What is the UKCSM Bursary?
The UK has a shortage of skilled hydrographic surveyors, which poses a threat to our industry. The UK Centre for Seabed Mapping (CSM) Education and Research Working Group (ERWG) is leading the initiative to encourage more trained people into the industry.
The UK CSM Bursary Scheme is designed to support the next generation of hydrographic surveyors in the United Kingdom and Ireland and will be administered by the Hydrographic Society UK & Ireland (THS:UKI).
The aims of the UK CSM Bursary Scheme are to help address the skills gap, by raising awareness of hydrographic surveying training; attracting more applicants to the few remaining programmes of study; providing financial assistance to students and early career professionals, particularly those from under-represented groups, pursuing tertiary level education in the hydrography sector.
How do I apply for the 2026 Bursary?
To be considered for the 2026 Bursary, applicants must fulfil the following requirements:
1.Applicants must be a legal resident of the United Kingdom at the time of application.
2.Applicants must demonstrate a genuine desire to become hydrographic surveyors after the period of study being supported by the bursary.
3.Applicants to the 2026 bursary should be in receipt of an offer or show proof of application to one of the following programmes:
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- MSc Geospatial Science Hydrographic Surveying at UCL
- MSc Hydrography at University of Plymouth
- MSc Land and Hydrographic Surveying at University of Glasgow
4.Applicants must become a member of The Hydrographic Society UK and Ireland (THS:UKI) for the duration of the period of study.
5.Applicants must not be in receipt of any other bursary or industry financial support.
6.Applicants must demonstrate a willingness to act as an ambassador for the hydrographic profession.
Bursary Sponsors
How do I support UKCSM Bursary Scheme?
Industry sponsors can make a Gold, Silver or Bronze contribution to the scheme.
Why should you support the UKCSM Bursary?
Your support is a strategic investment in the educational infrastructure that supplies talent to the
maritime industry.
1. Securing Your Future Talent Pipeline
The hydrographic survey sector is facing a skills gap. Your support will support the talent who will
eventually work on your vessels, process your data and lead your projects. Industry will see highly
trained students exiting education, reducing your training costs and onboarding timeline.2. Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Supporting the Bursary Scheme demonstrates industry leadership to students, early-career
professionals and the wider sector. It will position your company as a champion of maritime excellence
and demonstrate a commitment to future-proofing our industry. Sponsors will benefit from the
exposure provided by this scheme.3. Sector stability
Universities and training institutions underpin the maritime economy. Your support will strengthen
these institutions and aims to halt the decline in world-leading expertise in seabed mapping education.
Further information
For more information please reach out to manager@ths-uki.org or fill your details below and we will get back to you.