I'm applying for PGCE's starting in September and need a couple of weeks lesson observation in a comprehensive. How do I approach schools? Do I just e-mail them politely or write?

EU students are only eligible for fees-only studentships from the research councils, afaik. University offered studentships (not funded by the research councils) might cover both for home/EU students, but check the details of any advertised studentships.

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You're an international student, so won't be eligible for research council funding. Have a look at the British Council's website for possible sources, as well as Lancaster's website. They might have scholarships for residents of your country. Talk to the department, too, to see if they have any departmental studentships you can apply to.

That's very helpful, thanks.

Hello,

I'm applying for pt English Lit/Creative Writing PhDs at the moment and am unsure how to approach potential supervisors. What do I say in my e-mails?

Should I just write something like:

'Dear Prof X, I am applying for program Y and will be researching topic B. I noticed that you have published papers on the topic of X/have a background in V. My topic is on the X and feel that you are the best fit. I would be grateful if you could let me know if you are taking on any graduate students this year and if so, would be grateful if you could consider supervising my project. Many thanks for your time, X'

Thanks for all your help and suggestions

EU students are only eligible for fees-only studentships from the AHRC. You need to hold an offer from a university funded by the AHRC to be considered. There's usually a box on the application form asking if you want to be considered for funding and you might have to send in a separate form with your application at some universities.

To help with living costs, look out for any university studentships and teaching opportunities available.

Fair enough

I'm confused. Why would you need a supervisor for a Master's degree? If you're studying one that has a significant research component, your supervisor will be arranged later on. Are you getting confused with a PhD?

I'd just be honest and put down your MSc grades. You have a good track record and they shouldn't your application. If you don't mention them and get an interview, your interviewer might be suspicious and lying might cost you a place.

Check uni admission requirements is probably the best advice I can give

You should be okay if you got a Merit or Distinction. Another deciding factor might be you dissertation grade (if you did one).

Funding might be difficult if your grades were average, though. If you're self funding, I don't think you should have any problems.

If you want to investigate what research is published in your thesis area, I'd look at JSTOR (you should still have access, hopefully) and Project Muse. Google Scholar, too, can be another useful resource.

Does your local council have a benefits calculator on their website? If they do, you can use it to calculate how much HB you're entitled to. Talk to your local CAB as well.

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I got my provisional MA results (Creative Writing) and I'm a little bit gutted. I was 1% away from a distinction on the dissertation and two low essay marks (64 and 65% respectively) dragged it down. But I did have to look after a baby full time during my studies which didn't help matters. Anyway, I'm heading towards a Merit and am not sure what to do afterwards.

I'm thinking of either pursuing a PGCE in English or a PhD. Would I be accepted anywhere for a PhD with a Merit and 2:1 at undergrad? Is funding out of the question?

Thank you for all your replies. Most of the unis I'm going to be applying to have guidelines, RHUL doesn't. I'm going to be applying for a practice-based PhD in Creative Writing and there doesn't seem to be any guidelines for the proposal.