SOAS-Alphawood Asian Art Programme alumni Gretchen Welch and Ida Chow set up the Dr. Hettie Elgood Scholarship in 2018 to honour their teacher and friend, Dr. Hettie Elgood, MBE, Founder and Director Emerita of the SOAS-Alphawood Asian Art Programme.

They hope that those who study under this scholarship will go on to contribute to the course by lecturing or tutoring in the future or by promoting the study of Asian art through other platforms. 

ELIGIBILITY:

One Dr. Hettie Elgood Scholarship is available for the 2026/27 academic year running from 28 September 2026 to 4 August 2027. Recipients of the scholarship will complete the following modules:

Arts of India

Analysing and Exploring the Arts

Arts of China

Arts of Japan & Korea or Arts of the Buddhist World

the Independent Study Project in Asian Art History or Asian Art: Theories, Practices and Objects

Applicants must:

Already hold an offer of a place on the SOAS-Alphawood Postgraduate Diploma in Asian Art.

Possess or expect to be awarded a 2:1 or above, an equivalent non-UK qualification, or equivalent professional experience. Students with a non-UK degree are to be adjudged by their referees and transcript.

Provide a personal statement stating why they wish to take this programme and how this scholarship will make a difference to them.

Explain their eligibility in a separate statement of financial need.

International students must demonstrate that they meet SOAS’s English language requirements by the 17 July 2026.

Please apply for the Dr. Hettie Elgood scholarship by submitting the online application form. As part of this form, you must also submit:

A recently submitted piece of academic work at least 1,000 words in length, or an equivalent piece of writing from a professional context (i.e., an auction or museum catalogue essay). If you have not recently submitted a piece of academic work please produce a new piece of writing on an art historical topic of your choosing at approximately 1,000 words in length (please note that the panel may only review the first 1,000 words).

Two references providing an opinion on your suitability for this programme of study as a scholarship student. Academic references are preferred, but one professional reference is acceptable. Two professional references can be provided if you have been out of academia for more than 5 years.

Referees can email references directly to Programme Manager Patrick Monger at asianart@soas.ac.uk but these must be received by the application deadline.

The scholarship is specifically to support in-person study in London; online modules cannot be taken as part of the programme for the scholarship holder.

It is expected that the successful candidates dedicate themselves to the course full-time and will not undertake any further form of work or study during term-time.

London residency during term-time is a requirement.

BENEFIT:

There is a stipend of £19,400 to cover accommodation and living costs, paid in three installments over the course of the year. We are happy to offer assistance in arranging accommodation for the scholarship recipient.