discrimination?

4 replies

Spod · 13/04/2004 23:02

need some advice.... I've been awarded a studentship (from a government body) to study for my phd, which pays me a (small) maintenence grant and my fees for three years. when i applied i didnt know i was pregnant, but when they awarded me i told them, they were fine, and i am currently on a one year maternity deferral. thing is, i asked if i could then study part time, as i would have my dd to look after... but they wont pay me a maintenence grant, only fees, if i am part time. isnt this discrimination? at the end of the day, i was awarded because i wrote a research proposal they deemed good enough to fund.... any ideas how i should fight my corner?

OP posts:

twiglett · 13/04/2004 23:11

message withdrawn

Chandra · 14/04/2004 00:39

From what you write it seems that you are talking about an AHRB grant, are you? If you are I believe is not discriminatory because, pregnant or not, when you apply for part-time you don't receive a mainteinance grant although I believe there's a little amount alocated for books-.

If I were you I would say that I will work full time and do as much as I could and after 3 years ask for an extension and find alternative funding, then the baby will be old enough to get part of the nursery fees covered and you would have a chance to do the writing up. Good luck! (and take the money ))))

tamum · 14/04/2004 11:16

Unfortunately studentships don't seem to be covered by many of the regulations that would apply to "normal" jobs. However, I do know of at least one PhD student (not one of mine, but in a neighbouring lab) who has been allowed to work part-time and is getting a reduced stipend accordingly. She is an MRC student. I would have thought that as long as the total cost is the same it wouldn't matter to them whether they were paying it out over 6 years or 3, or whatever, but I guess it will vary from one government body to the next. I would certainly try to fight it one way or another, even though I'm not very hopeful.

marialuisa · 14/04/2004 11:37

Hi Spod,
This stuff is my bread and butter. Sorry to say that by granting you a deferral they've already gone above and beyond what's necessary. They can withdraw the studentship entirely rather than allow you to go part time if they want to. The studentship was given not just because of the research proposal you wrote, but also because they have certain expectations.

Have you looked at alternative sources of funding? You don't say what field you work in so I can't make any suggestions at the moment.

Flip