Student competition 2011: What is a university education for?

February 2nd 2011

The Subject Centre for PRS is pleased to announce its 2011 student essay competition, 'What is a university education for?'

In the light of recent proposed changes to  government funding of undergraduate degrees in general, and in particular the removal of much central funding for undergraduate teaching in the humanities, this question has never been more relevant to our disciplines.

The Subject Centre for Philosophical and Religious Studies annual undergraduate student essay competition, sponsored by Continuum books, is now open. We invite you to discuss the above question with recourse to your philosophical, theological or religious studies background. Entries are welcomed of not more than 2,000 words, which address the above question, and justify the response, with originality and style.

The winner will receive a cash prize of £250, £100 worth of books from the Continuum list, and an invitation to the Higher Education Academy Annual Conference. The winning entry will also be considered for publication in our journal, Discourse: Learning and Teaching in Philosophical and Religious Studies. There will also be a runner-up prize of £150.

Closing date: 12 noon, Monday May 9th 2011.

Marking criteria

Your essay will be marked against the following criteria. It should:

  • Be original and interesting to read
  • Communicate your ideas clearly and concisely
  • Show evidence of independent, critical thought
  • Show evidence of analytic ability (i.e. moving beyond description to analysis)
  • Present and evaluate conflicting points of view, including those with which you disagree, in a sensitive, respectful, and balanced way
  • Be logically structured, with a clear and relevant introduction and conclusion which address the question directly
  • Include well-structured and substantiated arguments
  • Be well written in terms of grammar, spelling and punctuation

Competition rules

  • You must be registered as a student on a philosophy, theology, religious studies, history of science or philosophy of science course (undergraduate single, joint or combined honours) in a UK higher education institution.
  • Your entry must be your own work.
  • Only one entry per student is allowed.
  • Entries must not be longer than 2,000 words, excluding references or footnotes.
  • The judges’ decision is final.
  • Your entry must be submitted via the online application form.
  • Your entry must be submitted on or before 12 noon, Monday 9th May 2011.

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Created on: February 2nd 2011

Updated on: February 2nd 2011