Research Degrees :: Funding Types

Pursuing a research degree requires funding - to pay university fees associated with the course and to cover living expenses (typically these are a minimum £10,000 per annum). There are several routes by which students can obtain funding. The normal routes for funding are as follows:

1. Self financing. The student pays the fees and supports themselves during the course of the degree. However, as there are considerable additional costs associated with undertaking research, the Dean of School will have to approve the application before the student is accepted onto the course.
    

2. UK Government Research Councils (e.g. EPSRC).  These grants are extremely difficult to get and are usually in specific areas of research - which will be advertised as part of the grant.  If a candidate accepts one of these places, they usually have no say in the nature of the project as this will be spelt out in the terms of the grant details.  This route is only open to UK home students with a 2.1 or 1st class first degree.
    

3. EU research grant/EU Mobility/study Schemes.  These grants are generally only open to EU citizens, but some schemes are open to none EU citizens.  EU research grants are usually as prescriptive as UK Research Council grants (see 2).  Mobility/study grants generally have a lot more freedom with regard to the nature of the research topic.  If you are interested in a  mobility/study grant then it is generally up to the student to secure the grant and bring it to the University.
    

4. Industry funded grant.  These grants are not as selective as UK Research Council grants but they are equally as restrictive.  Research topics are specified by the Industrial partner.
    

5. School Bursary.  From time to time, research group leaders will make limited funds available to support Doctoral research students.  Bursary places are normally funded for three years. These grants are not as selective as UK Research Council grants but they may be equally as restrictive. 

Prospective students should note that the level of grant received will be dependent on the nature of the funding source.  The various routes described above do not all provide the same level of funding. 

Regardless of whether or not you require financial support, you should contact the appropriate research group leader to discuss your research interests.

To find out what funding is currently available click here.