SELCS PGR Conference and Development Funding
1.1 Purpose
This policy establishes a single, consistent framework for supporting SELCS postgraduate research (PGR) students to participate in academic conferences and developmental activities. It replaces existing centre-specific arrangements and ensures equitable, transparent, and administratively efficient access to funding.
1.2 Principles
The policy is guided by the following principles:
- Equity: All eligible PGR students have access to funding regardless of centre affiliation
- Transparency: Clear expectationsregardingeligibility, funding limits, and processes
- Consistency: A standardised process across SELCS
- Development: Supporting research, professional skills, and academic engagement
- Accountability: Appropriate oversightof public funds and alignment with University Financial Regulations
2.1 Eligible students
Funding is available to:
- All SELCS-registered PGR students (full-time and part-time)
- PGR students in all years of study
- PGR students studying on campus or remotely
- PGR students with supervision across multiple centres
Students who hold a Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) or equivalent funding must fully utilise this funding before applying under this scheme. PGR students who are also members of SELCS academic staff
2.2 Eligible activities
Funding may be requested to support participation in activities that demonstrably contribute to the student鈥檚 research or professional development, including:
- Academic conferences and events (attendance or presentation)
- Workshops and specialist training (e.g. methods training)
- Developmental events (e.g. summer schools, doctoral training, impact or engagement activities)
2.2.1 Conference Attendance
Priority will normally be given to students presenting a paper, poster, or other formal contribution. Attendance without presenting maybe supported where a clear and justified developmental benefit is demonstrated (for example, early-stage research exposure or discipline-specific networking).
2.3 Eligible costs
Funding may cover:
- Registration fees
- Travel costs
- Accommodation
- Subsistence (in line with University rates)
All expenditure must comply with University Financial Regulations and travel policies.
2.4 Ineligible costs
The following will not normally be funded:
- IT equipment (e.g. laptops, tablets)
- Activities not directly related to research or development
- Retrospective applications (except in exceptional circumstances)
- External training events where a University-provided alternative is available
3.1 Standard Funding Levels
Funding operates as a standard entitlement based on stage of study, calculated from date of initial registration and taking into account any periods of temporary withdrawal:
|
Study Mode |
Stage of Study |
Funding available |
|
Full-time |
Year 1 |
拢150 |
|
Full-time |
Year 2 |
拢250 |
|
Full-time |
Years 3鈥�4 |
拢500 (total across both years) |
|
Part-time |
Years 1鈥�2 |
拢150 |
|
Part-time |
Years 3鈥�4 |
拢250 |
|
Part-time |
Year 5+ |
拢500 (total across remaining years) |
- These amounts represent total funding available at each stage, not per application
- Students may submit multiple applications within their entitlement
- Any unused funding will not usually be rolled over to subsequent years.
3.2 Exceptional Requests
Requests above the stated entitlement may be considered in exceptional circumstances, for example:
- Attendance at a highly prestigious or strategically significant international event
- Activities essential to the completion of the research (e.g. required methodological training unavailable elsewhere)
- Demonstrable additional costs where no alternative funding is available
Such requests must include a strong justification and will be subject to enhanced scrutiny, taking into account any prior funding received under this scheme.
3.3 Conditions of funding
- Funding must be approved in advance of the activity
- Students must follow University procedures for booking and expense claims
- Failure to attend an approved activity without reasonable cause may affect future applications
Students must submit a including:
- Details of the event/activity
- Explanation of relevance to their research or development
- Itemised cost breakdown
- Confirmation of RTSG usage (where applicable)
- Evidence of acceptance (if presenting)
- Supervisor statement confirming academic relevance
Applications will be processed as follows:
- Submission to the SELCS PGR team for administrative check (eligibility, funding history, completeness)
- Approval by relevant Centre PGR Lead
- Outcome communicated to the student
The SELCS PGR team will maintain a central record of applications, approvals, and expenditure.
5.1 Implementation
This policy applies to all applications submitted from 5 October 2026. Applications submitted before this date will be considered under previous centre-specific arrangements
5.2 Monitoring and review
The policy will be introduced as a pilot for the 2026/27 academic year. A mid-year review will assess uptake, expenditure, and operational effectiveness. An annual report will be submitted to the SELCS PGR Committee. The policy will be refined based on evidence and feedback
5.3 Responsibilities
| Students |
Submit accurate applications and comply with financial procedures |
| Supervisors |
Confirm academic relevance and support applications as appropriate |
| Centre PGR Leads |
Make funding decisions |
| SELCS PGR team | Administer the scheme, maintain records, and support reporting |
| SELCS PGR Committee | Review uptake, expenditure and effectiveness; refine policy based on evidence and feedback |