Frequently Asked Questions
- Should I take the Foundation Scholarship examinations?
- Which Schol examination papers should I take? Should I take one or both? Which one?
- What date will these examination papers be held?
- I am eligible to take one or the other of the two Political Science Schol examination papers. Which one should I take?
- I am taking (e.g.) the Politics 2 examination but am only taking one of the Senior Freshman political science modules. Will I have a restricted set of choices for essays for this examination paper compared to students taking more than one Senior Freshman politics module?
- I have a question about preparing for Schol in relation to a particular SF module in Political Science (e.g. History of Political Thought, International Relations etc)
- Will there be a meeting with students to explain the Foundation Scholarship exam papers set by the Political Science department?
Should I take the Foundation Scholarship examinations?
This is a personal decision, but the Department of Political Science would strongly encourage students who received high marks in their Junior Freshman modules (for example, with module grades of a First or high '2:1') to sit the Foundation Scholarship examinations.
Back to TopWhich Schol examination papers should I take? Should I take one or both? Which one?
The papers available or required for the Foundation Scholarship examination vary by degree programme, and so you should consult your degree programme - BESS, European Studies etc - to see what the requirements and options are for Schol in your particular case. Applications to take the Schol examinations must be submitted to the Examinations Office.
Back to TopI am eligible to take one or the other of the two Political Science Schol examination papers. Which one should I take?
Read the descriptions, look at last year’s Schol examination papers and make your choice. It is possible to excel in either (or both) examinations.
Back to TopWhat date will these examination papers be held?
All scheduling of Schol examination papers is done by the Exams Office. The information should be available in around the end of the calendar year on Exams Office website.
Back to TopI am taking (e.g.) the Politics 2 examination but am only taking one of the Senior Freshman political science modules. Will I have a restricted set of choices for essays for this examination paper compared to students taking more than one Senior Freshman politics module?
It is obviously the case that students taking more than one SF Political Science module will be potentially able to answer a wider range of essays in the Politics 2 (or Politics 1) examination paper, but it is entirely possible to be successful at the Politics 2 examination paper while taking only one of the three Political Science department Senior Freshman modules.
Back to TopI have a question about preparing for Schol in relation to a particular SF module in Political Science (e.g. History of Political Thought, International Relations etc)
Your course lecturer, and your course handout, will provide the material you need to prepare for Schol in relation to the various Senior Freshman modules offered by the Political Science department.
Back to TopWill there be a meeting with students to explain the Foundation Scholarship exam papers set by the Political Science department?
The Department holds its own separate meeting for students intending to take Politics papers for the Foundation Scholarship examination. The 2012 Foundation Scholarship meeting for Political Science took place in the Jonathan Swift theatre (2041A, Arts Building), on Wednesday 24th October at 6pm.
However, all the information you need to prepare is available on this website, together with last year’s examinations as examples, and the course syllabuses for the various Senior Freshman Political Science modules.