The University of Winchester- Fully Funded Doctoral Studentships 2017

Q. What is a Postgraduate Research Studentship?
A. Research Studentships may be offered by the University of Winchester. The term ‘Research Studentship’ is used to refer to types of financial support offered to postgraduate research students at the University (including support that consists only of a full or partial tuition fees waiver without any associated living expenses support). A Research Studentship may be open (applicable to any subject area with available supervisors) or named (those with a specific area of research) – the designation is clearly indicated in the advertisement.

Q.Who may apply for a Postgraduate Research Studentship?
A. Candidates will have a track record of high academic achievement, relevant to the discipline being applied to, demonstrated by a first class or high upper second undergraduate Honours degree and/or a Master’s degree (or equivalent) and supported by two academic references. The ability to work independently, with the support of a supervisory team, and the enthusiasm to contribute to a vibrant and stimulating research environment are essential. Holders of Research Studentships enrol and register with the University for a research degree and are required to comply with the conditions for such enrolment and registration as set out in the University's Regulations for the relevant degree programme.

Q. What are the responsibilities of a holder of a Research Studentship?
A. As a doctoral student holding a Research Studentship, you are expected to manage your own personal and professional development. One way this is achieved is through regular contact with your supervisors and includes: preparing for meetings and keeping records; setting and keeping to timetables and deadlines to maintain satisfactory progress including deciding when to submit your thesis, and preparing the final version of your work. You need to make supervisors aware of any specific needs or circumstances likely to affect your work and be familiar with institutional regulations and policies that affect you.

Q. What training will I do?
A. You also develop by participating in a range of training opportunities. Holders of Research Studentships are required to undertake and pass the Postgraduate Certificate in Research Skills and to take part in seminars and research events organised by your fellow students, your Faculty and the University. Research Studentship holders will be required to undertake a programme of research related and/or professional skills training in addition to carrying out research for a postgraduate degree.

Q. What is the duration of the Research Studentship award?
A. The duration of the Research Studentship is for a maximum period of three years, full-time study and annual renewal is subject to satisfactory progress. The full expected period of the studentship will be notified to the candidate in the formal offer. However, the performance of all research students is subject to review and students whose performance is deemed unsatisfactory have their awards reviewed by the Director of Postgraduate Research Students at any time.

Q. How much is the Research Studentship award?
A. The value of the award is as notified to the candidate in the formal offer and will normally include payment of the relevant University tuition fees and an annual stipend (unless otherwise notified). For the 2017-18 year it is £14,553. You are not required to pay tuition fees for the three years of the studentship. However, if you have not completed your PhD within this time you will be required to pay a completion fee for the fourth year of £1,200 payable in advance. Once your award is confirmed you will be eligible to claim a refund of £100 per month for each month following the month of completion to the end of year four (e.g. if you complete in month 4 you will be eligible to claim a refund for 8 months).

Q. Will I have to pay income tax on my Research Studentship award?
A. Payment of awards will be paid at the end of the month and in arrears. Section 331 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 normally exempts from income tax a scholarship or studentship held by a person receiving full time instruction at a university. Research Studentship payments are therefore made by the University without deduction of income tax. However, it remains the student’s responsibility to ascertain their own position regarding both taxation and national insurance contributions. Where a studentship consists only of a tuition fees waiver, there will be no direct payment to the student.

Q. Will I be able or expected to teach during my Research Studentship?
A. As a student in receipt of an annual stipend you are expected to devote thirty five hours per week to your studies. Additionally, holders of Research Studentships may undertake a certain amount of paid teaching, demonstrating or assisting with other research projects within their academic department, subject to conditions set out in the regulations. Research students are required to undergo appropriate training before undertaking any such activities.

Q. What happens if I need to take a break?
A. If you are prevented for any reason from following your course of studies you need to tell your supervisors. In the case of prolonged illness (or other cause) you may be advised to interrupt your study. Research Studentships will not normally be paid during a period of interruption of study. Where there is no prospect of a resumption of study then the studentship will be terminated. Following the University’s commitment to equality, diversity and equal opportunities in relation to research students, research studentship students are entitled to maternity or paternity leave. In most cases this will mean that the duration of the overall studentship is extended by an appropriate period of time.

Q. Will my research outcomes be published?
A. It is expected that the results of research work undertaken by the holders of Research Studentships will be published and that publication will normally be in conjunction with the supervisors and with their permission. The IP ownership of the results of pre-defined research projects remains with the University of Winchester unless otherwise agreed at the outset of the research. Further information about Intellectual Property can be obtained by reading the University’s Intellectual Property Policy & Regulations.

Note: Any or all of the above may be subject to amendment from time to time. It is student’s responsibility to ensure that he/she is familiar with the current terms and regulations.