Funding postgraduate study
Find out about further study at university open days and postgraduate events.
Covering a wide range of disciplines including engineering and the environment, Research Councils are the main public investors in research in the UK
Research Councils UK is made up of seven grant-awarding bodies which offer funding for pretty much every area of academic activity at postgraduate level. Each year, approximately 6,000 studentships are awarded to universities by the Councils, so competition for awards is fierce and many applicants will struggle to secure funding.
The seven grant-awarding Research Councils are:
Look on the relevant Research Council website to see which universities have been awarded studentships for further information and advice.
Broadly, the criteria are that applicants must be an EU resident who has been 'ordinarily resident' in the UK for three years preceding the application. This period includes time living in the UK while being a full-time student.
EU citizens who have not been resident in the UK for the required time period may be eligible for tuition fee funding through some organisations. Applicants should normally hold a first or 2:1 honours degree from a UK higher education institution, although there are some exceptions. Potential postgraduates who do not meet the criteria can sometimes still gain funding if they can demonstrate relevant work experience in their chosen field.
For UK students, a Research Council studentship means that you get your fees paid for and a cost of living grant (usually known as a stipend) which can be worth as much as £15,500 a year tax free, depending on where you are living.
The minimum stipend available for 2012/13 is £13,590. Higher stipends are sometimes offered to attract the strongest candidates to types of study which fall within recruitment priority areas. Additional funds may be available to disabled students to cover related costs through the Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA) fund.
Universities are expected to have suitable student recruitment procedures in place and to follow best practice on recruitment, selection and equal opportunities policy in order to identify and recruit students of outstanding achievement and potential from all backgrounds.
Applications must be submitted to university departments and not the Research Councils themselves. It is worth visiting the Research Councils' websites for information on how the whole process works. Lists of Research Council studentships are made public in early spring. When you're enquiring about postgraduate programmes, ask universities about the availability of Research Council funding in their departments and schools.
Don't be put off by the large numbers of people doing postgraduate study set against the relatively small amount of funding that's available because if you're studying a specialist subject, you're not necessarily competing with thousands of other people. It all depends on what you're studying and where.
Find out about further study at university open days and postgraduate events.
Varying from scholarships to paid teaching positions, nearly all universities have funding opportunities. Competition can be fierce but a chance to get financial help with your studies cannot be overlooked
The amount of money available and the type of application you will have to do to be successful obviously varies depending on the institution. Some universities offer full-fee studentships with maintenance grants (stipends), some offer bursaries to help students in financial difficulty, and some provide teaching positions. Many institutions will also offer awards for outstanding achievement, with prizes up to £3,000 on offer.
Graduate teaching positions and assistantships are great ways to supplement your university income while gaining valuable teaching experience. Many universities offer jobs depending on the type of research you intend to carry out.
Successful teaching assistants normally receive a salary equivalent to a Research Council stipend (around £13,590 for 2012) and a waiver of tuition fees. In return, you will be expected to provide 120-180 hours of contact teaching time over the university year. This includes classroom teaching, tutorials, laboratory demonstrations and paper marking. The amount of teaching should break down to around six to eight hours per week, which is the recommended teaching time for full-time postgraduates. If you are successful in winning a post, it is important to remember that your studies are your primary concern, and you should seek help from the department if the work becomes too much.
The number of positions has grown steadily as universities have had to deal with cuts in funding. To universities, they are a cost-effective way of employing more staff while also offering funding opportunities to postgraduates. New graduate teaching assistants should receive proper training and support from their department. As most positions are for a number of years, many assistants progress through various stages throughout their study, from basic marking and tutorials in the first year through to full lecturing.
Vacancies are advertised internally and on each university's website. They are dependent on a department’s needs at that time, and therefore aren't available every year. As with most funding, the earlier you apply, the more chance you stand of being successful. Try to meet with staff in your department to get your name known if you are interested.
Bursaries and scholarships are usually awarded for excellence in teaching or research in a particular field and are given out on a discretionary basis. To find out what awards are available in your field, search postgraduate funding. Some areas of study - such as scientific research - have more opportunities and funding available. Some universities will also receive studentship funding from the Research Councils, although these are fiercely fought over.
'Postgraduate funding opportunities are often highly dependent upon the specific areas and access to funding varies from year to year. In Research Council funding alone the university receives an average of £20million per year to support postgraduate students across a variety of disciplines'
Claire Hughes, doctoral college manager The University of Manchester
Also known as a hardship fund, an access to learning fund can be a lifesaver to a student who suffers a financial problem while at university. The funds are provided by the government to institutions in order to help financially insecure students. They're available to both full-time and part-time postgraduates. Usually, funds don't have to be paid back. As funds are not allowed to be transferred from one year to the next, this means that many universities are more amenable to giving out money as the year progresses. So, even if you submit a request at the start of the academic year which gets rejected, it may be worthwhile applying again later in the year.
