RTSG - South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership

Research Training Support Grant (RTSG)

All SCDTP-funded students are eligible to access the Research Training Support Grant (RTSG). This fund is designed to support essential research-related expenses, as agreed by the student, supervisor, or department, in direct alignment with the student’s doctoral research.

Important

The RTSG is not a personal allowance. It is an allocation from the ESRC to the SCDTP for each student’s support, managed in line with UKRI and institutional regulations.

What RTSG Can Be Used For

RTSG funding can be used for a wide variety of costs, including (but not limited to):

UK fieldwork expenses
Attendance at UK, EU, and international conferences, meeting, or seminars
Attending essential external training courses or summer/winter schools
Reimbursement for study participants
Data collection costs (printing, stationery, telephone calls, survey expenses)
Small items of equipment (e.g. cameras, voice recorders) — to be retained by the department after your studentship
Books and reading materials (only if not available through your university library)
Software for research (only if not already provided by your university)

RTSG funds may also be combined with those allocated for overseas fieldwork, where applicable.

In some cases, RTSG may also be used to purchase small items of equipment that can be retained by the department for future use by other students.

Please note: If your approved RTSG budget exceeds £200 is for purchasing equipment or IT-related items, these must be returned to the SCDTP at the end of your studentship.

Not normally funded

Subsistence costs during travel (should be covered by your stipend), except in limited, justified cases (e.g. networking dinners or conference meals, etc).
Equipment/IT items valued over £200, unless they are returned to SCDTP at the end of your award.

Before You Apply

When preparing your application, consider:

Is the expenditure clearly justified in relation to your research project?
Does it align with your Training and Development Needs Analysis?
Is this the most cost-effective and suitable approach?
Could funding come from other sources (e.g. research groups, department, supervisor)?
Am I prioritising essential research costs, and saving remaining funds for major conferences when I am ready to present?

How to Apply

Applications are assessed based on the relevance, value for money, and feasibility of the proposed budget. Retrospective applications (i.e. for costs already incurred) cannot be considered.

Discuss with your supervisor
Applications must include a supporting statement and supervisor signature.
Complete the RTSG Application Form
Available on the SCDTP website (Word format only).
Obtain travel/accommodation quotes or supporting documents and information
Please refer to the Finance Guide and University Procedures
Submit your application
Send the completed form (in Word format) to scdtp@soton.ac.uk .

When completing the estimated expenditure section, please refer to the Finance page for guidance on the standard arrangements and the items that may be included in your budget.

NB – For travel and accommodation quotes, please contact designated travel agent provider of the university to get quotes for budgeting purposes. For insurance purposes please make sure to book your travel and accommodation via the travel agency, or provide evidence why this cannot be done via the travel agency if they are not used. Funding for travel should originate near your RO distance, if otherwise, please explain in your justification.

Approval Process

Up to £500
→ approval by SCDTP Manager
Over £500 or above the notional RTSG access limit
→ reviewed by two members of the Senior Management Team (SMT).
Occasionally, applications above the notional allowance are approved if deemed necessary and equitable.

You will receive written confirmation if approved, including an RTSG approval reference number. Keep this safe as you will need it to access the funds or for reference in your claims.

Approved Budget reminder

Do not incur any expenses until you have written approval.
Book travel/accommodation through your university’s approved provider (or provide evidence if not possible).
Claims must be made through your university’s finance system, attaching the SCDTP approval email.

Managing Your Approved RTSG Budget

The SCDTP keeps a central record of your applications.
You should also track your usage.
If your actual costs are lower than the approved budget –
Please email us so the record can be updated.
Unspent funds cannot be repurposed.
Submit a new application if your research needs change.
If actual costs exceed your approved budget –
Students must be contact SCDTP before proceed to booking or payment for advise.

Need Help?

If you have questions or need support at any stage: 📧 scdtp@soton.ac.uk.

Please download the application form below. The form is provided in Word format and should be returned to SCDTP in the same format. Kindly ensure it is not converted to any other file type during editing or submitting. Refer to Finance page for guidance.

RTSG Application form

Finance Guide

Published Date: 14th September 2025