Fees and funding

Taught master's students can apply for bursaries, loans, awards, scholarships, and funding to support their studies.

Postgraduate Loan Scheme

Postgraduate master's loans are available to eligible applicants.

To give you an indication of when you can apply, last year the application process opened in early June for applicants beginning postgraduate study that September. This postgraduate student loan, potentially up to £11,570, is:

  • a contribution towards the cost of study to be used towards tuition fees, maintenance costs or other costs;
  • non-means tested;
  • paid directly into a student's UK bank account.

Further information can be found by downloading the Government Response to the Consultation on Support for Postgraduate Study.

Find out more

The Manchester Alumni Scholarship Scheme

The Manchester Alumni Scholarship Scheme offers eligible applicants a £3,000 reduction on tuition fees.

It is a means of supporting our outstanding graduates who wish to progress to master's level study having completed their undergraduate degree with us.

Eligibility criteria

The scholarship is available to applicants to a School of Arts Languages and Cultures master’s course who:

  • Are a University of Manchester graduate
  • Have received a first-class honours degree
  • Are applying within three years of receiving their degree
  • Are an international, EU or home student who will study full-time, part-time or by distance learning
  • Have accepted an offer of a place on a School of Arts Languages and Cultures master's course by the end of June in the year their course starts
  • Are not in receipt of a School or Faculty award covering full tuition fees (unless otherwise stipulated by a particular School or Faculty award).

Automatically considered

You do not need to apply for this scholarship separately. You will be automatically considered on the basis of your application for the course.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will be awarded the scholarship automatically, as long as you have accepted an offer of a place on a School of Arts Languages and Cultures master's course by the end of June in the year your course starts.

Any scholarship awarded will be applied as a reduction in the annual tuition fee for the course, rather than as a cash payment.

Manchester Master's Bursary

Last year, the University offered 75 bursaries worth £4,000 in funding for students from underrepresented groups.

Applicants need to meet a number of criteria to be eligible. Last year, there were more eligible applications than places, so meeting the criteria is no guarantee of an award.

For more information and how to apply/discover if you are eligible, please visit the Manchester Master's Bursary page on the main University website.

School awards

For 2024/5, the School will be awarding a limited number of bursaries covering the UK tuition fees level. The competition deadline is 5pm, 30th March and highly competitive. You must apply for the Master's course, completing a 'Funding case for support' in the Personal Statement section and attaching tanscripts at the end of the form. You should request two references via a separate reference upload linkA cover email to MASALCfunding@manchester.ac.uk with your ID number and full name is required to officially submit your application for funding. 

If you have already submitted an application or you are a University of Manchester Fasttrack applicant, you can attach the required materials for a funding application via the confirmation email.

 

How to Apply

You must submit an application for the course via the Online Application Form complete with:

  • A 500 word case for funding support (this can be your personal statement in the online application form or a statement uploaded at the end of the form or attached to the cover email).
  • Transcripts of most recent study (interim if studies are incomplete).
  • Two refererences submitted on your behalf via the reference upload link or uploaded to the online application form (please do not duplicate).
  • Confirmation email with ID number and full name to MASALCfunding@manchester.ac.uk.

In the online application form, there is a personal statement section. You can use this to submit the maximum 500 word statement.

Do I submit the Personal Statement in the application form or a separate Case for Funding Support?

We simply require a 500 word statement to use in assessing a case for funding support. This can be either the personal statement in the application form or a separate document (or a portfolio if your course requires one).

We have provided guidance below on what we believe constitutes a strong case for funding support.

A personal statement may be sufficient for us to offer you a place on the course, but it might not meet the requirements of a funding application. However, if you are happy with the personal statement in the online application form and do not submit anything either at the end of the online application form or with your cover email, we will use the personal statement in the form as your funding case for support.

Once you have submitted your application, you will be assigned a University ID number. Please email MASALCfunding@manchester.ac.uk with your ID number and we will confirm receipt of your application for funding. 

University of Manchester Fasttrack students

Please attach a 500 word funding case for support (guidance below) in a Word document to the email addressed to MASALCfunding@manchester.ac.uk with your University ID number by 30th March.  We will supply your transcripts, but you must contact your referees with the link to the online referee report form.

