As part of the events designed to mark the 600 years since the founding of the University of St Andrews, the University’s School of Divinity is delighted to offer, in association with Langham Partnership, a special award, the Thomas Chalmers Scholarship, for a scholar from the Majority (Developing) World embarking on a three-year, full-time research degree programme in Divinity in September 2013.

Langham Partnership is a registered Christian charity in the evangelical tradition, which grew out of the international ministry of Rev Dr John Stott. Over the past 30 years it has helped to sponsor almost 300 scholars to complete PhD degrees, and currently supports 30 students in the UK and Europe who are on PhD programmes. Former scholars work in a range of Christian ministries, including college and seminary Principals and Presidents, Academic Deans, Bishops, and leaders of Christian agencies. Funds for the scholarship scheme come from the giving of Christian individuals, churches and trusts. Further details about the work of the charity, and how donations can be made towards its work, can be found on the Scholarship pages of the Langham Partnership website www.langhampartnership.org

The School of Divinity at the University of St Andrews has a long and distinguished tradition as a centre of international excellence in research, and the joint scholarship award with Langham Partnership is designed to give a PhD scholar from the Majority (Developing) World access to the School’s outstanding research facilities. In recognition of the association between St Andrews and the great Scottish church-leader, preacher, theologian and social reformer Thomas Chalmers (1780-1847), the award has been named the Thomas Chalmers Scholarship. In addition to his immense influence on Scottish ecclesiastical life in the nineteenth century, Chalmers exercised a major role in the promotion of Christian mission overseas, and in efforts to advance the causes of education, medicine and social welfare across geographical and cultural frontiers. It is fitting that his name should be attached to an award intended specifically to further the cause of sharing internationally the benefits of advanced training in biblical and theological studies.

The Thomas Chalmers Scholarship will cover full university international tuition fees and a small amount towards living expenses. It will be awarded to one full-time student, commencing in September 2013. The scholarship is open to applicants across the disciplines of biblical studies, systematic and historical theology, church history, and practical theology. The student will be required to be resident in St Andrews for the three years.

Applicants should apply both to the University of St Andrews and Langham Partnership, and on each application must indicate clearly that they intend to apply for the St Andrews / Langham Partnership Thomas Chalmers Scholarship. A form for the Langham Partnership Scholarship scheme, and the eligibility criteria, can be found on the scholarship pages of the Langham Partnership website www.langhampartnership.org.

The closing date for applications is 30 November 2012.