Studentships explained

This guidance is a summary of key features of MPhil/PhD studentships in general. For specific information about available studentships, please refer to the details of each opportunity.

• Value of studentships: Usually, a studentship will either cover your tuition fees only or cover your tuition fees and offer a maintenance stipend as well. Some studentships also include support for research or experimental costs.
• Length of studentships: Studentships vary in length, but are usually between three and four years' duration for full-time students, or the equivalent pro-rata duration for part-time students. 
• Types of studentship: Some studentships may offer funding across a range of disciplines or PhD programmes, but some are tied to  specific research projects. 
• When to apply: Studentships are usually advertised from October, with application deadlines beginning in December, and decisions made in the Spring/Summer term. You must carefully check the information online for specific closing dates, as applications will not be accepted once these have passed.
• How to apply: The application process and eligibility criteria vary depending on the funder, so you must carefully check all of the information provided for applicants. Competition for studentships is usually very fierce, with a high number of applications for each opportunity. It is therefore essential that you follow the instructions for applicants in each case.
• Terms and conditions: The terms and conditions of studentships are determined by the funder and may include specific arrangements for sick leave, deferred entry, parental leave, supervision changes and other considerations. Continued access to studentship funding is subject to the terms and conditions of the funder and satisfactory academic progress, which is determined by Birkbeck during annual progression monitoring.