Postgraduate fees and funding

About the project

There are multiple ways to fund a postgraduate degree, including government loans, scholarships and external funding.

Postgraduate Funding guide

If you’re considering a Master’s or postgraduate research degree, you'll have access to a range of financial support. Our free funding guide walks you through these options and helps you secure the funding you need to achieve your academic goals.

Postgraduate Master's loans

Government-backed loans of up to £13,206 are available to UK, Irish and eligible EU nationals studying postgraduate Master’s courses in any subject area.

Postgraduate Doctoral Loans

Government-backed loans are also available to those studying postgraduate doctoral courses, such as PhDs. Eligible students can borrow up to £31,122.

Graduate Scholarship

You could be eligible for a 20% fee reduction if you're a BCU graduate enrolling onto an eligible Master's or PhD qualification for the first time in 2026/27 or 2027/28!

PhD Studentships

PhD studentships are funding opportunities supported by the University and/or organisations, where your research will be actively used in overcoming real-world problems. A PhD studentship will provide at least the full standard UK/EU fees and will usually include a maintenance stipend as well.

Aziz Foundation Scholarships

We have partnered with the Aziz Foundation to offer three fully-funded scholarships for British Muslims to study a Master’s in Data Journalism, Media Production or Public Relations in September 2025. The scholarships are aimed at those who want to progress in their career and bring positive change to their local communities and beyond.

Bowater Financial Assistance Award

Gertrude Aston Bowater was a student at the School of Art in the 1940s, and over her long life she had a passion for art. As a result of this, she requested in her will that her family create a bequest from her estate that would provide financial support for up to three full time MA students, which would contribute to the cost of fees.

More funding options

• Other external funding Each year, there are a range of additional scholarships, loans and bursaries offered by external organisations that are available to those pursuing postgraduate study. More additional funding
• Employer funding If you’re studying a part-time Master’s to climb the career ladder, your employer may contribute to your tuition fees if you study while working for them. Our guide can help you work out how your employer can help, if they're likely to help and how you can ask them. How to ask for employer funding
• Self-funding If you’re self-funding, we offer payment plans for those whose fees are £1,500 or more. 50% of your fees are paid at enrolment, with the remainder paid in instalments. Self-funding guide

How to work alongside your postgraduate degree

Many students work alongside their postgraduate degree, usually to earn money and gain industry experience. We’ve put together your options for working and studying at the same time.

Finding part-time work in Birmingham

BCU's student employment scheme helps students to find paid part-time work with the University. Plus, we're at the heart of the UK's second-largest city, making Birmingham the perfect place to find part-time work.

BCU Boost

BCU Boost is a unique financial support package designed to simplify your student life at BCU. It includes helpful tips for managing your finances, access to professional financial support, and discounts on food and drink across our campuses.

Postgraduate Open Day 21 November

Student finance FAQs

Find some frequently asked finance questions and other information about applying to BCU. Plus, our contact details if you can't find the answer you're looking for.

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