Hi everyone, very pleased to have found this site. I am considering applying for a PhD for Oct 2006, and wanted to know about funding - I can see this figure of 12k being talked about - is that the same for arts as well as sciences - how fierce is the competition? I have a first from Bristol.
Any advice gratefully received.
Lucia

The AHRB fund arts PhD's. Competition is fierce and if you are UK graduate you would be entitled to something like £11000. You have a much better chance if you have a first though and some very strong referees and a strong proposal that matches the institution that you wiah to study at. Their concern seems to be to fund students whose interests well match their chosen university.

Thanks a lot Susan, that's really helpful advice. Where is the best place to look for referees? Is it better to use just university tutors or to use school headteachers etc? Thanks a lot.

I'd recommend that you ask your university tutors. Don't forget that it is polite to ask them first! You should also supply them with a copy of your CV and the details of the project you are applying for, that will help them to write a reference tailored to your application. Good luck.

Whilst your asking your tutors for references you should talk to them about the kind of areas you are interested in researching. You should find them a great source of information and advice.

Thanks Ann, and FindAPhDTeam. I am in talks with some of my tutors who are proving very helpful. I am interested to know how just how difficult it is to get a studentship either research council or departmentally funded... I was looking at some stats that suggested you need a masters to have a good chance - would anyone agree? Any ideas on how to up your chances? Thanks so much! Lucia

In most of the arts and humanities a Masters degree is important - particularly if you're after funding.

I am a PhD student living in Bristol. I fund my studies by working for the local universities, mainly invigilating and some clerical work. Its not mega bucks but I get by.