I am currently an MA student and plan to apply for my PhD this year. I have looked into the costs and some of them say just under £4000. Is that per year or is that the total cost? Also when should I have my application in? Thank you!!!:-)

That sounds like per-year if it's anything like my university. PhDs are expensive. Would you be able to apply for funding to help? If so you may need to get your application in much sooner than otherwise. If you are totally self-funding you could probably apply at just about any time.

Thank you for your help!! I was hoping it wasn't per year but thought it would more than likely be!! I'm hoping there will be funding through the arts council or I'm currently looking at some other places! I don't think there is any money at the university I'm looking at though! Did you manage to get any funding? Is it really difficult?

I got AHRC funding. It was incredibly competitive though. Apparently only 1 in 5 applicants succeeded. The system has changed a little since I won that, so I can't advise too much.

Oh and I was part-time, and self-funded my first year. I applied for funding part-way through then, and won it for the rest of my PhD.

Oh I see!! Congratulations! Bet that was a huge relief! I didn't realise you could apply when you are a year in, that could be an option! Hopefully!! (up)