Research Degrees in Computing Science and Mathematics
Funding Opportunities
The main source of research studentships in the UK is EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council). Funding may come via the EPSRC Doctoral Training Account, or from a specific project grant. Students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man may be funded by their respective education authorities. Another potential source is departmental funding.
Charitable organisations often award research studentships. Notably, there are the Carnegie Trust studentships which must be applied for by mid-March; these are intensely competitive. Research studentships may be offered by companies with large IT Departments, such as British Petroleum, British Gas and Shell. These companies should be approached directly by students seeking funding.
There are separate arrangements for overseas students. Universities UK supports Overseas Research Studentships, which make up the difference between the fee paid by an overseas student and that paid by a UK student. The British Council funds research students from most parts of the Commonwealth, but usually only for an MSc. The Royal Society also funds overseas research students. For some countries, such as China or Hong Kong, there are particular organisations which award research studentships (e.g. the Sino-British Fellowship Trust). In all cases it is advisable to make enquiries about studentships as early as possible directly to the sponsor.
A funding body pays the University's fees directly, and also awards a maintenance grant whose amount depends on the body. There are special studentships associated with companies called CASE (Cooperative Awards in Science and Engineering). CASE students receive a small additional sum from EPSRC, plus a supplement from the industrial sponsor. The company is expected to play a part in the research of the student, and will normally host visits by the student of four to six weeks per year. CASE studentships are mainly allocated to companies to whom the Department must apply for specific students. (Note: EPSRC are currently developing Knowledge Transfer Accounts which will take the place of CASE and other industry related studentships.)
Tutoring and demonstrating
Each year a number of paid positions as tutors and demonstrators are available to research students. Demonstrators are involved with laboratory work for more elementary undergraduate classes. Tutors have responsibility for a tutorial group of year 1 or 2 students. As well as providing a source of income, these duties can give valuable experience for those considering lecturing as part of their future careers. Interested students should discuss options with their supervisor and the appropriate members of staff as early as possible, and certainly before the start of semester. Funding bodies typically impose restrictions on the number of hours work a student can do. The Department restricts non-PhD work to a maximum of 6 hours per week for all full-time students during semester, with an annual maximum of 180 hours. If a student faces particular financial hardship within these limits, special arrangements may be possible and should be discussed between the student and the supervisor.
