Hi,

I have a BSc (Hons) Biochemistry 2:2 from RHUL.
I am doing a masters by research (at RHUL as well) and I am hoping/aiming for a merit.

Does anyone know how difficult would be to get funding for a PhD?
I have seen is very difficult to get some sort of funding for international students and I am assuming any scholarship would be very competitive. Does anyone know where where I stand/or what are my chances?

By the way, I am not a UK resident or part of the EU.

Funded PhDs are hard to get - your best chance is to look for one that is advertsied BUT you are going to be competing with people who firsts or 2.1s and distinctions. I have a 2.1, distinctions in MA and MSc and I am self funding my PhD. Maybe in science you can get one where it is already funded but your overseas fee status will count against you. Sorry not to be more encouraging.

I don't entirely agree with Jepson. I'm in a similar field (genetics) and for practical reasons the vast majority of phds are funded (in most cases you simply couldn't afford the resources yourself, I spend tens of thousands a year on consumables etc). There are also a lot of international students at this level (2 out of 5 in my lab are non EU), so while it means extra work in terms of arranging your visa and so on, I don't think it will automatically count against you.

The 2.2 is an issue, but it doesn't mean you can't get a phd post. If you get a merit in your MSc that's more relevant, and if you're still stuck then the best thing I can suggest is to get work experience as an RA or similar. I had a 2.1 and no masters when I got two phd offers, and I think it was my year in industry that really nudged me up the list.

It is competitive and you will need to apply fairly widely to give yourself a good chance. But go for that merit and chase it if it's what you really want.

Teek is right, it depends on your field. In mine there is little chance of getting funding without a first at undergrad and a distinction at masters, even then I was warned not to exoect funding. As a result there are lots of self funded part timers. If this is the case in your field too and you really want a funded phd it might be worth doing another masters, perhaps a taught course, and try to det a distinction. Good luck!

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I think it's definitely possible in science (leaving aside the issue of residency/nationality requirements) - if it was just the 2:2 on its own you wouldn't be eligible for any research council funded studentship, but with a Masters as well, especially an MRes, you should be in with a chance.

You'll need to really show off your research experience in your application/interviews I think, and this should help you a lot, especially if the PhD is in a very similar field to your Masters research.  Certainly potential supervisors have said to me that this sort of experience is more important than top grades in exams etc, and indeed the people who get the best grades in taught courses aren't necessarily the best when it comes to something like a PhD, which is original research with no 'right' answer!

I'd be more concerned about being non-EU as that rules out a lot of studentships unfortunately, though you may be eligible for some, especially as you've lived/studied in the UK for some years, someone at your current university should be able to advise you on how it all works.

Good luck!

I am a non-EU foreign national and I was able to apply for studentships (still waiting to hear back, fingers crossed), however because of the Overseas fees status it typically means you will always have to self-fund at least a portion of your PhD. The best deal you can usually get is a studentship that pays for Home/EU fees and has a stipend, then you only have to pay the difference between the Home/EU fees and the Overseas fees (which will vary by institution, but you are looking at about £5000 - £7000 a year). I made it apparent on my application form that I was aware of this and that I was willing to self-fund the portion not covered by the studentship (there is usually a section for 'How will you fund your studies?'). It is a lot of money to spend, but it is the most common funding situation I have come across (plus, you can always apply for supplemental scholarships from external organisations; it is a shame at the ORSAS is gone though, as this is exactly what it was for).

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I know a few people who got a 2:2 and just a pass in their MSc and got a fully funded PhD no problem at all, you should be ok. Espescially when it's a MSc that you have (or are going to get), it's harder to get a funded PhD with a MA. Having a MSc is the equivalent of getting a First/2:1 as an undergrad. Although, the difference between getting a 2:2 and a 2:1 can be a bit of a joke really.

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to say thanks for the responses and different opinions...and thought to update you in what I am up to.
I applied for a PhD at my university and got and interview...so I am happy :).

I have 3 years work experience in a company not exactly research related, but chemistry related and I think this has counted and made my application strong.

Now I am getting ready for the interview which will be done by 4 people. Apparently as everyone mentions, it will be impossible to get a fully funded grant that covers my overseas fees plus room and board and a the moment I am competing for a stipend (which perhaps would be enough for an EU national but not for me)..... but let's see how the interview goes as if I am offered a place I will know how much they would cover/how much I would need to cover.

Ayway, will keep everyone updated!
Andie