Complete guide to postgrad loans

There are lots of factors to consider when thinking about studying a postgraduate course. One of the biggest considerations is the funding of it. We have outlined what you need to know about funding your postgraduate course so that you can easily go through the options applicable to you.

Whether you qualify for a scholarship or want to fund it out of your own pocket, this guide will help you decide what is best.

Scholarship

You could be eligible for a 20% fee reduction available to all BCU graduates enrolling onto an eligible Master's or PhD qualification, whether you’re continuing your studies or returning to BCU. Find out more about the Graduate Scholarship.

International students have a postgraduate scholarship that can be applied for so that you can continue your education at BCU. There is more information on International Scholarships on our website.

How much you get for a postgraduate loan

If the course you are applying for starts on or after 1 August 2024, you can take advantage of government-backed loans of up to £12,471 for postgraduate study. The loans are available for all subjects and are a contribution to costs including fees and living costs. Visit the GOV website for more information.

Government-backed doctoral loans are also available to those studying postgraduate doctoral courses, such as PhDs. In 2024, eligible students can borrow up to £29,390 for their education. There is more information on the GOV website if you are interested in applying.

Read more about the funding of your Master’s and calculate your repayments.

Postgraduate Open Days

Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to learn about our postgraduate courses in detail, explore our campus and chat with current postgraduate students.

Alternatively, you can self-fund your payments

You don’t have to get a loan to study a postgraduate course, you can use personal savings or money made available to you from your family.

Please note that in 2022, if your fees are over £1,500, 50% of your fees must be paid to complete your enrolment onto the course. Read more about self-funding your postgraduate course to see if it is an option for you.

Balancing your loan with work

Lots of students decide that working a job alongside their course is the best way of managing their payments.

Students can become paid BCU Student Ambassadors, working within the university to help balance their finances. Student Ambassadors are an integral part of university events such as Open Days, Taster Days and wider showcase events.

What should you do next?

Come to a Postgraduate Open Event

Our campuses have a real buzz about them, at our Open Events, you’ll have the chance to experience it for yourself. See where you could be attending lectures, getting on with independent study and meeting fellow postgrads for a coffee.

Register for the next Open Event

Download our postgraduate guide

Our Postgraduate Guide provides details of all our postgraduate taught and research courses. It also provides information about the research environment at Birmingham City University

Download the guide

Apply for a course

So, you’re interested in applying for postgraduate study? Here’s a step-by-step guide covering all you need to know to apply. Unlike undergraduate degrees where you will apply via UCAS, you can apply straight to the University for a postgraduate degree.

Find out how to apply

Get advice on your personal statement

Not sure what's required of you in a postgraduate personal statement? Don't worry, our guide has top tips, examples from real students and all the guidance you'll need.

Download the guide