I have been lucky to get BBRSC funding. I noticed they updated their student handbook recently and increased funding by 2k for this year. Obviously, I am happy to get money that I did not expect. Are these annual increases normal - or is this just an exception year? - Is this linked to the extra govenment spending on science .

when I started 2002/3 they
said 9500 first year
10500 second
12000 third

thanks for the reply, pippo. What I am wondering is whether you new about these rises - or were they decided each year.

Its strange to think that I signed up for this Phd without a thought about the money - I guess it can be a good thing and a bad thing.

Some more info on this 'Post Roberts Review' document, see point six:

Whilst the minimum studentship has been rising every year recently, it's unclear whether this trend will continue. That document states that the minimum funding target of £12000pa by 2005/06 has been succesfully reached. Does anyone know about funding for 2006/07?

Link didn't work.. trying again!

www.ost.gov.uk/research/update_roberts_review.pdf

Thanks Anon. That was very interesting.