The Richard Osman Memorial Fund Scholarship

The Richard Osman Memorial Fund has been established in honour of Richard Osman, who graduated from the University of Exeter's Camborne School of Mines with an MSc in Mining Geology in 1999. Richard died as a result of a plane crash in May 2016, at just 40 years of age.

This fund has been founded by Richard's former employer, Centamin, with a consortium of other benefactors including Altus Strategies, Ariana and Capital Drilling also contributing.

These scholarships will enable up to two talented UK students, each year, to follow in Richard's footsteps by studying at CSM, becoming distinguished Richard Osman Scholars. The successful candidates will receive a bursary covering their tuition fees in full, and a generous stipend of £8,100 toward living costs.

Please note that the scholarship can only be awarded to a student who has gained an offer of a place to study MSc Exploration and Mining Geology at the University of Exeter, starting in September 2026. You will be asked for your University of Exeter student number upon application. If you do not have a student number you will not be eligible to apply. Please note that students paying international tuition fees are not eligible for this award. Successful applicants will be expected to write a letter of introduction and annual end of course report which will be shared with the Donor(s).

How to apply

Submission & Selection Process

• To begin the application process, please access the Richard Osman Memorial Fund Scholarship Application System.
• As part of your application for the scholarship, you are required to submit a narrated PowerPoint presentation (maximum 10 minutes) which must be submitted no later than 16/06/2026. Please see further guidance below.
• Following the application deadline, shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview with the scholarship donors. Interviews will take place online, in early July.
• All eligible applications will be notifed of the outcome no later than the 15/07/2026

Presentation

Your presentation should focus on your most significant piece of academic or industrial fieldwork undertaken during your undergraduate studies.

This task is designed to assess your ability to:

• Communicate complex geoscience concepts clearly and effectively, with technical proficiency commensurate with a BSc in Geosciences
• Demonstrate a high level of technical knowledge and critical thinking.
• Reflect on the impact and relevance of your fieldwork experience.

Guidelines

• Maximum duration: 10 minutes
• Format: Narrated PowerPoint (.pptx or .mp4 if exported as video)
• Submit via: email to eseenquiries@exeter.ac.uk with the following in the subject field "Richard Osman Presentation - YOUR NAME"

Terms & Conditions:

• By applying for this Scholarship you are agreeing to your personal details being shared with the donor and Panel members.
• All scholarship awards are conditional on registration with the University of Exeter.
• Scholarships are not awarded in conjunction with any other scholarships, this includes any progression, alumni or friends and family discount. In the event of you being eligible for more than one award the greater award will be given.
• We reserve the right to not award all of the scholarships if suitable candidates are not found.
• If you defer your offer or change fee status your scholarship offer will be invalidated. In the event that you withdraw or interrupt your studies post enrolment, the University Finance regulations at that date will apply as regards any repayment or other requirements.
• Please note if you are successful and accept this award, you will be required to provide regular progress reports to be shared with the donor of this award, documenting the impact the award has had on your personal and academic development. You will also be expected to make yourself available for a meeting with the donor at least once during your programme of study, which will be supported by a member of the Global Advancement Team.
• In addition, you may be asked to provide a photograph and written or video profile to appear in publicity material relating to the scholarship and/or study at the University of Exeter, attend events and participate in other internal and external communications activity relating to your award.
• You will also agree to the University contacting you following the completion of your studies to seek updates regarding how the award may have impacted upon or influenced your career.

Summary