Eligibility
The Bill Law Memorial Award is for any student who has completed an academic programme within the last 12 months that involved a piece of research or innovative practice related to career development. This could include anyone studying for a level 6 level in career development (including career leaders), a PGDip/Masters/SCQF 11, a PhD or a CIPD programme.
You do not need to be a member of NICEC.
What we look for
The submission should present original research or innovative practice in a career related topic.
Where the submission relates to innovative practice, this needs to include some element of evaluation, including feedback, comments or assessments from participants. Innovative practice could include using new techniques or using existing techniques in a new way or with a new client group. This could also include expanding the boundaries of current practice. Original research can include quantitative or qualitative empirical research.
The judges are NICEC Fellows and the articles will be judged on the following criteria:
- Consideration of a contemporary theme within the career development field.
- Demonstrates original empirical research or innovative practice.
- Discussion of relevant literature.
- Evidence of critical evaluation and analysis.
- Commentary on any implications for professional practice, policy or research.
How to enter
Entry to the Bill Law Memorial Student Award is a two-stage process:
(1) submission of an abstract (outline, draft, or plan) of approximately 250 words (excluding references) by 24th February 2025.
(2) a selection of abstracts will be invited to be developed into a 3,000 word written paper (not including references) in a style which is in line with NICEC Journal writing style guide and submitted by 6th May 2025.
You are free to choose your topic, but we anticipate that you will write about something you have learned whilst on your course or undertaking research or practice. Only one entry per person is permitted. The submission should present previously unpublished work.
Submissions of both abstracts and final papers should include a submission cover sheet which is available below.
All entries and any queries should be sent to [email protected]
The Award winner will be announced at a special NICEC Seminar on Tuesday 1st July 2025 (17.00 – 18.30).
We look forward to reading your applications.
Submission cover sheet
