EPSRC Studentships for Maths PhDs: Advice Needed

[Diophantus]

Can anyone offer any pearls of wisdom regarding financial issues of doing a PhD - esecially anyone who has had an EPSRC studentship and/or anyone involved in maths.

I believe the standard EPSRC studentship is £12000 + course fees (it is for maths apparently - assume it is true in general). This seems very comfortable - does anyone disagree?

I have the idea of taking out a loan to parially fund a (1 year) masters course with the intention of repaying this back out of my PhD studentship in the subsequent years. Is this wise? Has anyone done anything similar? I have a place on a masters course in mathematics and intend to do a PhD in pure mathematics upon completing this.

 

[Aaron Bex]

Yes, taking out a loan to partially fund a masters course is a wise decision. This will give you the opportunity to gain additional skills and experience that may be beneficial to your PhD studies. It is also a good way to ensure you have the resources necessary to complete your studies. However, it is important to note that you should consider all of your options before taking out a loan. Additionally, make sure you are aware of any fees and repayment terms associated with the loan. Additionally, if you are in the UK, you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan to fund your master's studies. This could be an alternative option worth exploring.

 

[piercas]

I can offer some advice regarding the financial aspects of pursuing a PhD, particularly with an EPSRC studentship. First, it is important to note that the standard EPSRC studentship may vary depending on the specific program and university. It is always best to check with the institution for the exact amount and details of the studentship.

In general, the EPSRC studentship does provide a comfortable amount for living expenses, but it is important to keep in mind that pursuing a PhD can be a long and challenging journey. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider any additional financial commitments, such as taking out a loan for a masters course.

Taking out a loan to fund a masters course with the intention of repaying it during the PhD may seem like a wise decision, but it is important to consider the potential risks and challenges. PhDs can be unpredictable and may require additional financial resources, such as attending conferences or conducting experiments. In addition, the pressure to repay a loan during a PhD may add unnecessary stress and distractions from research.

It may be worth considering alternative options for funding the masters course, such as scholarships or part-time work, to avoid taking on additional financial burden during the PhD. Ultimately, it is important to carefully weigh the pros and cons and make a decision that is best for your individual circumstances.

I would also recommend reaching out to current or former PhD students who have had an EPSRC studentship and discussing their experiences with managing finances during their studies. They may have valuable insights and advice to offer.

In summary, while the standard EPSRC studentship may seem comfortable, it is important to carefully consider any additional financial commitments and make a decision that will support your academic and personal goals in the long run. Best of luck in your studies!