PhD English Literature student Niall Gallen has received a scholarship from Midland 4 Cities (M4C) to support his research. We find out more about his experience at the University of Birmingham and how this funding has helped him as a postgraduate researcher.
Why did you choose to undertake research at the University of Birmingham?
“While completing my part-time master’s at Birmingham in 2019, I was compelled to continue studying my own area of interest at the University. I believed continuing my research at Birmingham was the best option available to me as I found my supervisor to be both knowledgeable in my field and highly supportive during my master’s research—always challenging me to improve my writing and research discipline. Furthermore, the University holds in valuable collections of works relevant to my area of study within its Research and Cultural Collections department."
How did your scholarship help and what advice would you have for future applicants?
“At the start of the second year of my part-time degree I decided to make an application for the annual AHRC funding available for postgraduates through the Midlands4Cities (M4C) consortium. This was primarily because it would have been extremely difficult for me to be able to financially support my study if I were not funded through a scholarship.
"Completing this application to the high standard demanded by the research consortium was very time consuming, particularly on top of study and part-time work. I highly recommend that interested applicants work closely with their supervisor and workshop their application drafts with other academics, as I did. I also recommend contacting academics at other institutions located within the consortium, both because it is an excellent opportunity to bolster research by collaborating with with academics beyond the single institution, and because M4C favour inter-institutional collaboration within their consortium. I was very fortunate to have received the M4C scholarship to fund my research, which has been an invaluable source of income for my living costs, while also providing ample opportunity to apply for funding for research trips to archives relevant to my research.”
What have your best experiences at Birmingham been?
“The department has multiple wellbeing officers who are always around to talk to. I’ve previously been to see them when I needed some additional support and they were incredibly supportive and helpful. Supervisors are always there to talk to, and when you start your PhD you’re also given the option of having a mentor – another PhD student who can show you the ropes and is another option if you have some sort of issue. And of course, when you attend the postgrad groups there’s always someone there who’s experienced the same things you’re going through and can give you some advice/ support.”
Find out more about our PhD English Literature programme over on our course pages.