Metadata
Title
Frequently Asked Questions
Category
general
UUID
f61d819b31ed4948808fbda5efb68698
Source URL
https://warwick.ac.uk/services/skills/urss/faqs/
Parent URL
https://warwick.ac.uk/services/skills/
Crawl Time
2026-03-16T07:26:29+00:00
Rendered Raw Markdown 
# Frequently Asked Questions

**Source**: https://warwick.ac.uk/services/skills/urss/faqs/
**Parent**: https://warwick.ac.uk/services/skills/

Answers to frequently asked questions about the Undergraduate Research Support Scheme (URSS).

If you can't find the information you are looking for in these FAQs then you can email us at 
.

## Before you start

What is the URSS and is it for me?What kind of research can I do - and how do I choose my topic?How do I find a supervisor who is willing to oversee my project?

What is the URSS and is it for me?

You should take a look at the URSS webpage to get a feel for what the scheme entails – the link is here, [URSS webpages.Link opens in a new window](https://warwick.ac.uk/services/skills/urss)

What kind of research can I do - and how do I choose my topic?

The research can be an area you are interested in. It doesn’t have to be related to your degree programme or department. You can also ask around in your department to find out if there are any on-going research projects you could get involved with.

You could also take a look at the kind of topics previous URSS applicants have chosen by browsing through the archive of projects which are stored in [OMEKALink opens in a new window](https://urss.warwick.ac.uk/)

How do I find a supervisor who is willing to oversee my project?

Ask around in your department, email teaching staff to ask if they would consider acting as supervisor for your project. Come to the showcase event in November and talk to URSS participants and ask how they found their supervisor.

You may find the [departmental staff profile pages](https://warwick.ac.uk/services/skills/urss/step1/department_staff_profiles/) helpful.

## Application Questions

When do the applications open and close?Do you accept late applications?I'm doing a joint project in a group, do we all have to fill out an application form?How are applications chosen?I am a final year student, can I apply?

When do the applications open and close?

Applications open on Monday 6 October 2025 and close on Friday 6 February 2026.

Do you accept late applications?

Because of the very narrow margins of time available for both applicants and administration staff it is important that applications meet the deadlines.

The practice of getting applications in on time is a useful skill to prepare you for a possible career in research.

I'm doing a joint project in a group, do we all have to fill out an application form?

Yes, each group member must fill out their own application, nomatter how many there are in the group. Each person will have individual goals or skills they wish to develop which will differ from another person in the group. It is important that you are clear about what your particular role will be in the group.

How are applications chosen?

Application will be selected through a two-stage selection process. Further details are available at [Selection Process | URSS | University of Warwick.Link opens in a new window](https://warwick.ac.uk/services/skills/urss/step2/selection_process/)

I am a final year student, can I apply?

The URSS is also open to final year students. If you are accepted, we will extend your registration, so you have access to your email, the library and other buildings.

## Bursary Questions

I haven't received my bursary as expected, what should I do?Do I need to provide receipts for travel and subsistence costs?Can I use the bursary to pay for overseas travel to my home country?I haven't used all the bursary; do I have to pay it back?I don't have a UK bank account; what should I do?Should I apply for the maximum bursary of £1500?If I haven't started my project and it gets cancelled, do I have to return any bursary already paid to me?If I start my project but am unable to finish it due to sickness or personal problems, do I need to return the bursary?When can I expect the funds and how will I receive them?What is the highest amount of bursary I can apply for?I don't need a bursary (either self-funding or getting departmental funds), can I still do the URSS?

I haven't received my bursary as expected, what should I do?

Check you have uploaded your banking details to eVision as follows:

### UK Bank Accounts

#### UG Students

- To enter your bank details please follow these steps:
- Go to [www.warwick.ac.uk/evisionLink opens in a new window](http://www.warwick.ac.uk/evision) and log in using your Warwick username and password
- Click on ‘My Student Finance’ on the top bar
- Click on ‘Providing Your Bank Details’
- Click on ‘Collecting Bank Details for Payments to Students’
- Go through the process, ensuring you choose ‘**UG payments (departmental awards for undergraduate students only, including URSS)**’ from the drop down list
- When you have entered your details, please remember to select the ‘validate’ button before submitting.\
  *Please note you can only submit bank details for UK bank accounts via our online system. We are unable to make payments into overseas bank accounts.*

UG students need to contact with any queries over their bank details.

#### PG Students

PG students continue to be paid by the PG Scholarships team. They need to select ‘**PG Payments (payments for all PG students except PGCE)**’ from the drop-down list and queries need to go to .

### Non-UK Bank Accounts

To receive a payment to a non-UK bank account, you'll need [to contact Accounts Payable to be paid by the Finance Office](https://warwick.ac.uk/services/finance/aboutthefo/fosections/fincon/ap) and not by Student Funding . Email us at [URSS@warwick.ac.uk](mailto:URSS@warwick.ac.uk) to let us know.

