Higher Education - Postgraduate Funding
Postgraduate Funding
The following information is general information on possible sources of funding for postgraduate students. Whilst every care has been taken in the collecting of this information and it has been checked as correct at the time of writing, you are advised to check with the relevant source of funding to find out the current details of any financial help they have available.
Students taking postgraduate studies do not have access to the same sources of funding that were available for their undergraduate studies. Postgraduate students are not entitled to loans from the Student Loans Company.
The one exception is for students following full or part-time courses of initial teacher training (ITT), for example the Postgraduate Certificate of Education. Postgraduate students following a course of ITT can receive support under the Student Support Regulations and should contact their ‘home’ Local Authority (LA) for more information.
Postgraduate students are still able to receive help from the Disabled Students Allowance for course related needs, unless they are receiving bursaries or awards from the research councils. Further information is available here for Tameside Residents.
Research Councils - all external links 
The seven research councils consider funding for individual postgraduate students. You will have to compete for research council funding. Contact the relevant council to find out more information.
- Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) at www.ahrc.ac.uk
- Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) at www.bbsrc.ac.uk
- Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) at www.epsrc.ac.uk
- Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) at www.esrc.ac.uk
- Medical Research Council (MRC) at www.mrc.ac.uk
- Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) at www.nerc.ac.uk
- Science and Technology Facilities Council at www.scitech.ac.uk
Educational Trusts and Charities
You may find that the following publications are able to provide you with sources of potential funding. They should be available at good reference libraries for you to browse.
- A guide for individuals in need, published by the Directory of Social Change (DSC)
- Directory of Grant Making Trusts, published by DSC
- Educational Grants Directory, published by DSC
- The Grants Register 2007, published by Palgrave Macmillan Ltd
The Educational Grants Advisory Services (EGAS).
EGAS is an independent advice agency for people who want to get funding for higher education. You can phone their information line on 0207 254 6251 (ask for Educational Grants Department) or visit their web-site www.e gas-online.org.uk
Other Possible Sources of Financial Help
Social Security Benefits
Although most full-time students are not entitled to claim social security benefits, certain students in vulnerable groups (such as single parents) may be eligible. You should enquire at your local Jobcentre Plus office or Benefits Office to see if you are eligible for any help.
Inland Revenue
There may be tax credits available to you depending on your circumstances, e.g. Child Tax Credit. More information can be obtained on https://www.taxcredits.inland revenue.gov.uk Drop in to your local Inland Revenue Enquiry Centre (listed under Inland Revenue in the Telephone book) or call 0845 300 3900
Institutional Awards
Institutions may offer a limited number of awards, studentships or bursaries, which may cover or go towards fees or maintenance costs. It is best to ask the Department to which you are applying for details of any such schemes that may be available to you.
Employer Sponsorship
Mainly aimed at actual rather than potential employees, assistance may be available from commercial or industrial companies or professional bodies, especially if you are prepared to work for them for a year or so. It is worth asking the institution you are applying to for advice on any potential employer sponsors.
Web Based links - all external links
The following web-sites, although not all are specifically geared towards postgraduate students, may help in providing some further information.