The Department of Earth Science and Engineering (ESE) is re-launching the Women In Mining scholarship with increased funding for 2024.

The Women in Mining UK (WIM UK) scholarship for Women in Metals and Energy Finance, offered by the Department of Earth Science and Engineering (ESE), is back with a significant boost in funding for 2024. The scholarship is open to female applicants to the MSc in Metals and Energy Finance who demonstrate exceptional academic merit and/or potential.

With the aim of fostering diversity and inclusion within the natural resources sector, WIM UK – a non-profit volunteer organisation – has increased the scholarship funding from £6,000 to £12,000 for 2024.

Thanks to WIM UK, ESE hopes to continue to increase the number of women joining the department and to create an environment in which women feel supported and empowered to study.

Originally launched in 2022, the scholarship contributes towards students’ tuition fees and is aimed at reducing financial barriers for talented women seeking to enrol in the Metals and Energy Finance MSc program at Imperial College London.

Stacy Hope, Managing Director of Women in Mining UK, said:

“It is our mission at WIM UK to encourage more women to build a career in mining, as we see women to be an integral part of the development of resilient mines of the future. Hence, this scholarship is such an important way to achieve this, as it provides the stepping stone needed for young women to experience the different career paths available in the sector. It also reduces the financial barriers that may prevent talented young women from pursuing a job in mining as well as contributing to improving its overall diversity. I want to thank Imperial for their continuing efforts to foster diversity and inclusion in the sector.” 

Professor Tina van de Flierdt, Head of the Department of Earth Science and Engineering at Imperial, expressed her enthusiasm for the scholarship’s renewal and ESE’s partnership with WIM UK:

"We are thrilled to expand our support for women in our department through this generous increase in the WIM UK scholarship. In supporting women, our aims closely align with those of WIM UK – and we are extremely thankful for their support. Through financial assistance and better academic opportunities for women, we hope to shape a more diverse and inclusive future for the natural resources industry.”

Mandy Li graduated with an MSc in Metals and Energy Finance in 2022, and is now an Analyst at a mining-focused private equity firm in London. She said: 

“Receiving the Women in Mining scholarship was a tremendous honour and privilege. It provided access to networking events, mentorship opportunities, and exposure to inspirational women in the field, thereby empowering me to excel academically and professionally.”

To be considered for a scholarship for the MSc Metals and Energy Finance course for the academic year 2024-25, please apply for the course by 6 May 2024, and complete scholarship application form by 20 May 2024. Visit ESE's website to access the application form and for more information on eligibility criteria: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/earth-science/prosp-students/pg-courses/studentships/