 

Case for Funding Support - Guidance

Within your statement, your primary aim is to provide convincing reasons why you want to do the course and how you are an excellent candidate. Precise details will depend upon which Master’s you choose to apply for, the expectations you have of the programme, and how you think it will shape your future career. Some Master’s programmes include specific requirements for admission relevant to the programme of study – please check the admissions criteria for your programme and ensure you refer to them in your case for support. 

Your interests and expectations

Explain why the Master’s programme appeals to you and the areas within the subject that you find interesting, including specific modules or other course opportunities. Provide evidence to demonstrate your suitability and interest for the course. What are the intellectual problems, or practical opportunities, that enthuse you? If you know exactly why you wish to pursue this Master’s -- to go onto PhD study or to follow a career path for instance -- or a particular area you wish to pursue for your dissertation/final project, then address this as well. In general, what do you expect to get out of your Master’s and how will it contribute to your career aims?

Your academic credentials

We will pay particular attention to:

  • your first degree
  • your final classification and average grade
  • your intellectual development, and achievements, as an undergraduate
  • where relevant to the chosen programme, professional experience, especially if your first degree is in a different subject area

Many applicants will have similar academic backgrounds to you. Why are you the ideal person for this particular Master’s programme? What have you achieved that makes you stand out (e.g. a particularly high mark, an award for academic achievement, or a prize for project work). Drawing from specific examples in your career to date, explain how your intellectual interests have grown and developed. Discuss authors or texts that have inspired you, theories or problems that drive you, academic talks that you have attended, study groups that you have been part of or academic societies you have joined. Include work experience where relevant, particularly if you are interested in a vocational Master’s, if your first degree is in a different subject area from the programme that you are applying to, or if your first degree was obtained some time ago.

Your strengths

Look closely at the course programme key skills and required knowledge. Using specific examples from your previous studies, work experience, or extra-curricular activities, discuss how you meet the course aims and requirements. Explain your skills in detail -- the admissions tutor will not be able to appreciate your capabilities/achievements simply by reading the title of your final year dissertation/project, for instance.

Writing tips

  • Start positively - grab the reader's attention
  • Keep your comments brief and focused
  • Highlight your skills and achievements; don’t underplay your best attributes
  • Use your statement to show that you can structure your thoughts and write coherently; each topic should lead logically onto the next
  • Get your facts right; stating that you want to work with an academic who no longer works at the University will not impress admission tutors
  • Your statement should be evidence-based wherever possible 
  • Stick to the word limit

Transcripts

We will use the interim or final transcripts submitted with your admissions application form.

Interim transcripts for UoM fasttrack applicants will be provided automatically by the School.

References

All applicants should contact their referees with the link to the online referee report form. Their references will then come to us directly and will be attached to your application.

 

Deadline

Please submit an application for the course with transcripts using the Online Application Form by 30th March and email MASALCfunding@manchester.ac.uk with your University ID number, confirming you have submitted your complete application with transcripts and that you have sent the reference upload link to your referees. 

Notification of outcome

Successful applicants will be notified by the end of June.

Some subject areas may have their own additional funding (see the relevant section below). Unsuccessful funding applicants for eligible subjects will be automatically considered for subject area funding, where applicable.

Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)

ESRC North West Social Science DTP (NWSSDTP) 1+3 Studentships in the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures 2022-23

Type of award

  • Studentship

Managing departments

  • Faculty of Humanities
  • School of Arts, Languages and Cultures

Value

Subject to residential eligibility status, the award covers tuition fees, a maintenance stipend (the annual maintenance stipend for 2021-22 was £15,609), a research training support grant and an opportunity to apply for additional funding towards overseas fieldwork, difficult language training, overseas institutional visits and internships. An additional disability allowance can be provided where appropriate.

Students opting to study part-time will receive a pro-rata maintenance stipend. 

Specified use

Tuition fees, research expenses and living allowance, subject to eligibility.

Tenable period

Studentships are available for PGT students on a 1+3 basis (master's and doctoral study) for 12 - 24 months (part-time studentships are also available).

Continuation of award

Continuation of the award is subject to satisfactory progress.

