Information for AHRC award holders

For the full terms and conditions of your award and allowances can be found in the Guide for Postgraduate Award Holders  produced by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). 

AHRC related payments are now being administered by the Financial Support Office in accordance with guidance issued to all higher education institutions who have AHRC sponsored students.

Fees

Your fees will be paid automatically. You will be able to see the payment on your LSE For You account. Where the amount paid for fees by the AHRC does not cover the amount charged by LSE, the LSE will "top up" your award to ensure that your full fees are covered.

Maintenance stipend

The maintenance stipend is intended to cover all normal living expenses.

Recent changes in the administration of AHRC awards mean that the LSE Financial Support Office is now responsible for disbursing maintenance stipends.

You will receive your maintenance stipend in the form of a cheque, in three equal instalments. Cheques will be available for collection from the Student Services Centre at the beginning of each term.

This is different to the schedule of payments outlined in your award letter from the AHRC.

If you have been given a fees only award, you will not receive a maintenance stipend.

Disabled Students Allowance

If you have a long term disability, as a result of which you are likely to incur additional expenditure in connection with your studies, you may be eligible for an extra allowance. This may cover costs relating to additional daily expenses, equipment, or non-medical help relating to your studies. 

This allowance is available to all award holders, full-time, part-time and fees only.

If you wish to apply for the Disabled Students Allowance, you should contact the AHRC as soon as you are offered an award. They will provide you with a claim form to complete. The claim form and guidance notes are available from the AHRC.

We also recommend that you contact the LSE Disability and Well-being Office  

Allowances for Fieldwork, Study Visits and Conferences

UK Study Visit

Full time and part time Doctoral and Research Preparation Master’s award holders can apply for funding if they will be carrying out primary research in the UK that is directly related to their study.

You will need to apply directly to the AHRC; the application form and guidance notes can be downloaded from here.

Further information can be found in the Guide for Postgraduate Award Holders (Appendix 2 ).

Overseas Study Visit

Full time and part time Doctoral and Research Preparation Master’s award holders can apply for funding if they will be carrying out primary research overseas that is directly related to their study.

You will need to apply directly to the AHRC; the application form and guidance notes can be downloaded from here.

Further information can be found in the Award Holder's Funding Guide (Appendix 2 page 39).

Overseas Conferences

Full time and part time Doctoral and Research Preparation Master’s award holders can apply for funding if they have been invited to present a paper at a conference abroad.  

You will need to apply directly to the AHRC; the application form and guidance notes can be downloaded from here.

Further information can be found in the Guide for Postgraduate Award Holders (Appendix 2).

Changes to your study

Changing your department or supervisor

You must notify the AHRC in writing if you are considering changing your supervisor or the department in which you are studying. Further information can be found in the Guide for Postgraduate Award Holders, Page 15. 

Doctoral Award Holders should also contact the LSE Research Degrees Unit and the Financial Support Office.

Mode of attendance

If you wish to change from part time to full time award or vice versa, you will need to explain the reasons for the proposed change in writing and obtain the support of your supervisor and the LSE Research Degrees Unit. You will need to contact the AHRC in writing who will consider each case on it’s individual merits.

Further information can be found in the Guide for Postgraduate Award Holders, Page 16.

Doctoral Award Holders should also contact the LSE Research Degrees Unit and the Financial Support Office.

Maternity leave (Doctoral Award Holders only)

If you are a full or part time award holder, and you become pregnant during the period of your award, you are entitled to a nine month period of maternity leave during which the AHRC will continue to pay your maintenance stipend and tuition fees. Your award can also be extended by up to nine months. After this period you may request a suspension of your award for a further three months, during which no maintenance stipend or tuition fees are payable.

You will need to contact the AHRC if you wish to take a period of maternity leave. They will provide the relevant documentation for your supervisor and the LSE Research Degrees Unit to complete. You will also need to provide a certificate MATB1 or letter from your doctor.

Further information can be found in the Guide for Postgraduate Award Holders, Page 18. You should also contact the LSE Research Degrees Unit and the Financial Support Office.

Paternity leave (Doctoral Award Holders)

If you are a full time award holder, you are entitled to a total of two weeks paternity leave, to be taken at any time during your partner's pregnancy or within three months following the birth. You will continue to receive your maintenance stipend and tuition fees during this period.

This period will be regarded as additional leave of absence from your studies and your award will not be extended.

Further information can be found in the AHRC Guide for Postgraduate Award Holders, Page 18. You should also contact the LSE Research Degrees Unit and the Financial Support Office.

Renewal of Awards

Continuation of all awards is subject to the completion of a satisfactory annual progress report. Further information can be found in the AHRC Guide for Postgraduate Award Holders  Page 24.

If your award is to renew for the 2008/09 session you will also need to ensure that your Annual Progress Report form is returned to the LSE Research Degrees Unit before the middle of August 08.

Last updated: 03 October 2008

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