Understanding funding
It is important to consider how you plan to fund your research, as your funding application will likely be closely linked to application deadlines. The Faculty of Humanities offers a variety of funding options.
You may be eligible for studentships, scholarships, or other awards, but the terminology around postgraduate research funding can sometimes be unclear. Whatever your options, we’ll guide you through the key terms and processes that underpin the postgraduate research funding opportunities available to you.
Funding terminology
A scholarship may be a full or partial award granted based on the academic achievement of the candidate. In the Faculty of Humanities, scholarships are typically full awards that cover tuition fees and provide a stipend.
A PhD studentship provides full funding for a specific project, covering the successful candidate’s tuition fees and stipend for the duration of the project.
A stipend is financial support, provided as part of a studentship or scholarship, that covers living expenses and paid monthly (similar to a salary).
A single award that can be awarded as a tuition fee reduction or as a contribution to living costs.
A research training support grant - a financial award designed to support research related expenses such as fieldwork, conference and travel
Your tuition fees will cover the cost of your postgraduate research programme at the University as well as charges for registration, tuition, supervision, examinations and graduation.
Your tuition fee will be stated on the course profile of your programme.
A 1+3 or 1+4 award relates to funding that is inclusive of both master’s and PhD study.
You will still be required to submit a full PhD application in order to be considered for this funding.
Find out more about master’s and PhD funding combined.
Identifying funding
While most applications include a candidate’s own research proposal, the Faculty of Humanities also offers a number of directly funded postgraduate research projects. These are predefined, supervisor-led projects that are often fully funded by research councils, the University, or industry partners. Acceptance onto one of these projects typically means you will also receive the associated funding.
Please note that not all supervisor-led projects are directly funded.
Each funded project has its own specific eligibility criteria, so it’s important to review the project details carefully before applying
The majority of PhD applications in the Faculty of Humanities are submitted with the candidate’s own research topic. To support this, the University of Manchester offers a range of funding options through various scholarships and studentships.
It’s important to know which funding opportunities you want to be considered for before submitting your application, as you’ll need to list all relevant schemes in your application. We recommend discussing your funding plans with your potential supervisor so they’re aware of any associated deadlines.
Most scholarships and studentships cover tuition fees, a stipend at the UKRI rate, and associated research costs.
Each funding opportunity may have specific eligibility requirements, so it’s always best to review the details of each individual award.
You may be able to secure alternative funding from external sources such as industry, charitable organisations, or government-sponsored projects.
You might also consider self-funding your degree, especially if you plan to study part-time or wish to begin your PhD in January, where that start date is available. If you’re exploring this route, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the tuition fees for a postgraduate research degree.
You’ll also need to think about how you’ll cover your living costs throughout your studies. If you’re receiving government funding, it’s recommended that you include proof of funds or a sponsorship letter when you apply.
Further information and links to potential external funding opportunities can be found in our guide to other funding support.