alignment with the goals of the programme. The decision of the selection panel is final
Funding Type
Help with new course
Fee Status
NI
Nationality
Northern Ireland
Country Group
NI
Study Level
Postgraduate Taught
Start Date
Wed, 01 Jan 2025 10:26:00 GMT
Close Date
Sun, 31 Aug 2025 11:33:00 BST
Contact Us
Email any queries to Dr Adewale Adenuga at a.adenuga@qub.ac.uk
How to Apply
How to apply
Once you’ve accepted your offer, simply send:
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A short academic CV (1 page max)
-
A brief personal statement outlining your motivation for joining the programme and why you’re seeking bursary support
Email both documents to Dr Adewale Adenuga at a.adenuga@qub.ac.uk
Key dates
Applications are encouraged as soon as possible after offer acceptance.
Deadline: 31 August 2025 (late applications may be considered if places remain)