Funding for postgraduate research students

Find out more about the funding options available to you as a postgraduate research student
Coastal Processes Research Group Perranporth beach
 
 
 
If you are considering starting a postgraduate research course, you could get help to pay for your course and living costs. 
You may be eligible for a Postgraduate Masters Loan or a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan. Postgraduate research (PGR) programmes include: PhD, MPhil, ResM, MD, DPA, DBA, EdD and DClinPsy.  
If you are looking to study a postgraduate taught programme, please view our information on funding for postgraduate taught students .
If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact the Student Financial Support Team 
 
 
 

Postgraduate Masters Loans (PGML)

Thinking of starting a postgraduate masters course this year? You could get help to pay for your course and living costs.
You can find more information at: https://www.gov.uk/masters-loan
When the programme started Maximum loan fee amount
On or after 1 August 2022 £11,836*
On or after 1 August 2023 £12,167*
On or after August 2024 £12,471*
*subject to amount changing each academic year.

Am I eligible for a postgraduate masters loan? 

If you have a loan from a previous undergraduate course this will not affect your eligibility for applying for a Postgraduate Masters Loan. 
It can depend on your age, course, existing funding, previous study, nationality or residency status to be eligible for a Postgraduate Masters Loan. To check your eligibility please refer to the Government website.

How to apply?

You can apply online for a Postgraduate Masters Loan to Government website at www.gov.uk/masters-loan. Please remember to check your eligibility before applying.
 

Exclusions

  • You will not be eligible for Postgraduate Masters Loan if you have outstanding student loan arrears or have previously been found to be ‘unfit’ for student support (e.g. because of attempted fraud).
  • You will not be eligible if you already have a Masters (or qualification equivalent or higher) degree already.
  • A Postgraduate Masters Loan is not available to students wanting to ‘top-up’ a lower level qualification to a Masters degree. The course must be a full standalone master’s course.
  • You must register for the full 180 credits in order to receive the loan. Prior Accredited learning cannot be used to reduce the number of credits taken.
  • Postgraduate Masters Loans are not available for postgraduate level courses such as PgCert (Postgraduate Certificate), PgDip (Postgraduate Diploma) or where the postgraduate course is funded by undergraduate student finance, such as: ITT (Initial Teacher Training) or Integrated Masters.
All information about the Postgraduate Masters Loan can be found either through The Student Room or through the Government websites.
 
 

Postgraduate Doctoral Loans (PGDL)

A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate doctoral course, such as a PhD.
You can find more information at https://www.gov.uk/doctoral-loan
When the programme started Maximum loan amount
On or after 1 August 2022 £27,892
On or after 1 August 2023 £28,673

Am I eligible for a postgraduate doctoral loan?

You’ll not be eligible for a PhD loan if you already hold a PhD or equivalent qualification or are receiving a Research Council studentship (including fees-only), NHS funding or other government finance towards your PhD.
Your eligibility will depend on your course, existing funding, previous study, age and nationality or residency status. To check your eligibility please refer to the Government website.
PhD loans are not available if you began your PhD before 2018/19.
 

How do I apply for a loan?

You can apply online for a loan on the Government website from late spring/summer.

Details of repayment requirements and the interest rate payable

Repayments will start once you have completed your PhD. You’ll pay at a rate of 6% of your income once you're earning at least £21,000 per year. Please check the most recent information at the Government website.

Further information

 
 

Additional funding

 

Scholarships, bursaries and support funds

Kayleigh Banyard, Destiny-Amor Matthie, Alfie Davis on campus Scholarships
 At Plymouth, there are a small number of scholarships available to postgraduate students

Environmental science students staff on some rocks overlooking the sea and town Bursaries and support funds
 If you’re experiencing financial hardship due to extra costs, unexpected health issues or other factors, there may be bursaries and support funds that can help you.

Careers Hub

Supporting students with the cost of living

The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way. 
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.

Postgraduate research degrees

The University of Plymouth offers a range of postgraduate research degrees across all areas of our world-leading research – from digital art and dance to dentistry and geochemistry.
There are about 1,000 postgraduate researchers registered with the University, the majority of whom are located on the main campus. Others are based at our partnership ‘nodes’ around the world.
You will join a vibrant, supportive and forward-thinking community, that is committed to meeting global challenges in creative and imaginative ways.
Postgraduate students studying together in the library.