funding a UK phd

[devona]

Hey gradcafe folks,

 

Hoping someone can answer my question about funding a PhD in England. I recently applied for a doctoral research program at King's College, London; I have applied in the UK because my husband is a curate over here and in terms of timing it makes the most sense for me to study here rather than the States (though we do plan to move back to the States pretty much ASAP). I graduated with high honors from Yale Div a year and a half ago, and I am pretty confident about my application to KCL, so while I am obviously a stressed-out wreck of my former self, I still feel hopeful about my chances.

 

What I do not feel hopeful about is funding. I have been scouring the internet for funding opportunities provided by both US- and UK-based sources, and I have found a few, but it's very confusing and certainly there's not that much out there for someone who wants to do doctoral study of theology and literature. Or is there? Am I missing something?

 

Basically, I am wondering if any of y'all is a US citizen who has somehow managed to fund your study in the UK. I would be extremely grateful for any hints, tips, thoughts or stories (hopefully successful!). It's crazy expensive over here, so I am sure I will be piecing things together, which makes me wonder also, do I apply for US or UK loans if it comes to that?

 

Would be so grateful for any advice!

Edited January 22, 2013 by devona

[Perique69]

Try this blog operated by an American at Durham.  There might be some helpful info about funding: http://dunelm.wordpress.com

[devona]

Thank you very much! I have visited this site before, but did find a post that I hadn't read before that was helpful.

 

Anyone else have thoughts?

[whytheology]

This may be a bit late, as I'm just seeing this, but I'm an American currently finishing up at King's College London.

 

My personal study was funded almost entirely through US student loans. This has led to a lot of debt (unfortunately) but if I work at a non-profit (like a university) in US for 10 years my debt will be forgiven. Do not take private loans because you can use Stafford and then get the rest funded from GradPLUS loans.

 

Now, if you don't want to use loans, I don't know what is available to you. I was not a resident of the UK and so all UK funding (and EU funding) was off-limits to me. As such, there is, unfortunately, not very much available. The scholarships offered by KCL are primarily for UK/EU people or those from "economically disadvantaged" countries. The US is not one of them regardless of your personal financial situation, and so, even if they say they are open to everyone, the "preference" listed is usually a requirement.

 

In general, since the UK government cut the Overseas Research Student Award Scheme, there has been next to nothing available for US students wanting to study in the UK. But, given that your partner works there, there may be other options under a permanent resident status(?)