It is only possible to apply for an access to learning fund once term has started, and the money cannot be used towards tuition fees. Applicants will have to provide detailed evidence of their financial situation and explain what course materials, rent, living expenses and travel costs they need.
Awards can be anywhere between £100 and £3,500, and the best starting point is your student services department, which will guide you through the application process. This advice applies mainly to those studying at institutions in England, but similar help may be available from universities in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Contact the relevant student services department for more information and guidance.
There are a range of charities, foundations and trusts which provide bursaries to needy students studying in their field of interest. Many organisations are happy to help, from The Royal Society , providing grants to more than 1,200 scientists annually to the Funds for Women Graduates (FfWG), which are offered each year to two outstanding postgraduates.
The number of options can seem bewildering, but there are two points to start with when researching: look for organisations related to your area of study or personal circumstances, and when you find them, apply early.
It may be easy to become disheartened when you think of all the students chasing the same grants, but think about what makes you stand out. Is your research vital for study into a disability? Does your research have links with a foreign country? Is there a society with bursaries for students of a particular ethnicity? If you answer yes to any of these questions, chances are there’s an organisation with funding to help you.
Find out about further study at university open days and postgraduate events.
Professional and Career Development Loans (PCDLs) are one of the most common ways of funding postgraduate study. With up to £10,000 available for certain types of study, they are an option well worth investigating for eligible postgraduates
Provided by two high-street banks - Barclays and The Co-operative - PCDLs are available to anyone aged 18 or over who has lived in the UK for three years prior to taking out the loan, regardless of whether they are employed or not.
PCDLs provide £300 to £10,000 for postgraduates to fund up to two years of study (three if the course includes work experience). The loan is split into course fees and living costs. The loan can be used to pay for 80% of your course fees plus related costs such as books, travel and childcare. If you have been unemployed for three months or longer prior to your course beginning, you can apply for the full cost of your course fees. If you're employed for less than 30 hours a week you can also apply for money to cover living costs.
If your course is longer than two years, you can only use a PCDL to fund part of it. In this situation it's best to arrange your loan so that it covers the final two years of the course to ensure you don't have to make repayments until you've finished training. Similarly, if you've received a grant which covers part of your course fees, your PCDL will only cover the remaining cost of your course, plus living costs.
Applicants must live and train in the UK and intend to work in the UK, EU, Norway, Liechtenstein or Iceland once training is complete. Further information can be obtained from either of the banks, by calling the National Careers Service on 0800 100 900 or from GOV.UK - Professional and Career Development Loans .
The interest on the loan is paid by the Skills Funding Agency for the duration of the course and for one month after completion. You will agree a repayment plan with the bank prior to the loan being processed, which is normally over the course of a number of years. Interest rates for repayments are set at a fixed rate which is competitive with other loans.
Find out about further study at university open days and postgraduate events.
Getting your employer to pay for your futher study sounds like an ideal arrangement, but before they put forward the money you will have to convince them of the benefits
In theory it's a win-win situation. You get to study for a qualification that will improve your ability to do your job and advance your career prospects, and your employer benefits from a better-qualified, more productive and motivated employee.
The reality is more complex though, and convincing your employer to fund your study may be a tough task. They will need to be sure that the qualification you want to do will be worth investing in. Most graduate employers have a positive commitment to training and development, but much depends on the company you work for.
If your company doesn't have any sponsored programmes, but you still think further study would be beneficial to both them and you, arrange to make a proposal to them. The first person to convince will be your line manager but you should also be prepared to make a case to other senior staff or the personnel manager, who will normally have the last word on training expenditure. It’s the personnel manager who will arrange things like time off for study and/or an allowance for books and materials.
If your company has a well-structured performance development process, you should use your appraisal as an opportunity to raise the question of doing a postgraduate course. Show your manager that you have already done some research and identified possible options. Emphasise the benefits you feel the course will bring to the company. Demonstrate how you see it fitting into your longer-term career development within the organisation.
Be prepared for knock-backs - obviously, you shouldn't expect your employer to pay for you to study something that is purely for your own academic or personal interest, but equally there may be sound reasons why they won't support you in a course that has obvious relevance to your work.
There may be organisational or technological changes planned that prevent the need for you to do further study, however appropriate it might seem at the time. Or, your employer may prefer you to do a series of short courses or training programmes.
Once your employer has agreed to help fund your course, signing an agreement which will tie you to the company for a specified period once you've completed the course is not unusual. An MBA, for example, could cost your employer up to £30,000 and the last thing they will want is for you to go off and work for someone else. It's also important to agree time off for revision and exams, arrange different work patterns to be able to fit in your study and discuss any allowance for study materials that you might need.
It is important that you think about how the course will impact on your personal life, too. It is likely that you'll spend most of your free time working on assignments. Overall, as long as you keep track of deadlines and plan what you need to do, it is possible to achieve a good balance between studying and maintaining a life outside of work.
