Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where can I get a scholarship application form?

In most cases, there is no separate funding application form and you need only specify on your application for a place that you wish to be considered for a particular funding scheme.  Where application forms are required, this will be clearly in the application information section.   With regard to AHRC scholarships, you will be considered for funding automatically if you are accepted to study at the University and are deemed eligible.

Will the College accept a speculative scholarship 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 a scholarship. 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 are not offered a scholarship 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 scholarships is made purely on the basis of academic merit.

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.)

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 Master's funding last year and were unsuccessful will be considered for funding if they are offered a place to stay on and do a PhD. I have a deferred place from last year. Can I apply for funding?

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 scholarship 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 scholarships, and if the College nominates you for an AHRC scholarship you should read their terms and conditions through carefully, as they differ from the University's regulations.

I have been offered a full fees scholarship 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 scholarships by the College and by an external body, you should accept the external scholarship. If you are offered two scholarships which both cover your full fees but provide different maintenance amounts, you should accept the higher of the two scholarships and decline the other.

How do I receive the maintenance payment? 

The maintenance element of the College scholarships 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.  This may differ with AHRC and ESRC scholarships where payment tends to be made quarterly i.e. in four 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.