School of Social and Political Science

Research grant funded PhD studentships

This page contains advice aimed at Postgraduate Research students who are funded by externally awarded research grants, which are managed by the School of SPS Research Office. They may be:

  • funded from within a larger research grant, or
  • a standalone studentship, or
  • a University-funded studentship which is also part of a larger research grant. In this case you should consult your studentship Terms and Conditions in the first instance.
Key points

You need to work within both university PhD programme rules and the funder rules, and both the School’s PGR Support team and Research Office will work with you to ensure you can do this.

If you have a studentship which comes with a budget for research expenditure, that funding must be spent:

  • in accordance with both University and funder rules, and
  • only for activities which directly support the delivery of your PhD

You may be asked to justify your costs. Costs which are incurred outside these rules, including for personal use, cannot be reimbursed from your funding.

Changes to project or study

Please notify any changes on the project or your studies to your supervisor, the PGR Support team, and your Research Office contact as administrative actions or further guidance may be required.

Programme extensions or interruptions of study

You may need to apply for an interruption or extension of study during your PhD programme. As a funded student, before you submit your concession request, you must notify your funder and advise both the PGR Support Team and Research Office of your intention. To submit your formal request, please follow the concession request process which requires your supervisor’s support.  

Travel and risk assessment

You must follow the relevant steps on fieldwork and/or travel in relation to your PhD programme so that correct approvals and cover are in place and your record is updated accordingly.

Claiming expenses for other costs and travel

Please ensure you check the Expense Policy in a timely manner. It is the responsibility of the claimant to submit claims according to the policy. Any claims that do not align with the policy may be rejected.

 If you have any queries, please get in touch with your Research Office contact before incurring the expenditure.  

Please check this link for general queries about your grant: Grant Management

Please check the University’s New Expenses Policy.

Funding codes

Please get in touch with your Research Office contact to obtain the codes for your grant.

Key contacts
  • School of SPS PGR Support Team – pgresearch.sps@ed.ac.uk 
  • School of SPS Research Office – the contact person managing your case
  • Your funding body
Postgraduate