The (Slightly Dull but Ultra-Useful) Things I Wish I'd Known, Part 3: Money and Finances
Adam Gordon is studying for a DFA in Creative Writing. His doctoral work explores queer histories of Glasgow, and ecology in literature. He is the outgoing Researcher Development PGR Communications Intern.
If there’s one thing I feel like PGRs worry about almost as much as time, it’s money. You might be living from paycheck to paycheck, or concerned about finding the next grant, and none of that stress is good for you or your PhD. This is a quick introduction to the funding landscape for PGRs new and old. At the end, I’ll include some signposts to resources available to you if you’re stressed about your personal or professional finances.
Research Funding
This is a complex landscape and can be really intimidating if it’s your first time interacting with various funding bodies. The first thing to know is that no two funders work the same way, so make sure you read the small print! Some will pay your tuition, some will pay you a stipend, and some will do both. Some will send that money to UofG which will then disburse it as financial aid, and some will pay you directly. The last group are often termed ‘sponsors’.
You might have already secured funding for the length of your doctorate, but even if you’re self-funded, there may be money available to you through grants, bursaries, competitions etc. It’s worth keeping an eye on UofG comms and checking College and University listings regularly. The website has a scholarship search function, and don’t forget to ask your supervisor if they’re aware of any funds you should apply for.
Again, read the small print! There will almost certainly be reporting requirements attached to any funding you receive: funders want to know what you’re doing with their money! Some of this may be done for you by your College but make sure you know what’s required of you so you don’t get caught out later. For info, you might want to check out the UKRI T’s and C’s: around 20% of UofG PGRs are UKRI Funded, but their contract is also a standard reference for other funding bodies and universities.
· UofG Postgraduate Fees & Funding information page
· Search for scholarships and bursaries
Making money during your research
Many of us need to keep another job going during your doctorate, especially if we’re self-funded. You might want to take on a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) role, both to earn and gain valuable experience. There are many internship opportunities within and outside UofG: these can be a great way of earning and gaining experience in a part-time role that should sit comfortably alongside your studies. To see what’s on offer, check out the Internship Hub. Also, this blog gives you an insider take on the benefits and potential pitfalls of internships.
In all cases, there’s a fine balance to strike between the need to earn, the desire to gain experience and the demands of your project – which is after all what you came here to do. I myself have fallen foul of this conundrum (I wrote a blog post about it!) so think carefully and be honest with yourself about your time, energy, and needs. And as always discuss it with your supervisor.
The good news is that if you’re looking for something, the UofG Careers Service is there to help. You can search for jobs and internships for during and after you doctorate. You can seek advice on CV’s, applications, and interviews. You can find masterclasses to help prepare you to make the most of the next steps in your career. It really is worth taking some time to browse the website and see what’s on offer.
If you’re interested in GTA positions, keep a close eye on UofG and College communications: email, Twitter, etc, and let your supervisor know you’re looking. Remember that there is a range of resources to assist you with your professional development, so take time to see what’s on offer. (See Academic and Digital Development.) Also, when discussing your training needs with your supervisor, you can talk about your career needs as well as PhD-specific training.
Finally, international PGRs may have visa restrictions on the number of hours they can work so make sure you know where you stand. Similarly, some funding bodies place restrictions on the amount of kind of work you can do, so double check your contract.
· Academic and Digital Development
Where to go if you’re worried about money
We all have money trouble from time to time. The best advice is: don’t wait until it’s too late. Be as proactive about managing your finances are you are about your research and it will take a lot of stress away.
If you do need some help, the Student Representative Council (SRC) provides a free and confidential Advice Centre, which will help you find out where to go and who to talk to.
UofG has a number of Financial Aid and Hardship schemes, including a laptop loan scheme if you need help accessing the tech you need to work.
Also, check out the Cost of Living Support pages. They’re a comprehensive guide to when and how to ask for help, with info on everything from fuel bills and utilities to public transport and your employment rights.
I hope this whistlestop tour of all things financial is a useful guide for new PGRs and a refresher for the old hands. Take a little time to explore the resources listed here and familiarise yourself with what’s available to you. If you’re in need of help, don’t suffer in silence. Dealing with our finances is something we all have to do every day, so you are never alone.
Photo by Fabian Blank on Unsplash.