PhD funding

[Pinkmoon33]

So my DH started a self funded PhD in his early 20s in philosophy. He couldn't continue due to lack of funds and went into his current career. It's been ten years and he longs to go and do his PhD once more. It's really been getting him down over the years that he hasn't been able to carry it on. Can anyone offer any advice on how realistic it would be for him to get funding to do his PHD? I know we are in very different times now and a philosophy PhD may seem somewhat frivolous so I'm not sure whether the funding would be out there ? Is he chasing a pipe dream? P.s we have a mortgage and a 4 month old to consider.

Funding very unlikely for Philosophy I'm afraid. Sorry. Fees are low though, could he do it part time?

This is the link for AHRC. I don't know of any other potential funders for Philosophy.
https://ahrc.ukri.org/skills/phdstudents/

I am currently dealing with AHRC scholarship applications. The scholarships are administered via regional consortia. We will only put forward to the consortium candidates with solid first class BAs and distinctions at MAs with a project that is orignal and demonstrates rigorous methodology and which the candidate must evidence the skills and preparation to undertake. Relevant professional experience is also valued. The competition is tougher than ever this year as, post-Brexit, many of the consortia have opened up to international applicants, rather than just UK and EU.

Ditto to what @GCAcademic writes.

He'll need to have an excellent project - original and well-thought through.

He could, however, apply to several DTPs (Doctoral Training Partnerships), to see what is being offered. But look at the levels of stipend.

He could consider a Doctoral Loan

www.gov.uk/doctoral-loan

I did my PhD back in the 90s as a mature student and even then the funding position was very very tough. I had a 1st in sociology (difficult subject to get funding for) and was not immediately successful to get funding to begin a masters. I began one part time and self funded. I was also working PT teaching computer skills and that gave me the data for my MA proposal. Eventually I got a studentship from the university which carried through to my PhD. Eventually I got government funding but not til the second year of my PhD. I also did tutoring at the university which was quite well paid. I dont know how easy it is to pick up such work at other universities. I was at Manchester. I was in the early days of the internet and looking at how people learned internet based search skills so it was very topical. I also had excellent data I had gathered through my part time teaching.

As other posters have pointed out you will need to demonstrate that your topic will make a genuine and significant contribution to the literature. Previous qualifications and experience in the chosen field of study will also help as well as the ability to demonstrate a sound command of methodology and literature.

He should search for a newly opened cdt in a relevant subject as they have quotas to fill and it comes with funding

Thanks again to everyone who has taken the time to respond. I read my husband all the responses and it's all been really helpful.