The Bartlett Promise Master’s Scholarship is a prestigious fully funded scholarship offered by University College London (UCL) through The Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment. This scholarship is designed to remove financial and structural barriers faced by students from under-represented backgrounds who aspire to pursue a taught master’s degree at one of the world’s leading institutions for architecture, planning, construction, and urban studies.
As one of UCL’s flagship equity and inclusion initiatives, the Bartlett Promise Scholarship goes beyond financial aid. It is a holistic support programme aimed at empowering talented students to access high-quality education, develop leadership potential, and build meaningful careers within the built environment and related sectors.
About The Bartlett, UCL
The Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment is globally recognised for its excellence in research, teaching, and innovation. It consistently ranks among the top faculties worldwide in architecture and built environment disciplines. Studying at The Bartlett offers students access to world-class academics, cutting-edge research facilities, industry partnerships, and a diverse international learning environment.
However, UCL recognises that access to such opportunities has not always been equitable. The Bartlett Promise Scholarship was created to address this imbalance by supporting students who have the ability and ambition to succeed but face social, economic, or structural disadvantages.
What the Scholarship Covers
The Bartlett Promise Master’s Scholarship is a full funding award, making it one of the most generous master’s scholarships available in the UK. Successful applicants will receive:
Full tuition fee coverage for the standard duration of their master’s programme
A living and study allowance of approximately £17,000 per year, paid in instalments to support accommodation, food, transport, and study-related expenses
Ongoing academic, professional, and wellbeing support throughout the programme
This comprehensive funding ensures that scholars can focus fully on their studies without the burden of financial stress.
Who Is Eligible?
The scholarship is targeted at students who are traditionally under-represented in higher education at The Bartlett. To be eligible, applicants must:
- Hold an offer of admission to a taught master’s programme at The Bartlett, UCL
- Be UK-domiciled with Home fee status or be a forced migrant residing in the UK
- Not already hold a master’s degree or PhD
- Demonstrate financial need and meet at least one widening-participation criterion
Widening-participation criteria may include (but are not limited to):
- Coming from a low-income household
- Being from a Black, Asian, or minority ethnic background
- Being first in the family to attend university
- Having care responsibilities or being a care leaver
- Facing long-term structural or social disadvantage
The scholarship selection process is competitive and holistic, focusing on both academic potential and personal circumstances.
Special Scholarship Stream: Aziz Foundation Partnership
In addition to the main Bartlett Promise awards, some scholarships are offered in partnership with the Aziz Foundation. This stream is aimed at applicants who identify as British Muslim and who demonstrate a strong commitment to contributing positively to British Muslim communities. Recipients of this award may benefit from additional leadership development and networking opportunities through the Aziz Foundation.
Application Timeline
Applicants should carefully note the scholarship timeline:
Applications open: 1 March
Application deadline: 31 May (23:45 BST)
Notification of results: Around mid-July
Programme start: September intake only
The scholarship cannot be deferred, meaning successful applicants must commence their studies in the year for which the award is granted.
Important Notes for Applicants
You must apply and receive an offer for a Bartlett master’s programme before applying for the scholarship
Part-time study may be considered only in exceptional circumstances, and funding will be adjusted accordingly
The scholarship is awarded for the standard duration of the programme only
Why This Opportunity Matters
The Bartlett Promise Master’s Scholarship represents more than funding—it is a commitment to fairness, representation, and social impact. For students from under-represented backgrounds, this scholarship can be life-changing, opening doors to world-class education, global networks, and influential careers in the built environment and beyond.
If you have the ambition to study at UCL but financial or social barriers stand in your way, the Bartlett Promise Scholarship is an opportunity worth pursuing.
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