University of Exeter MA Archaeology Ayudar Scholarship 2026/27

Thanks to the generosity of alumnus Gerry Brown (Economics, 1966) and his wife, Clemencia Posada Brown, we are delighted to be able to offer a scholarship, worth £52,023 to support a Colombian student studying the MA Archaeology degree programme on the Streatham campus in Exeter, commencing in September 2026.

This scholarship offers the student the opportunity to focus their dissertation on exploring some of South America’s earliest and most visually striking rock art, using cutting-edge AI to compare thousands of ancient motifs across distant Amazonian regions. It will appeal to prospective Archaeology students interested in visual culture, Indigenous history, and digital methods, especially those curious about how early societies communicated ideas, shared beliefs, or moved across vast landscapes. 

This dissertation project fits seamlessly into Exeter’s MA Archaeology by drawing on its strengths in archaeological theory, advanced research design, and innovative, technology‑enhanced archaeological practice. It will be undertaken under the supervision of Professor José Iriarte.

The scholarship will be paid as a full tuition fees discount, with the remainder of the £52,023 being paid as a monthly stipend to support the successful student with their living expenses while studying at the University of Exeter.

Entry requirements

To be eligible for this Ayudar Scholarship, applicants must:

1. Be a citizen and passport holder of Colombia and therefore classed as an International student for fees purposes. Citizens of other South American countries may apply, but priority will be given to Colombian applicants.

2. Already hold an offer for MA Archaeology at the University of Exeter, beginning in September 2026. No other programmes are eligible for this scholarship.

3. Meet the University’s academic and English language requirements in order to enrol on the MA Archaeology in September 2026.  

If you have not applied for the MA Archaeology programme yet, please visit our Postgraduate Taught study pages for full information. You are encouraged to submit your programme application promptly, so that you can receive an admission decision ahead of the deadline for this scholarship.

How to apply

Once you have received an offer for MA Archaeology at the University of Exeter beginning in September 2026, you may apply for the scholarship via our online application form here. You will be asked for a personal response to the following questions:

1. In up to 300 words, state your career ambitions and demonstrate, using specific examples, how your studies, work, and extra-curricular activities have progressed you towards them.
2. In up to 300 words, make your case for this scholarship and the impact it will have on your studies, future plans, and contribution to the University.

The deadline for applications is 29 May 2026, and all applicants will be notified of the outcome no later than 30 June 2026. The University reserves the right to request shortlisted candidates to attend an online interview.

For details of the dissertation project and  scholarship, please read the full Terms and Conditions here. 

Please contact Professor Iriarte for any questions about the programme and project, and use the contact below for any questions about the scholarship. 

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