Do I need to provide receipts for travel and subsistence costs?

You do not need to keep receipts or evidence of spending for URSS administrative purposes. However,it might be beneficial to keep them so that you can estimate how well you can budget a project.

Can I use the bursary to pay for overseas travel to my home country?

If you are traveling to your home country and plan to carry out your project whilst staying with family, the bursary does not cover your overseas travel home.

I haven't used all the bursary; do I have to pay it back?

If you have completed your project with no further costs expected, then no, you do not have to return any amounts remaining.

I don't have a UK bank account; what should I do?

To receive a payment to a non-UK bank account, you'll need [to contact Accounts Payable to be paid by the Finance Office](https://warwick.ac.uk/services/finance/aboutthefo/fosections/fincon/ap) and not by Student Funding .

Email us at [URSS@warwick.ac.uk](mailto:URSS@warwick.ac.uk) to let us know.

Should I apply for the maximum bursary of £1500?

If your budget does not require the full bursary then you should only ask for as much as you need. This will ensure we can fund as many applications as possible.

If I haven't started my project and it gets cancelled, do I have to return any bursary already paid to me?

If your project does not go ahead for whatever reason and you have already accepted and received your bursary, we will need for you to return the full amount. Email us at [.Link opens in a new window](mailto:URSS@warwick.ac.uk)

If I start my project but am unable to finish it due to sickness or personal problems, do I need to return the bursary?

If you have started your project and your supervisor can confirm your difficulties in finishing, then you will not have to pay back any of the bursary.

When can I expect the funds and how will I receive them?

Usually, the bursaries are transferred to your bank account sometime around mid- April. Remember that we can only transfer to UK bank accounts ([See this information on eVision](http://www.warwick.ac.uk/evision)[for instructions on](http://www.warwick.ac.uk/evision) [how to register your details](http://www.warwick.ac.uk/evision)).

What is the highest amount of bursary I can apply for?

The maximum URSS bursary you can apply for is £1500. Some departments may offer top-up bursaries for their students.

I don't need a bursary (either self-funding or getting departmental funds), can I still do the URSS?

You can do a research project without funding if you have support from a Warwick academic who is willing to supervise your project.

## Project Questions

Do I have to do my project in my department?Do I have to do the project on my own?Does my project have to have an element of public engagement?How long must my project take?Can I take a break during my project?Can I do a project during the Easter or Christmas vacations?

Do I have to do my project in my department?

You can do the research in a different department from your home department, and the research topic does not have to be related to your degree course.

Do I have to do the project on my own?

No, you can work on a group project – from two members upwards HOWEVER, each person must work individually on the project and produce an individual outcome. Please note, that each member of the group MUST submit their own application and can apply for their own bursary.

Does my project have to have an element of public engagement?

Your project should include some public engagement activity which can take place after the submission deadline. Find out more about public engagement and URSS [on the Warwick Institute of Public Engagement page](https://warwick.ac.uk/services/skills/urss/faqs/warwick.ac.uk/wie/getinvolved/ug-students/urss/urss/#peprojects%20%20).

How long must my project take?

You should plan your project to take from 6-10 weeks. This includes doing any necessary literature reviews or gathering of resources.It does not matter if your project takes longer than expected as long as you meet the deadline for submitting your final outcome. ( Poster, academic paper, blog etc)

Can I take a break during my project?

Yes, you can plan your research time whichever way suits you best. You could work for three weeks, break for two weeks and then return to the project for the last three (or more) weeks.

Can I do a project during the Easter or Christmas vacations?

No, the project must be carried out between the end of May and the end of September. REMEMBER you should plan ahead so that you are not leaving the final submission until the last minute and missing the deadline for completion.

## Travel Abroad

Can I do my project abroad?Can I travel to more than one country?Do I need travel insurance?Can I travel abroad for part of my project?

Can I do my project abroad?

You can travel abroad to carry out your project as long as the destination is considered safe, and the [Foreign travel advice - GOV.UKLink opens in a new window](https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) have not issued any travel restrictions. You will not be permitted to travel if the FCDO has advised against travelling to or through the country or a region that you wish to visit. You will be required to complete a Travel Risk Assessment form before you travel.

Guidance on travel safety and wellbeing and risk assessment requirements can be found on [the University's Travel Hub pages](https://warwick.ac.uk/services/healthsafetywellbeing/guidance/travel_health/travelhub).

Can I travel to more than one country?

It is possible to carry out your project in several destinations. All countries and cities you plan to visit should be listed on the application and the Risk Assessment form if your application is approved.

Do I need travel insurance?

If you travel abroad for your URSS you will be required to complete a Travel Risk Assessment form. Once this has been submitted to the URSS Teams you will [covered by Warwick’s Travel Insurance policy](https://warwick.ac.uk/services/legalandcomplianceservices/insurance/keypolicies/traveloverseas).

