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Listen to Penny Foster, previous Programme Lead, and a group of Laidlaw Scholars talk about the Laidlaw Scholarship.

The Laidlaw Scholarship equips self-motivated and ambitious undergraduate students with the knowledge, skills and experience to become leaders in their chosen fields.

The scholarship combines the opportunity for students to undertake a unique research project and an innovative leadership development programme.

The scholarship offers the opportunity to conduct an independent research project in summer 1 and a Leadership In Action experience in summer 2 in which scholars will develop, enhance and apply leadership skills developed in the first year of the programme. Scholars can choose from three options: a leadership expedition, a leadership project with an NGO, or implementing their research findings in a community of need to bring about positive change to the area of study.

Each option is designed to ensure that the scholar:

  • Has an overseas experience (if their university experience or their research isn’t already overseas)
  • Is exposed to a new and challenging environment
  • Works with communities in need
  • Is involved in doing something which makes the world a better place
  • Develops and demonstrates their leadership skills and attributes

Funding is available during the research project and for the leadership experience. The programme is generously sponsored by Lord Laidlaw of Rothiemay.

A high-quality leadership development programme is also provided to the selected students over an 18-month period, enabling scholars to develop strong leadership skills and greater self-awareness.