Student Research Prize 2027:

Applications are now open! Please use the form below to submit yours now.

Student Research Prize 2025

UKLA are thrilled to announce the winners of the 2025 Student Research Prize:

Higher Degree Prize (PhD)

Dr Samantha Hulston, for her PhD thesis entitled: An Exploration into Young Children’s Embodied Engagement with Storyworlds Through Curated Storyworld Play, supervised by Professor Fiona Maine

Postgraduate Level Prize (MSc)

Adrian Fernandes, for his MSc dissertation entitled: English teachers’ journeys since the 2020 iteration of Black Lives Matter, supervised by Dr Velda Elliott

You can find out more about their work and why the panel selected it here: https://ukla.org/student-research-prize-2025-winners-announced/

About the Award:

The UKLA Student Research Prize is awarded bi-annually and is given for an outstanding student dissertation at postgraduate (Master’s or Doctoral) level undertaken at a UK institution. The next award will be given in 2027. We are currently accepting submissions, with the closing date of December 1st 2026.

Studies using any research approach (ethnographic, experimental, historical, etc.) are encouraged. Each study is assessed in the light of the chosen approach, the scholarly quality of its report, and its contribution to the field of literacy. 

Submissions:

• Applications will be assessed by the UKLA sub-committee and a shortlist will be drawn up
• The winner will be given the opportunity to attend the next UKLA International Conference to receive their prize and to present their research. UKLA will fund weekend registration at the UKLA International Conference, UK travel and attendance at the conference dinner for the successful applicant.

Find Out More

For any queries please contact:

• Helen Hendry, helen.hendry@open.ac.uk
• UKLA admin, admin@ukla.org

To find out more about past winners, please see below. To submit to the prize, please use the following form.