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 28th February 2026.
(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 the NICEC Journal guidelines and submitted by Friday 8th May 2026.
https://nicecjournal.co.uk/index.php/nc/about/submissions
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 The submission should present previously unpublished work.
The submission should include the cover sheet which can be found on the NICEC website here.
The Award Winner will be announced at a special NICEC Seminar on Thursday 16th of July 2026 (17.00 – 18.30).
Please contact Laura Walker at [email protected] of you have any queries.
We look forward to reading your applications.
Submission cover sheet
