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Job seeking as a mature graduate - live discussion 1-3pm today http://t.co/7XKPfE06 via @guardian

Posted on: 16/05/2012 11:05.
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Identify Possible Funding

Funding for postgraduate study can be difficult to obtain. It's not impossible, but it is difficult! The following information is a brief overview of what is a very complex subject, for a more comprehensive guide you should look at the Prospects Postgraduate Funding Guide online.

You could fund your study in the following ways:

Research Council Grants

The majority of funding for research comes from research councils, each specialising in a particular field. Each of the research councils has slightly different arrangements for bursaries. To find out further details click on the research council's website click on the relevant link below:

Alternatively, for general information visit www.rcuk.ac.uk.

Other Funds and Grants

Funds and Grants may also by available from other sources. Some courses and departments have grants and teaching or research assistantships available and you should ask the course tutor or administrator about these when applying. Scholarships are advertised in the Times Higher Educational Supplement and the Guardian which are both available in Career Development Services. You could also try searching scholarship-search.org.uk and FindAPhD.com.

The postgraduate study section of the prospects.ac.uk has a lot of information about funding, as well as a current list of courses currently some form of funding.

Career Development Services hold details of a variety of funds and scholarships you can apply for:

  • Funded postgraduate opportunities are advertised on our Jobs Online database - you only need to register once, then you can search by location or course type, and even get courses emailed to you!
  • There are a variety of smaller grants you may be eligible for dependant on your background (ie place of birth, past occupation, religion etc). We have a reference book in our Information Room - "The Guide to Educational Grants 2011/12" - which lists organisations which provide smaller amounts of money to fund study.

New for 2012 - FindAMasters.com and FindAPhD.com Funding Awards

Masters Study - FindAMasters.com Postgraduate Funding Awards - 9 annual Masters bursaries available in all subjects for study at any EU university.

PhD Study - FindAPhD.com Postgraduate Funding Awards - 9 annual PhD bursaries to support PhD study in any subject at universities within the EU.

Employer Funding

If you are interested in working for an employer, whilst researching for a higher degree, then the Knowledge Transfer Partnerships may be what you are looking for. Knowledge Transfer Partnerships are Government funded and enable UK businesses to benefit from the wide range of expertise available in the UK's 'Knowledge Base'.

As an Associate in a Knowledge Transfer Partnership you will be able to enhance your career prospects by benefiting from business based training and personal and professional development whilst managing a project within a company. Projects are managed in partnership with specific Universities and Associates are encouraged to register for higher degrees. Their website has all the details and a list of current opportunities.

Some employers offer research grants for specific topics each year. For example the Wellcome Trust offer grants in medical, bio-medical and scientific research areas.

You could also try the speculative approach. Think about employers who might benefit from your research and write them a speculative letter describing your research and giving your academic background in detail. For help identifying relevant employers to apply for funding from call in to the Careers Service or book an appointment with a Careers Advisor.

Loans

Professional and Career Development Loans are available from a selection of the high street banks for vocational courses. These are loans and they have to be paid back! Make sure you research these carefully. The direct.gov website has further information (type Professional and Career Development Loans into their search box).

Further Help

Come to the Careers Service to have a look through our funding information. Alternatively, send a question to our Careers Advice Via Email system. An Adviser will be back in touch within three working days.

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