The University allocates around 150 entry awards each year in PhD studentships and bursaries, so there are many ways to access PhD funding. A studentship is usually a package that provides full funding for tuition fees and living costs.
Tuition fees
PhD fees vary according to where you come from, whether you study full-time or part-time and where you are based during your degree.
Alumni discounts
If you've previously completed a degree with us, you’ll automatically receive our alumni discount (£1,500 off the cost of your tuition fees).
PhD funding
South East Network for Social Sciences funding
The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) South East Network for Social Sciences (SeNSS) provides generous funding for UK and international students interested in PhD research.
Students on our undergraduate and master’s economics courses who are interested in continuing on to PhD study are also eligible to apply for PhD funding via SeNSS.
Studentships for PhD students
The University's Graduate School holds information about studentships and other funding available for postgraduate study.
Studentships are available for both UK and international students. We suggest that international students consider funding sources in their own country as well to increase their chances of securing finance.
SPEIR PhD Development Fund
All currently enrolled PhD Economics candidates, including distance, can apply to the SPEIR PhD Development Fund, except those who have already notified an intention to submit their thesis.
Applications should be made by e-mail to your supervisor and the PGR Director (students) and PGR Director (admissions), who will make a joint decision on whether the Fund can be used to cover some or all the proposed expenditure.
The justification of the expenditure should be based on at least one of two grounds:
- Improving the quality of the PhD thesis or the timeliness of its completion
- Improving PhD-level career prospects, normally in terms of chances of success in the academic job market.
As the fund is limited it is therefore unlikely that a candidate would have more than one large expenditure approved per year, and not normally more than three during their studies.
What types of expenditure can the Fund normally be used for?
- Academic journal submission fees
- Registering and attending a conference/workshop, where you have been invited to present your work, representing the University of Reading and Department of Economics
- Training needs which cannot reasonably be provided by resources at the University of Reading, free online resources or self-study.
Alternative sources of funding
The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding is a database of less well-known sources of doctoral funding.
Supplement your income
You might consider part-time or casual work as a way to supplement your income during your studies. There are often vacancies at the University, which you can apply for through Campus Jobs.