Working alongside your PhD
Part-time work is an increasingly essential part of student life, helping you to supplement your income and gain valuable work experience.
Legally you are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week, though we recommend that you work no more than 15. You should discuss the option of part-time work with your supervisor to ensure that your studies are always first priority. Also, some funding bodies and research councils place stipulations on working while you study, so you'll need to check with your sponsor.
Help finding work: internal and external vacancies
Our Careers and Employability Service is here to help you source job vacancies both inside and outside academia. Additionally, the University has many opportunities for work, including:
- Teaching (for up-to 15 hours a week)
- Exam invigilation
- Administrative duties.
Your supervisor can help you find out what opportunities are available.
Become a Residential Adviser
As a postgraduate student you can work as a Residential Adviser. In this role, you'll provide support and guidance to our undergraduate students living in University accommodation. In return, we can offer you accommodation at a reduced rate as well as the opportunity to gain some valuable experience to benefit your future career and make a real difference within our student population.
International students
If you’re an international student, you'll need to prove that you have the money to cover the cost of your programme (tuition fees and living expenses) without needing to work, before being granted a visa to study in the UK.
Our Student Service Team can advise you on working while studying.