Look at the details of the application process as soon as possible to see what information you need to provide.

Print off the whole application form a year before application deadline and figure out when you will write each section, who will feedback on it and how you will decide when it’s ready for submission.

Write each section individually and send off for feedback/comments as reasonable drafts are completed.  Don’t wait to write the whole form and send off a daunting 150 page document.  Get multiple people to review each section of the application.

Topping up PhD funding is a time-consuming process so try to apply for enough funds to get you through to thesis and viva!

Every funding application is funder-specific; even for the same funder, forms mutate from year to year, so make sure you are using the up-to-date version for your application.  Speak to someone at the funder so you have a regular point of contact if you run into any problems.  They are usually very willing to help.

By now you should have a good overall idea of what you want to do.  Now you need to break it down into a set of logical steps so that a reviewer can see how it will work in practice.  If this is the first time you’ve done it, don’t be afraid to ask for help!

It may be helpful to look at some successful previous applications to give you an idea of how to set things out, and the level of detail needed.  Some funders provide the abstracts of previously successful applications on their website; your own institution should also be able to help.

The application needs to be clear in terms of its purpose, aims and objectives.  You need to be able to say what the impact will be  - who will benefit and how will they benefit, and ideally within what timescale.

Resources attached include a video on "how to write a good Fellowship application", and a suggested way of getting internal peer review through an "AIMs Committee" - if you institution doesn't have one, find out if they could set one up!

 

Resources