Overview of the Graduate Teaching Assistant scheme for applicants (PDF, 650.5KB)

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GRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANT PHD SCHOLARSHIPS KEY INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS The Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) scheme aims to develop highly skilled postgraduate researchers who are well prepared to enter a career in academia or research. The scheme provides a PhD scholarship that incorporates additional training and professional development in teaching and related activity, with the intention of providing opportunities for PhD students to develop a rounded academic portfolio. Occasionally, the University may operate similar schemes which include development in a different area of academic practice, such as research projects or consultancy. The principles of the GTA scheme would also apply to such schemes. Scheme overview The purpose of the GTA scholarship is to support PhD research while also providing structured opportunities for development and experience in learning, teaching and assessment. Scholarship holders will be registered for a PhD, alongside which they will carry out up to 180 hours of teaching or teaching-related activity per academic year. This activity forms part of the scholarship award and there is no additional payment for it. Scholarship holders are not University employees, and statutory employment rights do not apply. Students will be enrolled in the standard way for PhD students and subject to the Student Terms and Conditions and PhD Regulations. The Conditions of Award for University Postgraduate Research Scholarships will also apply. GTA activities should not compromise a student's ability to complete their PhD within the timescales set out in the University's PhD Regulations, and students will be expected to meet the standard milestones and timescales in the Regulations. Typical structure of a GTA scholarship Please note that funding arrangements may differ from the below and applicants should always consult the scholarship advert for the correct funding information. Typically, full-time students will receive a PhD scholarship funded for 3.5 years. The first and final 3 months of these 3.5 years will be protected from teaching activities to allow the student to concentrate on their doctoral project. Part-time students will receive 6 years’ funding (at 50% of full- time rate) with the first and final 6 months protected from teaching activities.

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Sheffield Hallam University - GTA PhD scholarships - key information for applicants

The teaching-related activities undertaken through the GTA scholarship will not exceed 180 hours across the academic year (90 hours for part-time students), and normally not more than 6 hours in any one week. This limit includes all preparation, delivery and marking time, any related meetings that the student may be required to attend, and any mandatory training relating to the teaching- related activities. Any optional meetings, skills enhancement, personal development or CPD opportunities will not fall within the 180 hours. GTA scholarship holders will receive support and development in teaching skills, including a teaching skills course during their initial months.

Structure of a typical full-time GTA scholarship

Structure of a typical part-time GTA scholarship

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Sheffield Hallam University - GTA PhD scholarships - key information for applicants

Document updated August 2026

Funding

Please note that funding arrangements may differ from the below and applicants should always consult the scholarship advert for the correct funding information. As a general guide, GTA scholarships are funded for the first 3.5 years of full-time study (6 years part-time). Scholarships provide a stipend at the standard Sheffield Hallam PhD stipend rate. The stipend is a form of financial support intended to cover basis living costs to enable the student to undertake their studies. Scholarships will also cover tuition fees, normally at the Home student level only, for the funded period. Where the scholarship provides tuition fees at the Home student level, students who are liable to pay tuition fees at the International level will be expected to provide the difference between the Home and International fees from another funding source. Students will be responsible for any further tuition fees owed after the period of scholarship funding, and fees will be set in line with the University's Fees Regulations. Nature of activities GTAs will receive guidance and mentoring on teaching-related activities. The exact nature and extent of teaching and related activity will be agreed in advance between the student, their Director of Studies and the teaching lead. In general, activities will be at an Associate Fellowship AdvanceHE level of responsibility, and should support a student to: • develop their teaching skills and build a personal teaching portfolio • improve their skills in communicating to different audiences • strengthen/ broaden their own knowledge and understanding of their discipline

Useful information PhD and MPhil Regulations - covers all conditions and requirements of PhD and MPhil degrees at the University including admissions, conditions of registration, milestones and requirements of the award Conditions of Award for University PhD Scholarships - outlines the funding conditions for PhD scholarships (including GTA scholarships) awarded by the University

University Terms and Conditions University Rules and Regulations

Research areas