Funding your studies

Funding your studies

From student loans to scholarships to research grants there are a wide range of funding options for our postgraduate taught and research courses. Discover more using the links and information below. 

Loan options

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Master's loans

The Master’s Loan is a non-means tested loan of up to £12,471 (2024/25), available to UK students on full-time, part-time or distance learning taught or research Master’s degree courses. 

A smiling student sat at a table, with an adult sat opposite to them.

Doctoral loans

The Doctoral Loan is a non-means tested loan of up to £29,930 (2024/25), available for UK students on full-time, part-time, distance learning or integrated taught or research-based postgraduate doctoral qualifications. 

Other funding options

International students

Further funding options

In addition to the postgraduate degree loans and University scholarships mentioned above, there are a number of external sources you can consider when deciding how to fund your postgraduate studies.

Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSAs)

The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) provides financial support to cover study-related costs that occur because of a mental health problem, long term illness or other disability.

You can apply for DSA support on top of any additional student finance you are receiving. This finance does not have need to be repaid.

More information on Disabled Students' Allowance (DSAs) can be found here

Employer Sponsorship

If you are working and your course is relevant to your job, your employer may be willing to sponsor you. If your employer does agree to pay your Tuition Fees, they can email confirmation of this to sfo@hud.ac.uk before you enrol, and we can ensure that they are invoiced for your fees.

Research Councils

Research Councils funding is available through the University to both Master's and PhD students. There are seven councils, each covering a different subject of academic research. Your University school or department will be able to advise you on whether your course is eligible for funding, as well as offer you advice on submitting a high-quality application.

More information on Research Councils can be found here

Charities and Trust Funds

Charitable funding and Trust Funds can sometimes help with support for Postgraduate study. This funding tends to be limited and may not be able to cover the full cost of your study. You can find out more from these publications:

  • The Educational Grants Directory
  • The Charities Digest
  • The Grants Register
  • The Directory of Grant Making Trusts

PGCE and PGDipE courses

PGCE courses provide funding on the same basis as undergraduate courses (Tuition Fee Loan and Maintenance Loan).

Bursaries and scholarships are available to trainees on tuition fee-based postgraduate teacher training courses in England that lead to the award of qualified teacher status (QTS). 

More information on PGCE and PGDipE courses can be found here

Social Work bursary

The Social Work Bursary is a non-repayable grant which can help you to cover your study and living costs and is available to students who meet specific course and residency criteria.

Please note – they are limited (or capped) so there’s only a certain number available each year and being in receipt of a Social Work bursary would normally mean you are not eligible to receive a Postgraduate Loan.

More information on Social Work bursary can be found here

 

Fees and Finance

Everything you need to know about tuition fees and payment information.

Contact the Student Finance Office

For further information, advice or guidance you can contact us here.

Visit us

Our Postgraduate Open Days are an opportunity for you to learn more about this advanced level of study and the options and support available to you.