Number available

A number of awards are available on a competitive basis.

Funding provider

ESRC North West Social Sciences Doctoral Training Partnership

Level(s) of study

This funding is available to students undertaking the following types of study:

  • Postgraduate taught
  • Postgraduate research

Allowed study options

This funding is available to students undertaking the following modes of study:

  • Full-time
  • Part-time

Subject restrictions

This funding is available to students undertaking study in:

  • Arab World Studies
  • Chinese Studies
  • East Asian Studies
  • History
  • Humanitarianism and Conflict Response
  • Japanese Studies
  • Linguistics and English Language
  • Middle Eastern Studies
  • Russian and East European Studies
  • Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies

Academic requirements

Please refer to our master's application guidance.

Nationality restrictions

This funding is available to students from the UK and EU.

Other eligibility criteria

Please refer to the application guidance on the How to apply page of the NWSSDTP website.

Application procedure

How to apply

Please see the application guidance on the NWSSDTP website and submit the ESRC NWSSDTP application form, research proposal, academic transcripts and references to Mr Kevin Little, the Postgraduate Taught Coordinator at masalcfunding@manchester.ac.uk by 5pm GMT, Monday 3 February 2020Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.

You must also submit your online application for a place on your chosen master's course AND your chosen PhD programme by Monday 13 January 2020. These should be complete applications comprising an application form and all necessary supporting documents.

Please note that when applying for the PhD you should indicate that it is part of your ESRC 1+3 funding application. 

Application form

Additional documentation

In addition to the application form, the following supporting documents are required:

  • Research proposal
  • Degree certificates and transcripts
  • References

Selection criteria

Please see the NWSSDTP website.

Selection body

The School of Arts, Languages and Cultures and the NWSSDTP Studentship Committee.

Closing date

ESRC NWSSDTP applications must be submitted by 5pm GMT, Tuesday 1 February 2022.

Master’s and PhD programme applications must be submitted by Friday 14 January 2022.

Decision date

We expect to communicate the outcome to applicants no later than the end of March 2020. Due to the volume of applications, individual feedback will not be given.

Useful links

Equity and Merit Scholarships for international master's students

Equity and Merit Scholarships aim to assist talented but economically disadvantaged students from some of the world’s poorest countries. The scholarships are available for academically excellent professionals from Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania. The eligible courses offered by HCRI are Humanitarianism and Conflict Response MA and International Disaster Management MSc.

Find out more on the main university website:

Subject-specific bursaries

Candidates who apply for the School competition will automatically be entered for these awards, where appropriate.

Classics and Ancient History

Classics and Ancient History

Heywood and Victoria Scholarship

Applications are invited for the Heywood and Victoria Scholarship, which will offer £6500 towards fees for study of the MA in Classics and Ancient History (full time or part time).

For current University of Manchester applicants (or alumni within the past three years), this bursary can be combined with the Manchester Alumni Scholarship Scheme (£3,000). More details.

How to apply

All applicants to the MA in Classics and Ancient History who apply to the School funding competition will also be considered for this scholarship (there is no separate application form for this specific award). Candidates wishing to accept the offer of a scholarship must, at the same time, accept the offer of a place.

Details of the The School funding competition and application form can be found under the School awards section.

Creative Writing

In 2023, the Creative Writing department offered two bursaries, one each for:

  • Poetry
  • Fiction

Each award was worth the part-time UK fee for one year of study.

All students who are offered a place are eligible, so there is no formal application process. The decision is based on the quality of the writing sample submitted in the application process and the award must be applied toward the tuition fees. Therefore, if you already have tuition fees awards worth more than £5,000 you will be ineligible for these bursaries.

The winners will be notified in May.

Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute (HCRI)

All HCRI bursary and scholarship information is available directly through the HCRI website.

Modern Languages and Cultures

MA Modern Languages and Cultures Bursary

We will be offering one bursary next year for one candidate studying a Spanish, Latin American, Portuguese, Brazilian or Luso-African topic. This bursary is to be offered as a fee rebate only (if awarded to a part-time student the bursary will cover their Year 1 fee only).

Deadline

30th March, 2023.

