Funding bodies
Awards for Research Degrees
UK Research Councils
The UK Research Councils were established under the Royal Charter to fulfil the objectives set out by government in the White Paper 'Realising our Potential'. Statutory control of the councils is exercised by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), supported by the Director-General of Research Councils, within the Office of Science and Technology.
Research Councils UK is a strategic partnership set up by the eight UK research councils to champion the research, training and innovation they support. The organisation works together to create a common framework for research, training and knowledge transfer. Its website also has links to each of the individual research councils.
Quotas of studentships from the research councils are allocated to the University following the agencies' annual nationwide competition for studentships. With the exception of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), funding is available to support full-time research studies only.
Other sources:
The European Social Fund Division is based within the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The division is responsible for ensuring that European Social Fund money is used to support and add value to national employment and skills priorities, in line with EU regulations.
The British Council
Educational Charities, Trusts and Professional Bodies - These organisations can provide help with fees and living expenses, and are worth approaching, although there are far more applicants than money available. Contact the Educational Grants Advisory Service.
The Schools Competition Act Settlement Trust (SCAST) has a programme of new awards for postgraduate study including a research scholarship which offers support to full-time study leading to the award of a doctorate (PhD or equivalent). For further details visit the SCAST website.
Research studentship funding
Potential sources of research studentship funding.