Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where can I get a funding application form?

There is no separate funding application form. You will automatically be considered for funding if you are accepted to study at the University.

Will the College accept a speculative funding application?

No. We will only consider applicants who have already been offered a place at the University.

I can't afford to study unless I get funding. What should I do?

If you are in this situation you should go ahead and apply to study. If you are offered a place but no funding you can choose to defer for a year – your place will be kept for you while you save the money you need. You will not be able to apply for funding a second time unless you re-apply for a different course.

I desperately need the money. Will this be taken into account?

The decision to award funding is made purely on the basis of academic merit. If it is decided that an applicant is to be awarded Open Funding, their financial situation may be taken into account when the College Selection Panel considers the amount of funding to offer.

Which of my documents will the College Selection Panel consider?

The College Selection Panel will look at your application form, transcripts, references and research proposal (if applicable.) CVs, résumés and writing samples will not be considered (even if the School to which you are applying has asked you to supply the latter.)

For which awards will I be considered?

Students of a sufficiently high academic standard to merit funding will be considered for all awards for which they are eligible. All applicants, therefore, will be considered for Open Funding. Overseas and EU students will also be considered for a Research Project Award if their proposed study is in the right subject-area. Home students and EU students may be considered for an AHRC Award or a Research Project Award, depending on the subject-area of their proposed study.

I applied for funding last year and was unsuccessful. Can I apply again this year?

Not unless you are applying for a new degree programme. For example, students who applied for Masters funding last year and were unsuccessful will be considered for funding if they are offered a place to stay on and do a PhD. Students who were accepted for a 1+3 award and are moving from Masters to PhD without submitting an application form should contact Ms Ann Marie Davidson in the Graduate School to discuss how to proceed.

I have a deferred place from last year. Can I apply for funding?

If you are in this position you should contact Ms Ann Marie Davidson in the Graduate School to discuss how to proceed. Please include your Admissions number in the email. (This is a 10 digit number which you will find on any correspondence you have received from the Admissions department.)

I am an Overseas student and I have been offered a Home fees award by the College. Can I apply for funding from a different source to cover the rest of my fees?

Yes. The College would strongly encourage you to apply for any other funding opportunity which would do so.

Do I still qualify for the 20% Alumni discount?

If you are offered a College Scholarship then you do not qualify for the Alumni discount.  Please note that College Scholarships are always of greater value than the 20% Alumni discount.

I have been offered maintenance awards by the College and by an external funding body. Can I accept them both?

Yes. You may accept a maintenance award from an external body regardless of what the College has offered you. Please be aware, though, that this is not always the case for AHRC Studentships, and if the College nominates you for an AHRC Award you should read their terms and conditions through carefully, as they differ from the University's regulations.

I have been offered a full fees award by the College and by an external funding body. Can I accept the fees offer from the external source and receive the College's offer as maintenance?

No. Fees awards from the College cannot be converted into maintenance. If you are offered two comparable awards by the College and by an external body, you should accept the external award. If you are offered two awards which both cover your full fees but provide different maintenance amounts, you should accept the higher of the two awards and decline the other.

How do I receive the maintenance payment? 

The maintenance element of the CASS Studentship is paid out on a monthly basis, normally at the end of the first month of your study.  So the annual amount is paid out in 12 equal instalments.  When you arrive at the University you will have to complete a banking details form so that the monies can be paid directly into your bank account.