Funding your Postgraduate Research
There are many ways to finance your research degree; from scholarships and studentships to loans and partial funding from other sources. There are 2 main routes to fund your PhD:
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Apply for a PhD that already has funding attached.
These are most common in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine) subjects, but they can sometimes be available for pre-defined research projects in the arts, humanities or social sciences. These may be advertised as fully funded (with fees and a stipend) or competition funded, meaning the projects compete against other projects at each institution.
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Self-fund, or search for funding or a studentship.
You devise your own PhD topic, find and consult with a potential supervisor, explore funding opportunities, write a research proposal and apply to the relevant programme. Our Postgraduate Scholarships and Funding database lists all available funding.
The Doctoral Loan
If you’re a UK national who normally lives in England, this government loan allows you to borrow up to £30,301 to help with course fees and living costs if your course starts on or after 1 August 2025. Whether you're studying full-time or part-time, the loan is divided into equal payments for each year of your course, which can last from three to eight academic years. If you started your course before 1 August 2025, you may still be able to apply for the Doctoral Loan. Doctoral loans are also available for students who normally live in Wales.
The Postgraduate Doctoral Loan
Funding from Research Councils
You may be able to get financial support from a government-funded research council. They’re known jointly as UKRI (United Kingdom Research and Innovation). Full UKRI awards cover the cost of tuition fees and also provide a maintenance grant to support you during your studies.
Research Council Funding
Upcoming events
Postgraduate Open Day
Discover our Open Days! Tour our campus, meet lecturers, chat with students, and experience life in our vibrant, green university community
Saturday, 15 November 2025 (09:00 - 16:00)
Aston Webb Building (R6)
Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding
Join GradFunding for their webinar on the Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding - a resource designed to help students discover funding opportunities.
Wednesday, 26 November 2025 (12:00 - 13:00)
Online
How much does it cost?
The University charges an annual tuition fee which covers the cost of your tuition, supervision, assessment and membership to the Guild of Students. Tuition fees are payable at the start of your programme of study and at the beginning of each subsequent academic year.
Explore your fees