The 2024 Convocation Postgraduate Student of the Year award for 2024 is now open for nominations.
To be eligible for these awards (*normally one Doctoral and one Non-Doctoral) the student must have demonstrated significant academic achievement during the period in which he/she was registered on an Ulster University course.
At the time of nomination, the student must have been registered at Ulster University on a Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma, Masters or PhD programme within the last academic year.
Criteria
Whilst the examples given below are not exclusive, evidence of academic achievement in one or more of the following areas should be documented on the nomination form:
Academic Achievement
Examples:
- National/International conference presentations (peer-reviewed), including Posters
- Publications in academic journals (peer reviewed)
- Contribution to knowledge in a specific field
- Winning a major academic prize
- Exhibition of successful artistic work
- Recognition by a professional body
- Potential for impact within and beyond the academic realm
Although the awards are primarily made to recognise outstanding academic achievement, other contributions and achievements of the student should be documented on the nomination form. While the examples given below are not exclusive, they are indicative of the type of activities that should be included.
Overcoming Disability, Discrimination or Personal Adversity
Examples
- Being a role model for other students in overcoming disability or personal adversity
- Improving the opportunities for students with a disability to achieve personal objectives by advocacy, lobbying or way paving
- Raising awareness of the University’s support for students with a disability
- Contributing to organisations/charities concerned with supporting disability
Community Engagement & Voluntary Work
Examples:
- Undertaking work/research with a voluntary or community organisation which made a substantial difference to the lives of the client group or community
- Establishing/organising events to raise cultural awareness, embracing diversity and promoting inclusivity
- Setting up clubs/societies drawing the University and local communities together
- Significant fundraising
- Work with international organisations.
Personal Achievement
Examples:
- Sporting success
- Success in any other sphere of you their personal/non-academic life
In making the awards the selection panel will in the first instance consider:
- The Impact and significance of academic achievement
Should it arise that following the consideration of the academic achievement of those nominated it is impossible to make the award solely on the basis this criteria (i.e., in the event of a tie for first place), the other contributions and achievements of the students deemed to have achieved the highest academic excellence will be considered to select a winner. In such circumstances, the selection panel will consider the other criteria met within the nomination.
The awards will be made to the student/s who in the opinion of the selection panel have demonstrated the most significant achievement. The selection panel’s decision is final.
Nominations for the award may be made by staff, students (other than the nominee), alumni or other interested parties, but must be seconded by a current or past academic staff member. Nominations will only be accepted through the MS Form link provided
The selection panel may ask for short-listed students to attend an interview or give a presentation where there is insufficient information on the initial nomination forms to make a final decision.
Award winners may be asked to make a presentation of their work to the Convocation Executive committee at a later date.
The awards are a perpetual trophy and will be presented during the winter Graduation Ceremonies.