I know there's the MPhil-upgrade route for PhDs, but looking at the social sciences, they all seem to want a Master's as part of the entry requirements. Indeed, some AHRC and ESRC scholarships are for 4 year (1+3), intended for undergrads to complete a Master's and PhD. Whatever happened to the MPhil route?

I don't know about social sciences specifically, since I'm in Biology, but yes, it's going that way in Biology for the DTPs as well. So, the first year is technically a masters. I think this is just so you can leave after the first year and get something though, I don't think you are actually awarded a masters if you complete the PhD. Correct me if I'm wrong on that.

For Biology, requirements are just a 2.1, but higher than this or masters or work experience will give you the edge over other students.

For the social sciences a masters has been expected for the last two decades. The ESRC made it an expectation in the late 1990s I think, when they started funding research methods MA/MSc programmes.

I am a little surprised that the ESRC do a +3.5 studentship, for those whose Masters lack the necessary research method trainings. Can't really complain, as that's the funding I am applying for, and an extra 6 months funding always comes in handy.

Interesting I didn't know the 3.5 model could be used for methods training. We've only tried it for PhDs needing difficult language learning but maybe the DTPs differ in their interpretation of what they'll fund.

In my experience (ESRC funded) a masters definitely is not a requirement. I know people who went straight from undergrad to PhD on research council funding, and very recently too. I was advised to do this, but went for 1+3 (and am very glad I did as that masters training has been my bedrock).

You may have to be very patient and also consider alternative ways of getting funding, as grades do matter when it is so competitive. Could you turn that dissertation into a paper? Could you find a sponsorship and go for a CASE collaboration scholarship?

Maybe it's region specific? The ERSC Funding Guide in our region states that a Master's is necessary in all cases.

TYPES OF AWARDS AVAILABLE
4. A range of studentships can be applied for (in line with the host institution regulations), including:

a) +3 Year Studentships for students who have already completed, or will have completed by the
commencement of their PhD, a Masters that included 60 credits or more of core research methods training.

b) 1+3 Year Studentships for students who are yet to commence a research methods training Masters degree.

c) +3.5 Year Studentships for students who have completed, or will have completed by the commencement of
their PhD, a Masters in a relevant discipline, but who have not completed or will not successfully complete
60 credits or more of core research methods training. Students selected for these awards will also be
registered on and required to complete a 60‐credit Research Training Certificate during their first year of
study, but receive an additional six (6) months funding in support of this.

d) 2+3 Year Studentships for students needing to undertake a research training Masters and a language‐
training Masters. This type of award is only available to students funded to undertake research into the
Language‐Based Areas Studies (LBAS).

Hi Chaotic - wow - I guess it must be region specific - as this definitely isn't the case where I am. Unless it is stipulated in the guidance but actually not adhered to in practice? Thanks for sharing.