In all areas of postgraduate funding there is far greater demand than there are funds available. Unlike undergraduates, most postgraduate students are not eligible for statutory funding (with the exception of courses such as Postgraduate Social Work or PGCE). However, postgraduate students do find that with careful planning, they can find ways of affording to study at postgraduate level.

It is important that you do not start your course without having first identified a proper package of support to cover both your tuition fees and living costs for the whole period of your course. This might come from your family, from your savings, sponsorship, a bank loan, part-time work or a combination of these.

Students wishing to study at postgraduate level will need to research what funding may be available and should plan their finances well in advance, generally 12 months prior to the start of a course. However, in the case of sponsorship you would need to start researching at least 18 months to two years prior to the start of a course.

More information about possible sources of funding can be found on the following websites:

• Directgov
• Prospects

Use the links below, or to the left, for information on what funding may be available to you:

• What sources of funding may be available to me?
• What scholarships can I apply for?
• What is the Access to Learning Fund?
• Student Money Advice Service