Home Postgraduate Funding

Introduction

Students wishing to study for a PhD research degree should apply to the relevant Research Council for funding or contact their department.

Students wishing to study for a taught Masters degree need to secure the majority of their funding before commencing their studies. Most students studying taught Masters courses opt to take out a bank loan and/or use savings. Self-funding students can also apply to the Access to Learning Fund for financial assistance and application forms are available from the Student Funding Office.

Students are advised to open a student bank account and take advantage of an interest free overdraft facility where possible. It is important to conduct bank accounts responsibly (not going beyond agreed limits) to avoid unnecessary charges, possible freezing of accounts and poor future credit ratings. Your bank are more likely to be flexible if you keep them informed of your situation.

Many students do some part-time work to make ends meet. The University JobShop advertises suitable student vacancies on the website: www.bris.ac.uk/careers/jobshop

Some employers offer sponsorship for all or part of a course. Students could try approaching major national or local employers, or the Armed Forces. Local Careers Offices may be able to help.

The Careers Service also have a dedicated website to provide assistance and advice for students entering further study at http://www.bris.ac.uk/careers/postgrad/ with a webpage dedicated to exploring alternative funding options for postgraduate students.

The most important thing to remember is don't worry about finances alone. Please don't hesitate to call into our office if your finances are getting you down and you would like to discuss what options are available to you or need help with budgeting. You could also talk to your bank, Personal Tutor, Hall Warden or Students' Union Just Ask Service about your finances.