In addition to loans, awards and scholarships, you can explore a number of other options in order to fund your postgraduate studies.
One of the primary means of supplementing your finances while studying on a postgraduate programme is by taking up paid work, which can be found through a variety of means.
Part-time employment
A large number of postgraduate students will take on part-time employment to help finance their studies through the Job Zone, located in the Guild of Students. Between 300 and 400 vacancies are advertised on the Job Zone website at any time, and postgraduate students are always welcome to drop in and discuss their employment needs with Job Zone staff.
Teaching assistantships and other University work
If you are a postgraduate research student, you may apply for a teaching assistantship, which enables you to undertake a certain amount of teaching on an undergraduate programme. This provides an additional source of income and is welcomed as a broadening of your academic horizons. You should get in touch with the contact for your research area for more information.
You can also earn money by acting as a demonstrator, or by taking on tutorial or marking work. Again, your programme tutor or research supervisor will be able to provide further details on these opportunities.
Student Mentor Scheme
A very limited number of places are available for postgraduates to provide help and support to other students resident in the University's self-catered accommodation. Further information is available from the Student Mentor Scheme Office at the Guild of Students, by visiting the Student Mentor Scheme website or by emailing mentors@guild.bham.ac.uk.
A number of students have previously found independent funding through sources outside of the University. Depending on your choice of subject, various companies or organisations may be willing to sponsor you. You should consider the career you wish to undertake and contact organisations that may be interested in employing you in the future.
The Access To Learning Fund is a government-funded scheme that aims to provide support to students experiencing financial hardship. Postgraduates are eligible to apply, however you must have commenced your course having made realistic provision for both your tuition fee costs and your living costs in order to be considered for an award. Applications are means-tested; the funds are intended for use by students who have encountered unexpected difficulties during their studies, or those who have higher than average costs, as a result of childcare responsibilities or a disability, for example.
Allowances of up to £5,915 a year are available for disabled students on postgraduate programmes, provided they are not already in receipt of research council funding. DSAs are available to students studying full and part-time, although those on part-time programmes must be studying for at least 50% of the full-time equivalent. For further advice you can contact your Local Authority or other funding body.
We recommend the websites below as useful places from which to begin searching for funding:
For general advice on welfare and finance matters, please contact us or the Advice and Representation Centre on 0121 251 2400 or via email at thearc@guild.bham.ac.uk.
