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Research degree programmes
One of the ways in which we support researchers is through a stream of funding that helps universities and colleges meet the costs of supervising research degree programmes. This forms a single stream of funding within our mainstream funding for research.
How we calculate these funds
To work out the initial value of the stream we used other sources of funding that institutions draw upon and evidence of the costs and average length of research degree programmes (RDP). This evidence is set out in an independent study into the costs of training and supervising postgraduate research (PGR) students. Institutional allocations are then calculated by reference to RAE2008 quality profiles and eligible PGR student numbers. PGR students are eligible to be counted for a maximum of three years of full-time study (or the part-time equivalent). RDP supervision funding is only allocated to departments that will receive mainstream QR funding in the same academic year.
We consulted on proposed changes to the allocation method for the RDP supervision fund from 2012. Taking into account the responses we received to the consultation we developed a funding method which links RDP supervision funding to the quality of research by incorporating a quality score for each department based on its quality profile produced by the RAE 2008.
The current arrangements for funding RDPs follow proposals agreed by the HEFCE Board in October 2011.
Our first step in determining allocations is to calculate a quality score for each department, determined as the amount of 3* and 4* activity as a proportion of total activity at 2* quality and above in its quality profile produced by the RAE 2008.
Worked example of the allocation method for RDP supervision funding
The next step is to apply a cap of 30 per cent above the 2012-13 RDP supervision funding rate in each cost band to the initial rate of funding per London-weighted FTE.
Final rates of funding per London-weighted PGR FTE are calculated to ensure that the full budget is allocated. These final rates of funding are then multiplied by London-weighted PGR FTEs to determine RDP supervision fund allocations.
Funds available for institutions in 2013-14
The total value of the RDP supervision fund in 2013-14 is £240 million.
The methodology for allocating RDP supervision funding allows the rate of funding per student to vary depending on the quality score derived from the department's 2008 RAE quality profile. Rates of funding in 2013-14 for full-time students in each of the three research cost bands, are set out in the table below. Allocations for part-time students are made pro-rata. These figures exclude the extra contributions we make in recognition of the costs of provision in London. These are paid at our rate for research funding (an extra 8 per cent for institutions in outer London and 12 per cent for institutions in inner London).
Final institutional allocations are available in the 2013-14 grant letter to institutions.
| Band A | Band B | Band C | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rate of funding per student, per annum | £967 - £7,171 | £786 - £5,826 | £604 - £4,482 |
The average length of postgraduate research programmes was found by JM Consulting to be 3.5 years for full-time students. To avoid undue administrative complications, we profile allocations (for the full programme) over a maximum period of three years for full-time study (or the part-time equivalent).
Sector impact assessment
In developing the allocation method for postgraduate research funding within our broader approach to QR funding, we have formally assessed its impact on the higher education sector in terms of regulatory burden, equality and diversity, and sustainable development.
Sector impact assessment of QR research funding and RDP supervision funding
Improving and monitoring standards
We expect all institutions in receipt of HEFCE funding for postgraduate research degree programmes to provide these programmes in line the QAA code of practice.
HEFCE RDP supervision funding is conditional upon institutions complying with:
1. Up to and including May 2013, Section 1 of the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) code of practice on postgraduate research programmes (http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Documents/postgrad2004.pdf).
2. From June 2013, Chapter B11 of the QAA UK Quality Code for Higher Education on postgraduate research programmes, which replaces the above Section 1 from that date (http://www.qaa.ac.uk/AssuringStandardsAndQuality/quality-code/Pages/Quality-Code-Part-B.aspx).
In parallel, we are monitoring through HESA returns the time that students take to obtain their qualifications. More information on monitoring qualification rates is available.
Page last updated 20 March 2013
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