Find out more on [the University's Travel Hub webpage](https://warwick.ac.uk/services/healthsafetywellbeing/guidance/travel_health/travelhub).

Can I travel abroad for part of my project?

Yes, you can travel for part of the project. For example, you may choose to travel abroad for 2 or 3 weeks of an 8 week project.

## Accommodation

How can I book campus accommodation and how much does it cost?Do I need to pay for on campus accommodation?Can I stay off campus?

How can I book campus accommodation and how much does it cost?

Short term accommodation can be booked via the University Accommodation website, and the following page provides a link to a list of campus residences and their costs: [Student Services FAQ's Section 5 (warwick.ac.uk)Link opens in a new window](file://ads.warwick.ac.uk/shared/CY/Skills/URSS/URSS%202020/Marketing%20materials/Student%20Services%20FAQ's%20Section%205%20(warwick.ac.uk))

Do I need to pay for on campus accommodation?

Yes, the bursary is intended to help towards the cost of your accommodation over the summer. See

[Student Information Centre FAQ's Section 5](https://warwick.ac.uk/services/reception/faq/section_5/)

Can I stay off campus?

Yes, you can stay in off campus accommodation or home over the summer if you are not required to access campus facilities or labs.

## Supervisor

What is the role of the supervisor?

What is the role of the supervisor?

The supervisor will advise and help you with all academic matters related to your project. Once you have submitted your application, your supervisor will need to complete the

[URSS Supervisors Form | University of Warwick](https://warwick.ac.uk/services/skills/urss/staff_info/supervisors_form/)

What kind of research evidence do I have to produce?Can I get an extension to my submisssion date?Can I see examples of previous projects?Where can I get my poster printed? Do I have to pay?Can I keep my poster after the showcase?I can't come to the showcase - do I still need to do a poster/blog?Can I display something other than a poster at the showcase?Can I attend the showcase if I haven't produced a poster?How do I pass the URSS?Can I present or publish my work elsewhere?

What kind of research evidence do I have to produce?

The most popular form is an A1 sized Academic Poster. This is usually displayed at the URSS Showcase event in early November. [Find out more about how to produce your poster on the WIE guide to producing posters](https://warwick.ac.uk/wie/training/ug-students/skillsfestival-ug/practicalskills/posters/).

Your poster must include:

- your name
- your supervisor’s name
- your home department( and project department if different)
- and the URSS logo

Another form might be:

- a 3 slide3 minute presentation
- an academic paper
- a blog or a video

Warwick Institute of Engagement has many resources to help you plan for digital or live engagement.

Can I get an extension to my submisssion date?

Generally speaking, extensions to the deadlines cannot be granted. The whole scheme has a very tight timetable and late submissions cause administrative problems. We try to present students with as realistic a research experience as possible, and this includes the practice of meeting deadlines and managing your time. In exceptional circumstances extensions have been granted but these need to be sought by emailing [Link opens in a new window](mailto:URSS@warwick.ac.uk)

Can I see examples of previous projects?

Yes, there are [over 450](https://urss.warwick.ac.uk/) [actual project outcomes on](https://urss.warwick.ac.uk/) [OMEKA](https://urss.warwick.ac.uk/) – a platform for displaying and curating past projects.

Where can I get my poster printed? Do I have to pay?

You will be responsible for printing and covering the cost of printing your poster, unless your department is willing to pay. We recommend online services who offer more competitive rates. The poster should be size A1, landscape or portrait.

Can I keep my poster after the showcase?

Yes, you are welcome to take your poster at the end of the showcase event.

I can't come to the showcase - do I still need to do a poster/blog?

Your poster can be displayed at the showcase even if you are unable to attend in person. If you have classes on the day of the showcase you could come for part of the event.

Can I display something other than a poster at the showcase?

You can request a table at the event if you wish to display a physical artefact or installation.

Can I attend the showcase if I haven't produced a poster?

Yes, you are still welcome to attend. It is a celebratory event, so we encourage all participants to attend.

How do I pass the URSS?

The URSS is not graded but you are required to complete your research and then produce a poster or other output such as a blog, video, presentation,research paper etc. When you have completed everything the URSS will be reflected on your Higher Education Achievement Record.

Can I present or publish my work elsewhere?

Many students take part in the [International Conference of UG Research (ICUR)](https://www.icurportal.com/icur-2025/) which is held at Warwick in June every year.

You can also apply to present your research [at BCUR](https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/cross_fac/iatl/research/present/bcur/) or [Posters in Parliament](https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/cross_fac/iatl/research/present/pip/), or submit your research to [the Reinvention Journal](https://reinventionjournal.org/index.php/reinvention/).

You can also speak to your supervisor about subject specific journals and websites.