Postgraduate study is just one option for development and you might find that your interests are best served by studying for membership of a professional body or doing a series of shorter programmes. Many universities are stepping up their provision of short continuous professional development programmes, often in conjunction with local employers.
Another option is to apply for a PhD studentship sponsored by an employer. This route can often lead to employment with the company after graduation. Search courses and research or find out more about graduate employers.
The availability of courses locally will be an important factor. If there are no institutions offering the course you are interested in near home, you might consider doing one by distance learning or through The Open University. There are an increasing number of postgraduate programmes delivered partly or entirely by the internet, enabling you to earn a qualification from an institution hundreds of miles away.
An alternative route is through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) which enable graduates to work in companies - usually for up to three years - on projects central to their strategic development. KTP schemes are run by commercial companies in partnership with 'knowledge base' organisations, i.e. universities or research institutions. Participants are paid a competitive salary and gain a fully funded professional management qualification.
Find out about further study at university open days and postgraduate events.
Disabled students won't get any extra statutory funding. However, additional support is available to help cover disability-related course costs
If you are a UK-based student and have disability-related course costs in your postgraduate study, then you may be eligible for support through the Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA) scheme.
DSAs are grants to help students with disabilities, mental health conditions or learning difficulties meet the cost of specialist equipment and other related course costs. In order to be eligible, your course must be full time and last for a minimum of one year.
Part-time students are still eligible, providing you do not exceed twice the time period taken to complete an equivalent full-time course. You cannot apply for a DSA if you have received a Research Council award, are eligible for an NHS or other health-care bursary including social work, or are on a paid placement. You may be able to contact your awarding body to see if they have any additional disability-related allowances.
Unlike undergraduate DSAs, postgraduates receive their allowance in one lump sum. Postgraduate DSAs are not 'means' tested, meaning that your income, background and savings will not be taken into account when determining how much you will receive. Instead, a 'needs assessment' will be carried out to determine what support you need for specialist equipment, non-medical helpers and travel.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the maximum amount for 2012/13 is £10,260 per year, which covers all costs. Postgraduate DSAs are assessed by Student Finance England and Student Finance Wales .
Students from Northern Ireland will need to contact their local Education and Library Board (ELB). Search for your local ELB at Student Finance Northern Ireland . In Scotland, DSAs are available at undergraduate rates, with the allowance amount depending on your needs assessment and subsequent requirements. Allowances in Scotland are provided by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) .
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As university fees rise and funding becomes increasingly sparse, more students have no choice but to take on part-time work to support themselves throughout their studies
Part-time and casual work has obvious benefits:
Almost half of all postgraduate students - 278,705 out of 588,720 - study part time, according to figures for 2010/11 from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). This extra time allows many students to take on part-time or even full-time work.
Most universities acknowledge the fact that many students need to undertake some paid work during their studies, but recommend a limit of 10 to 15 hours a week during term time. However, not every institution permits it, so it is advisable to check with your university before seeking a part-time job.
If you are not a UK or EEA-domiciled student, there may be restrictions on the number of hours you are allowed to work. For more information, visit UKCISA: UK Council for International Student Affairs - Working in the UK during your studies or your careers service.
Think carefully before you decide to take on part-time work and, if it is necessary, consider how many hours you need to do and try to stick to this. Too much work while studying can have a negative effect on your academic work.
Part-time jobs can be carried out during the day when you are free from lectures, in the evenings or at weekends. If you are choosing to return to study after having worked full time, it may be an idea to ask your current employer whether you are able to keep your job but reduce your hours - particularly if your chosen studies will enhance your performance.
Your first stop when searching for a part-time job should be the university Student Job Shop - there will be plenty of opportunities whether it's in the student bar or the university library, and you may even be able to secure work as a teaching assistant. Find out more about graduate teaching and research assistantships.
Many part-time roles are also available locally and are seasonal. Employers recruit casual employees to cover busy periods such as Christmas in retail and summer in hospitality. Visit your careers service or student job shop to find out what vacancies are available. For part-time positions, you can also search:
Although competition for part-time jobs is often not as strong as for permanent roles, you will still be expected to submit an application form detailing your previous experience and usually be required to attend an interview.
Wages are often paid monthly, sometimes weekly and are worked out by an hourly payment. Depending on your chosen role, subsidised travel and lunches and attendance at in-house training courses may also be part of the benefits. One of the most valuable outcomes will be the opportunity to have an employer referee on your CV, ready for when the time comes to apply for graduate positions.
Once you have obtained a job offer, make sure that you are given a written contract detailing the terms and conditions of employment. If you do not receive one, then ask.
Most part-time work does not count towards your course or gain you any academic credit. However, by carefully choosing the type of role you apply for, you can gain relevant industry experience relating to your studies, which may boost your employability upon graduation. For example, as well as the transferable skills you will be able to display to future employers, if you opt to take on a part-time job in a sector you hope to work in once you graduate, you will have relevant work experience and contacts to utilise.