I'm really confused, and always thought that PhD students get some sort of income whilst doing their studies? Or is it like being a skint student all over again!? I've been looking at a few PhDs which are funded. The answer to my questions will definitely influence my choice of whether to do a PhD or not! Thanks.

If you apply for a PhD which is funded (also termed as "with a stipend" or "studentship") then you do receive an income. Typically paid monthly! If you go for a self-funded PhD then naturally you will have to self-fund i.e. finance yourself! ;-)

You need to be determined and dedicated to do a phd - if you are so influenced by money maybe you should find a different career

If you're a UK student you will definately be paid- if not then you will have to be lucky to get funding. You are paid about 12 K a year. My funding is 10 000 a year, I'm in Brighton and I can get by with it but am scint every now and then as Brighton is an expensive place to be.

Teresa, money is also important if you don't have any other source of income. Working houres on end and being paid poorly can be frustrating.
Oh,Cheeky- the stipend is tax free, so it all goes into your pocket and you don't have to pay council tax.

I agree with anon whilst the money isn't the reason to do it, I couldn't even pay the fees let alone live if it wasn't funded, as well as the ones which specify being funded by a research council etc lots of departments have money from grants which they can allocate to studentships so its always worth asking if there is something you are particularly interested in

A lot of times it is a bit like being a poor student again, even with funding. Money is very important, as it is a lot oeasier to get a PhD done if you can live in a decent neighborhood, and enjoy an expensive cup of coffee once in a while. But you certainly aren't paid tons. Some PhD guys in the US for Electrical Eng. quote US dollar salaries of up to 65K, but that is exceptional, and would not be the case for any liberal arts or social sciences.

If a research council pays for the fees and quotes a stipend of 14k is that 14k in your pocket or 14k - fees?

A stipend of 14k goes into your pocket for your living expenses for 12 months (rent, food, clothes, etc.)

14K is usually for London unless you are very lucky! The rest of the country get 12K! This for science (e.g. NERC) but different research councils have different rates!

That (14k) is inclusive of fees which about 3k for home/EU students.

Just to clear things up, UK research Council studentships state the amount of money that you will receive. They will also pay university fees on your behalf. Student grants are tax free.

I've just been awarded a PhD studentship with 4 years funding from ESRC of £14,000 a year plus £2,000 from an external sponsor. Does anyone know if I'll have to pay tax on this (income and council tax)??

Jo - a student stipend is non taxable - it isn't classed as income for tax purposes. No you don't pay council tax either!!! You will need to submit a form to your local authroity stating that you are a student.

Well done and congratulations on your award!!!