======= Date Modified 19 21 2009 13:21:30 =======
Hello all, quick Q. Any ideas whether it's acceptable to apply to both the AHRC and the ESRC? My topic (within international relations) overlaps between the two. Would applying to both increase or actually decrease my chances of funding for my PhD? Has anyone ever applied to both? No more questions - I'm out. Thank you !!:-)

ps I should say that I have called both Councils and they are trying to be helpful but aren't. The AHRC said they are not sure, it's a case by case basis. The ESRC said that they don't mind if you apply to both, but that the AHRC do not like it!!!

You can't apply through the Open competition to the ESRC and and AHRC in the same year - you will need to decide which one fits your research best and go for that.

There is, however, nothing stopping you applying for ESRC quota awards at one uni and AHRC block awards at another - since these are awarded at a departmental level they will never find out (or care) that you are applying for different awards at different universities.

Hi
I am not sure but I am currently looking to apply to the AHRC but I was wondering do you know if the ESRC accepts projects concerning contemproary history and international relations?

Generally IR is seen as ESRC, but it depends on your precise topic (given its a huge field). You can apply to both, but you might be better of choosing which one suits your work better...

@supersteff.
The AHRC do accept something that crosses history and IR, but you will need to emphasise the history aspect. It depends again on your project; but to fit in fully with IR you will need a solid (political) analytical framework that may not fit in with AHRC criteria

@Supersteff
Sorry my message split in two! The other part said

... as such you may find that the ESRC is more amenable to a project with clear IR direction. Some IR people can be fairly picky about what is interpreted as International Relations (they see it as heavily theoretical), so to be able to market your PhD as IR you will need that theory which the ESRC will support