 

Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation studentships

Up to three Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation studentships worth £10,000 for one year may be available for MA and PhD students focusing on the study of Japan. This includes:

  • Students applying for the MA in Modern Languages and Cultures and committed to conducting their major coursework options and dissertation on Japan. Eligibility is limited to UK nationals, or non-UK nationals who are either settled in the UK or who have been ordinarily resident in the UK for the three years before the programme. Applicants should have, or expect to have, a good 2.1 class degree or above.
  • Students applying for or engaged in the PhD in Japanese Studies, or for another PhD programme if the thesis is on Japan. Students of any nationality are eligible, though in the case of non-UK nationals, priority is expected to be given to those who have already completed at least one year of postgraduate study at a UK university. Applicants should have a good 2.1 class degree or above at BA level, or a merit or above at Masters level (or overseas equivalent).

Interested applicants should contact Dr Peter Cave (peter.cave@manchester.ac.uk) for the application form, which should be returned to Dr Cave by 5 pm GMT on Monday 28 February 2022. PhD students who have already received the Sasakawa studentship may be nominated again, and receive the studentship for up to three years, though repeated awards cannot be guaranteed. Students who are awarded a full scholarship (covering tuition fees and living costs) from another source cannot receive the Sasakawa studentship as well.

 

Daiwa Scholarships in Japanese Studies

This is a postgraduate Scholarship programme to support the study of Japanese Studies at either Masters or PhD level, and in either Japan or the UK. Only UK citizens who hold or are completing a degree in Japanese Studies, defined as a course focussing primarily on the study of Japan, and containing a substantial Japanese language component are eligible to apply.

Applicants who hold (or are completing) combined honours courses where Japanese Studies accounts for at least 50% of the course may also apply. The Scholarship will cover university fees for the course in question, plus living expenses. Living expenses will be payable at a rate of £1,200 per month for periods spent in the UK, and ¥260,000 per month for periods spent in Japan.

Candidates for the Daiwa Scholarships in Japanese Studies must be:  British citizens who are holders of an Honours degree in Japanese Studies, defined as a course focussing primarily on the study of Japan, and containing a substantial Japanese language component, and enrolled or enrolling in a Japanese Studies-related course in either Japan or the UK.

Application is made directly to the Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation (deadline Thursday, 27 January 2022), and 3 scholarships per year are available to support study at UK universities.

More information: https://dajf.org.uk/scholarships/japanese-studies

Queries can be directed to scholarships@dajf.org.uk

Music

MusM (Performance) part-fee bursaries (Home students only) 

Several part-fee bursaries are available (issued as a reduction in your tuition fees) for offer-holders classified as ‘home’ students for tuition fee purposes.

To apply

  • All applications to the MusM Performance Studies pathway received by 1 July will be considered.

MusM part-fee bursaries

For 2024 at least one part-fee bursary is available to applicants to MusM Musicology, MusM Ethnomusicology, MusM Composition (Electroacoustic Music and Interactive Media), and MusM Composition (Instrumental and Vocal music). Candidates who were unsuccessful for the School Awards competition will be automatically considered.

Religions and Theology (Biblical Studies and Theological Studies in Philosophy and Ethics)

Religions and Theology subject-specific funding opportunities

Bishop Lee MA tuition fees bursary (Biblical Studies)

Chadwick MA tuition fees bursary (Theology, Philosophy, Ethics)

The department is offering two awards of £3,500 towards the full-time study of MA Religions and Theology with a dissertation focus on either:

  • Biblical Studies or
  • Theology, Philosophy & Ethics 

How to apply

The bursaries will be awarded on the basis of a case for support (500 words) outlining a focus on Biblical Studies or Theological Studies in Philosophy and Ethics (500 words), respectively. This case for support can be completed in the personal statement section of the online application form for the Master's programme.

To apply, applicants should submit the online application form for the course with the usual documentation required, along with a case for support in the personal statement section and a cover email specifying the award for which you wish to be considered to Dr Michael Hoelzl:

Informal enquiries may be also directed to Dr Michael Hoelzl.

Deadline

  • Deadline: 21 June, 2024

For University of Manchester undergraduates, this bursary can be combined with the Manchester Alumni Scholarship Scheme (£3,000) if a First is achieved.