PGR Student Bursary edgehill.ac.uk What is it How to apply Common problems edgehill.ac.uk

Aim To provide small pots of money to provide additional support for students to carry out their research It is not a fieldwork fund It is not to buy kit and equipment

Any PGR student not on writing up fees. Who can apply? As the bursary is open to all Edge Hill PGR students, there is substantial competition and a limited amount of money. Any PGR student not on writing up fees. It is generally assumed that first year students’ projects will not be developed enough to require any activities that need conference funding Likewise, it is assumed that students coming towards the end of their studies should be focusing on writing up

Professional development/ What can you apply for? Presentation of papers/posters at conferences Professional development/ training ? Fieldwork Networking

Conferences If conference is relevant and can be proved to add value to studies. One conference application a year unless a clear and strong justification is provided. One internal presenter on collaborative papers unless a clear and strong justification is provided

Professional development Specialist methods training will only be funded where There is no equivalent training available at Edge Hill The need for the training could not be foreseen at the point of registration

Fieldwork For fieldwork, application will have to clearly state why these costs were not foreseen at the point of registration What is different now Has this been discussed with HoD and DoS

Networking Who – why is this person useful to your study Where – why is this location appropriate Planning – how will you ensure that you will optimise the opportunity

Other funding Applications able to demonstrate some financial contribution from other sources will receive priority In the majority of cases a departmental contribution will be expected

Making an application Documentation and guidance on Blackboard (PGR tab) - remember the following: Only one application to the bursary per student per year, unless there are exceptional circumstances. Applications for conference funding should be made to the Graduate School at least 90 days before the conference Applications made to the PGR Bursary fund should be matched by funding by the department (generally 50:50) Application value minimum is £200 in total. Below this figure, applications should be directed solely to the department. If you make an application to the bursary in anticipation of being accepted, but are then not accepted onto the conference, simply withdraw you bursary application. This will not have any effect on future applications. Research tab is new

Application form Details of activity (e.g. location, date) Outcomes/dissemination How will the activity benefit your research How will the outcomes be shared with Edge Hill Where applicable, event details (including authors of the paper and whether written confirmation of acceptance has been received) Previous research support received

Making the case Applications should reflect the student’s stage of development It’s important to present proposals in conjunction with a developmental narrative Such a narrative assists the panel in judging the benefits of that which is being proposed Don’t assume knowledge on the part of the panel (e.g. the standing of the conference in the discipline) Be thoughtful – it is a competitive process Students are unlikely to be supported to attend a conference before the project has been registered.

Considerations Resources Applications in excess of £1000 would be considered exceptional Estimated cost details (fees, travel, accommodation etc.) – provide some evidence to support bid The Bursary Fund would not normally fund meals and other subsistence (in accordance with financial regulations) Receipts will be required for all expenditure (in accordance with financial regulations) Ensure that the narrative and the budget complement one another

Value for money Accommodation – avoid conference hotels where these are expensive and/or share where possible Travel – YP railcard to be used; avoid taxis Budget reasonably for subsistence

Supporting statements Director of Studies supporting statement Outlining the benefits of the activity to the student’s programme of research Head of Department’s supporting statement Including indication of departmental contribution Signatures required: Director of Studies Head of Department Applicant

Main causes of rejection Applications don't clearly and concisely articulate why the bursary is required and how it will add value the applicant’s studies. Applications not being costed clearly – the panel members need to be able to understand the breakdown of costs. Applications not being value-for-money. Inadequate supporting statement from DoS and/or HoD Consider how to keep costs down especially around travel and accommodation. Allocations are capped so good budgeting and sticking to the budget is essential – any changes must be agreed before the cost is incurred.

Application deadlines 31 Oct 28 Feb Dates are the same year on year Applications must be submitted by 4pm Late applications will be rolled over to next Board meeting Students notified within 4 weeks 31 May 17 Aug

Decision-making process All applications are reviewed by the a panel consisting of PGR coordinators from across the University Applications discussed together Feedback given

How to make a claim? Using the form found on Blackboard – the amount claimed cannot exceed the amount awarded. Remember the following: You cannot claim for lunch. Breakfast can only be claimed in conjunction with an overnight stay where breakfast is not included with the room. You will need to breakdown all expenses on the form and then split them between department and Graduate School. Get the expenses signed off by the department budget holder before sending them to the Graduate School. No receipt, no payment GTAs use online expenses system

After the event Disseminate any findings with your colleagues if: Training Conference Other event where you can share This should be done systematically – work with PGR leads and/or GS

External funding for PGRs Charities often provide small and larger amounts of funding for registered students: http://www.postgraduate-funding.com/ Professional bodies: e.g. BSA, BPS, RGS, CIT, Colt Specialist areas: e.g. women graduates, musicians, students with disabilities Prospects grant finder Find a PhD scholarships