On 24 March 2021, UKRI announced a new set of measures (UKRI Phase 3) which relaxed the rules of doctoral funding for those affected by the pandemic.
These relaxations provide flexibilities in the funding of UKRI Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs) and Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) to provide ongoing opportunities for funded extensions beyond the end of the Phase 2 scheme.
In response to the UKRI announcement, the University is again offering an equivalent funding extension scheme to PGRs not funded by UKRI. This will run in parallel to the UKRI Phase 3 scheme.
Phase 3 for UKRI funded students
UKRI has provided DTPs and CDTs with additional budget flexibility to support funded extensions for students who need an extension of up to three months. Applications can be submitted at any point within six months of the funding end date.
Extensions will be managed and decided locally by the DTP/CDT that funds the student – not by the University or the Doctoral College. The scheme will open for applications on 1 August 2021 and will run until 2023.
Your CDT or DTP will be in touch in due course with details of their Phase 3 funding extension scheme.
Phase 3 for UoS/other non-UKRI funded students
Students not funded by UKRI can apply for a funding extension of up to three months. The University of Southampton Phase 3 scheme will open on 1 August 2021 and run until 31 July 2023. Applications can be submitted at any point within six months of the funding end date (or the candidature end date for self-funded students).
Transition from Phase 2 to Phase 3
The deadline for the second round of the Phase 2 funding extension scheme is now 16 June 2021. This will also be the final round of Phase 2, allowing us to speed up the transition to an ongoing opportunity to apply for extensions in Phase 3. The existing guidance and prioritisation scheme will remain for this final Phase 2 round.
Students who meet the eligibility criteria for Phase 2 and believe they have a case that meets the stated priorities should apply by 16 June 2021. Students not yet in a position to apply will have future opportunities to do so under Phase 3 of the scheme.
All information relating to funding extensions can be found on our dedicated Sharepoint site.
