Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) (Potential Funding Opportunity)
Reference Number: P123
Please note: NERC funding is awarded directly to universities and not to students. NERC studentship opportunities available at Cardiff University will be listed individually in the Funding and Scholarship Search database as they become available. General information on MRC funding programmes is provided below.
Key Information
The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) is a publicly-funded organisation that funds postgraduate research and training in the environmental sciences, including atmospheric, earth, biological, terrestrial and aquatic sciences. The NERC funds around 1400 postgraduate students each year.
Funding is provided through university departments, and students should apply to universities for NERC-funded studentships, and not directly to the NERC.
Funding
Award levels: NERC studentships are usually either Fees-only Studentships (paying UK/EU Fees) or Full Studentships (paying UK/EU Fees plus a maintenance stipend)
Doctoral Awards (PhD Studentships): Provide support for up to three years of full-time study, or up to five years of part-time study, for the completion of a programme of doctoral research and attainment of a doctoral degree. A full award includes tuition fees (UK/EU level) and a maintenance grant. The maintenance grant will meet the National Minimum Doctoral Stipend level set by the UK Research Councils – for 2009/10, this is £13,290 p.a.
Master’s Studentships: Provide support for the study of a Master’s degree, usually for one year of full-time study. A full award includes tuition fees (UK/EU level) and a maintenance grant.
Eligibility
Academic Criteria: To apply for funding for a Master's degree, applicants must be a graduate of a recognised University with a 2:2 (with honours) degree. To apply for funding for a PhD, applicants must be a graduate of a recognised university with a 2:1 (with honours) degree, or a 2:2 and a Master's qualification.
Residency: Full awards (fees plus maintenance stipend) are open to UK Nationals, and EU students who can satisfy
To be eligible for the full award, UK and EU Nationals must have been in the
EU Nationals who do not meet the above residency requirement are eligible for a fees-only award, provided that they have been ordinarily resident in the EU for at least 3 years prior to the start of the course.
How to Apply
Applications should always be made via the institution at which you intend to study.
The NERC does not accept direct applications from students.
Most studentships are allocated directly to institutions, which nominate candidates to receive awards from those funds. Availability of NERC funding therefore depends on whether the University currently holds funding in your intended subject area.
Specific NERC awards, funded PhD studentships and funding for Master’s training courses available at the University will be listed individually in the Scholarship Search database. Deadlines for applications will appear in each listing, and applications are made direct to the University.
Alternatively, to check whether the University currently holds quota studentships or Master’s training grants relevant to your area of study, please contact the appropriate Academic school.
