Dissertation and Fieldwork Fund
Introduction
This is open for applications from the 1st of October 2025.
The Dissertation and Fieldwork Fund is open to SPS undergraduate and taught postgraduate students that are not currently in receipt of funding. This funding could be put towards associated costs for dissertation research or fieldwork such as travel, accommodation, or reimbursement for research costs. Please note, while every application is considered and reviewed, funding is not guaranteed.
Content
Key Information
The maximum available to request per application:
• For field research in the UK [excluding London]: up to £300*
• For field research outside the UK [including London]: up to £500*
Please note, while every application is considered and reviewed, funding is not guaranteed.
Any request for research funding must also be accompanied by an approved ethics form and applications will be discussed with your dissertation supervisor prior to approval.
Application Process
- Read the Guidance and Information section of the Funding Opportunities page.
- Research your requirements and explore all possible alternatives. Example: You are planning to travel to London for research, explore all travel options including flight, rail and bus and note in your application the reason for selecting your preferred transport method. Please follow the same process when selecting accommodation too, being mindful of the Sustainable Travel Policy (the FAQs section is very useful).
- Applications must be made in advance of any purchases.
- Items not listed on your application will NOT be funded.
- All fieldwork funding applications must be accompanied by a completed risk assessment.
- You must be connected to the University VPN to access the risk assessment form. For more guidance on how to access the VPN read here.
Receiving Funding
- More information about these processes will be provided once your application has been reviewed and a decision made.
- Money will not be transferred to you in advance of the funded activity.
- You will not receive any funding if other required documents have not been provided. Examples: Travel Risk Assessment, Ethical Approval Form, Fieldwork Risk Assessment
Student Expenses
- We are only able to fund activities through reimbursement of receipts and the completion of the Student Expenses Form (with the exception of Diversity Travel bookings). This form will be sent to you upon your application being successfully reviewed.
- For more information regarding expenses, please see the University of Edinburgh expenses policy.
Travel
- Any requests requiring travel will need to be accompanied by a Travel Risk Assessment and can be booked through Diversity Travel, in accordance with the University of Edinburgh Sustainable Travel Policy. This policy has been updated (September 1st 2024) with exemptions to allow booking through companies other than Diversity Travel, please check policy details.
- Travel booked through Diversity Travel will be invoiced directly to the University. If the cost of travel is more than the funded amount, you will need to reimburse the university for the difference.
- Travel outside of Edinburgh requires submission of the Travel Plan and Risk Assessment (RA1) form to the Student Development Office (ssps.student-development@ed.ac.uk) at least three weeks prior to the date of travel. This must be sent from your University email address and must be approved before you depart. You do not need to also complete Fieldwork Assessment Form FA1. Always await Risk Assessment approval before booking or traveling.
- We recommend you use the University's free travel insurance where applicable.