Recently, we hosted our third Postgraduate Consultation Group, which is a meeting for PGRs to share their experiences at Queen Mary.
Recently, we hosted our third Postgraduate Consultation Group, which is a meeting for postgraduate researchers (PGRs) to share their thoughts about their experiences as a postgraduate at Queen Mary. Each participant is paid for their time in sharing their feelings, and the feedback is used to improve the postgraduate experience! This meeting’s theme was on funding, financial support and scholarships. Learn more about what we discussed below…
The cost of postgraduate research
Our participants shared that postgraduate research has varying effects on the quality of life, with the mental and emotional cost of over 3-5 years building up. In addition to this, the postgraduate academic workload is heavy, which may make it difficult for PGRs to find additional part-time jobs or fully enjoy opportunities. Participants shared the need to collect data for research, which includes travelling or paying to access datasets. They noted that research training encourages collaboration, attending conferences, and joining various organisations – but these are often not free. As a result, PGRs are not always able to take on various opportunities because of the time and cost restraints of postgraduate research.
Funding sources
Participants of this consultation group were asked to share what funding sources they are already aware of. The main source mentioned was directly from universities, either in the form of studentships or additional pots of money (typically arranged by schools to fund additional training). Participants shared that it is sometimes difficult to access additional funding, with limited information being shared. They noted that without much guidance, applying for additional funding can be overwhelming and take up too much time for students who are already quite busy. However, one of our participants shared that the Centre for Public Engagement was previously helpful in receiving a small grant to organise events.
Separately, participants shared that when they were first years, the older PGRs would share funding information, tips and techniques, rather than through official communications. Participants stressed the importance of carving out time in inductions to make this information more accessible. They also noted that students who receive external funding for their postgraduate research may have additional funding information than students who are either internally funded or self-funded – or even Queen Mary as a whole.
Stipends and cost of living
University arranged stipends are the standard UKRI amount, which includes a fee waiver and a monthly stipend – this amount is then based on the London average. However, participants shared that it is too expensive to live near campus with the stipend amount. They continued to share that even if you don’t live close to university, the travel costs then add up when you frequently must commute, at the request of supervisors or lab requirements. Participants stated that while the stipend covers the most basic of living expenses, it is not enough to live comfortably in London; they suggest that the increased stipend in London is not significant enough to accurately factor the cost of living.
Participants on international scholarships shared their payments are not always as regular as monthly. Previously, this used to be twice a year but has recently increased to every three months. These participants shared concerns with personally managing this budget, and the problems that may arise with any issues or delays.
The participants discussed the differences between stipends covering only three years of funding, versus stipends continuing over their fourth year as their “write-up” year. They expressed the importance of budgeting and pre-planning, yet the concern of little financial support for the final part of the PhD.
Major changes for funding opportunities or policies
To conclude the consultation group, participants were asked for major changes that they would like to see happen, to improve their postgraduate experience. They shared the desire for a process to support students who don’t wish to use a QM-managed device, as they have a lot of restrictions. Currently, if students want to purchase a personal device, there is not much support for it.
Secondly, participants shared the need for more accommodation options for PGRs who want to stay on or near campus with rent and travel being some of the biggest expenses from the stipend. On this financial side, participants wish for more opportunities for research or assistant opportunities for both work experience and additional income. Currently, there is a restriction on how many hours PGRs can work when they receive a stipend, which feels restrictive.
Finally, inspired by the London Arts and Humanities Partnership, who let you get a few months of additional funding at the end of your research, participants would like to see improvements in the opportunities to take time off research for personal circumstances or medical emergencies.
Improvements for the future
- Push for stipends to be indexed to the real cost of living in London, including travel expenses; highlight the financial strain caused by stipend delays and advocate for a more consistent payment structure
- Lobby for an increase in research and training budgets to ensure that students can attend conferences, access datasets, and collaborate effectively
- Introduce structured sessions throughout the year to inform PGR students about available funding; encourage a greater transparency in how schools allocate and distribute research funding
- Push for more autonomy in the number of hours PGR students can work
- Advocate for subsidised or university-managed accommodation options for PGR students near campus
- Provide better support for students in their final “write-up” year when their stipends typically run out