The Rome Scholarship in Architecture is awarded to a postgraduate student in architecture or an early-career architect who has demonstrated exceptional promise, whether through their academic work or in the first stages of professional practice. The scholarship offers six months at the British School at Rome (BSR) to pursue a self-directed programme of research.
The research may focus on Rome or other parts of Italy and can take various forms, including an architectural project, a theoretical study, a historical investigation, or a combination of these approaches. The award-holder will benefit from access to the BSR’s renowned Library and Archive, while also becoming part of our vibrant community of artists and scholars, sharing in the intellectual and social exchange that is central to life at the BSR.
Whether your interests lie in innovative design, architectural theory, historical analysis— or a creative blend of all three—this scholarship supports ambitious thinking and critical inquiry. Rome Scholars gain privileged access to the BSR’s world-class Library and Archive and join a dynamic, interdisciplinary community of artists, architects, and researchers.
This immersive residency fosters both intellectual growth and professional development, encouraging cross-disciplinary dialogue and deeper engagement with Italy’s rich architectural legacy.
We welcome applications from individuals whose backgrounds are underrepresented at the BSR, including (but not limited to) people from Black, Asian, and other racially and ethnically minoritised communities.
DEADLINE: December 15, 2025
THE SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS
- board and accommodation at the BSR for six months (January-June 2027)
- a monthly research grant of £1000
- full staff support, including access to special collections, libraries, museums, and sites not normally open to the public
- Italian language lessons on-site
- 24/7 access to the BSR library
- opportunities to participate in site visits, workshops, seminars, and our public events programme
ELIGIBILITY
- Applicants must be UK or Commonwealth nationals OR have been working or studying in the UK for at least three years by the application deadline.
- Applicants must have at least a post-graduate degree in architecture.
GUIDELINE
- Applications are sought from recent graduates (either from an undergraduate or postgraduate degree programme) or early-career architects (not more than 10 years since graduating)
- Proposals should be detailed and should lay out a distinct line of inquiry pertaining to the city of Rome and/or any other city in Italy.
- Proposals should show how this research the candidates intend to do at the BSR furthers their current interests in private practice and/or teaching.
- Proposals should also ideally suggest ways the candidate intends to use the BSR’s vast archival resources to further their research.
- Being at the BSR also affords access to other institutions in Rome. Candidates should state how these archives will help in their research, if relevant.
- A portfolio showing evidence of a long-standing interest in research and writing would bolster the application.
- Recommendations for the Scholarship should be detailed and highlight the particular capabilities the candidate may have in research, writing, teaching, and practice.
