I will be starting my masters research soon and looking for some advice on a particular matter. My husband and I are hoping to have a baby by the end of next year. The plan is that I finish my first year masters research whilst pregnant. Take a six month maternity leave the following september and start my phd once the leave is over. However i have a few questions:

The esrc funding guide states that:

''Studentships allocated on a 1+3 or 2+2 basis are expected to be held on a consecutive
basis. Any breaks between the Master’s and the PhD must be treated as suspensions,not
deferrals.''

From what I gather, does this mean that the break between my masters and phd will not be considered as maternity leave but rather suspension, thus will not receive any funding during this period.

I'm very confused and would appreciate some advice

Thanks

Could you email ESRC anonymously perhaps with your query?

I don't think maternity applies. But you should definitely ask them.

Also query whether you would be able to take a longer leave than 6 months if you need to.

Babies are unpredictable, and its always best to plan you'll be away for longer, in case you need to.

Don't forget you might not get pregnant when you want to get pregnant - I'm sure you can get maternity leave when you're on your scholarship.