Aspiring scholars who are really interested in exploring the intersection of humanities and spatial analysis can find a unique opportunity in the UKZN Mellon Spatial Humanities Scholarship.

Offered by the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in South Africa, this scholarship supports postgraduate studies in various disciplines within the field of spatial humanities.

About the UKZN Mellon Spatial Humanities Scholarship

The UKZN Mellon Spatial Humanities Scholarship is an honorable program funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

It aims to support and promote innovative research and scholarship at the postgraduate level, focusing on the diverse ways space shapes human experiences and cultural expressions.

The scholarship supports Master’s and Doctoral studies in various disciplines, including:

  1. History
  2. Geography
  3. Anthropology
  4. Literature
  5. Visual Arts
  6. Media Studies
  7. Law
  8. Social Sciences

The program encourages interdisciplinary approaches, welcoming projects that combine spatial analysis with humanities methodologies.

Scholars can explore themes like:

  1. Urban transformations and spatial justice
  2. Landscape and cultural memory
  3. Geographies of power and resistance
  4. Spatial representations in literature and film
  5. Digital humanities and spatial mapping

UKZN Mellon Spatial Humanities Scholarship Application Form

The application process for the UKZN Mellon Spatial Humanities Scholarship is straightforward.

There is no dedicated application form, but applicants must submit a comprehensive package of documents electronically.

Here’s what you need to include:

  1. Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed CV outlining your academic background, qualifications, research interests, and relevant experience.
  2. Academic transcripts: Certified copies of all your academic transcripts from undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
  3. Motivational letter: A two-page letter explaining your suitability for the program, your research interests, and how the scholarship aligns with your career goals.
  4. Concept note: A two-page document outlining your proposed research project, its methodology, and its contribution to the field of spatial humanities.
  5. Bibliography: A comprehensive bibliography related to your proposed research topic.
  6. Portfolio (optional): You can submit a portfolio showcasing your creative work, publications, or other relevant materials (e.g., films, photographs, paintings).

All documents should be submitted electronically to the designated email address: [email protected].

Don’t forget to use the words “UKZN Mellon Scholarship Application 2022” in the email subject line.

The UKZN Mellon Spatial Humanities Scholarship Requirements

For you to be eligible for the UKZN Mellon Spatial Humanities Scholarship, you must meet the following requirements:

  1. Be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
  2. Have completed an undergraduate degree in a relevant humanities or social sciences discipline.
  3. Be registered or planning to register for a Master’s or Doctoral program at UKZN in one of the eligible disciplines.
  4. Demonstrate strong research skills, academic writing ability, and a clear interest in spatial humanities.
  5. Be able to start your studies within the timeframe specified by the program.

The UKZN Mellon Spatial Humanities Scholarship Closing Date

The application deadline for the UKZN Mellon Spatial Humanities Scholarship typically falls in April each year.

But as of now, the closing date for the 2024/2025 academic year is yet to be confirmed.

Remember, applications submitted after the closing date will not be considered.

For any inquiries about the UKZN Mellon Spatial Humanities Scholarship, you can contact the School of Social Sciences at UKZN at [email protected].