Managing your money as a postgraduate student

Studying a postgraduate course is a big commitment, requiring both time and money, but offers fantastic opportunities to study what you love at a higher academic level. And gaining a postgraduate degree can open doors to lots of career options, too.

We know that finances are a big consideration for many students, so we’ve put together some information and tips on how you can manage your money.

Research your tuition fees

Postgraduate courses can vary in cost depending on where you study and what course you study. At Edge Hill University, full-time postgraduate taught courses usually cost £9,550 per year (with a few exceptions, such as MBAs), full-time MRes courses cost £6,150 per year, and full-time PhD courses cost £6,550 per year (prices for academic year 2026/27). Be sure to look at the specific course you’re interested in to confirm the tuition fee amount.

Find out what help you can get

In England, the government offer Master’s loans of up to £13,206, and you can apply for one of these if you’re studying a taught Master’s course or an MRes. If your course lasts for more than one year, your loan will be divided equally across each year of the course, so it’s important to bear that in mind. If you’re looking to study a PhD, you can apply for a government doctoral loan of up to £31,122. Take a look at the eligibility criteria for government loans for full information and details.

If you’re studying a postgraduate research course, you could apply for a research council grant for further funding, too.

PGCE’s work a little differently, and for these courses you can apply to Student Finance England in the same way as an undergraduate degree. Subject to eligibility, you can apply for a loan for your tuition fees, and a separate maintenance loan which is means tested based on household income.

Set yourself a budget

Although there is help available through government loans, it’s unlikely that this will cover everything you need. So, it’s important to set yourself a budget and work out how much you’ll need on a weekly basis. Things to consider in your budget include living costs (if you plan to live away from home), travel costs, food and toiletries, course materials, and monthly outgoings like your phone bill, Spotify or Netflix. Many students work part-time alongside their studies, as even full-time courses are often only timetabled for 2-3 days per week. This can be a great way to build experience and earn extra cash alongside your course.

I decided to work through the summer to save money to help support me whilst studying and I worked on Saturdays in the shop on campus to earn some extra money too. If you struggle with budgeting, the University have a great Money Advice Team who can help you.

Laura, PGCE Primary Education with QTS

Keeping your costs down

Being thrifty isn’t just good for the environment, it’s also great for your wallet. Shopping second-hand on Vinted is an easy way to save money, and you can list things you no longer need to make some cash back too.

Ask about student discounts wherever you go. Here in Ormskirk, most bars, restaurants and cafes offer student discounts, and signing up Student Beans or TOTUM will get you discounts at retailers across the country. And if you’re planning to use public transport, you’ll be able to apply for a student bus or railcard.

When it comes to the food shop, planning out your meals in advance and creating a list, or even pitching in with your roommates and taking turns to cook, can keep costs down a lot. Shopping late at night is usually the best time to get discounted groceries, and Aldi in Ormskirk is great for this.

When it comes to socialising and down-time, most Universities put on plenty of free-to-attend events. At Edge Hill, our Students’ Union and our Student Life Team organise events specifically for postgraduate students, as well as free breakfasts for students who commute onto campus, all of which are free or heavily discounted.

As a postgraduate student, I lived close to campus, so I chose to stay at home and commute by car, allowing me to save on rent and bills. I took advantage of student discounts when buying new clothes and avoided unnecessary expenses like pricey coffees. I also purchased an annual student membership for the Sports Centre and made use of the facilities before or after class, which was much cheaper than other gyms.

Anais, MA Marketing Communications & Branding

Ask our students

You can chat to our current postgraduate students and ask about their experience by using our online chat feature. We’re confident that they will have some great advice and top tips on managing money, as well as what it’s like to study at postgraduate level.

To find out more about fees and funding for postgraduate courses at Edge Hill, visit our 2026/27 Fees and Funding pages.

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Danny, who is also a PhD researcher and the Director of Strategy and Research at the Conservative Mental Health Group spoke to Edge Ahead hosts, popular regional podcaster Gareth Roberts and former Premier League goalkeeper and Edge Hill Honorary Doctor Chris Kirkland, to discuss his journey from a life-threatening struggle with body image to becoming a leading voice in national mental health policy.

IIn the latest instalment of the podcast’s current series, ‘What’s in Your Head?’ Danny Bowman shares a candid account of his battle with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), a condition that, at its height, saw him taking up to 200 selfies a day and becoming entirely housebound.

He describes how his focus shifted drastically at age 14 after moving to a new school. What began as a desire to “fit in” escalated into a debilitating obsession with his appearance.

“It started slowly, spending an extra hour in the morning before school looking in the mirror,” Danny explains. “Then it deteriorated very quickly to the point where I was leaving lessons to check my appearance… I was so worried that if I left the house, people would literally be scared of me.”

This struggle eventually led to a crisis point and a suicide attempt. Danny credits his recovery to the non-judgmental support of his family and a determination to ensure other young people don’t reach that same “moment of hopelessness”.

Now a prominent mental health campaigner, Danny uses the podcast to call for stricter regulation of social media. He critiques the “strive for perfection” fuelled by filters and harmful algorithms.

“We need to regulate social media companies,” Danny comments, noting that while the government has taken steps with the Online Safety Act, a significant safety gap remains for children seeing “perfect lives and perfect bodies” that do not reflect reality.

The conversation also highlights the vital research being conducted at Edge Hill University, including the £2.5 million Arts4Us project. This initiative uses creative interventions, such as drama, music and painting to support the mental health of children aged 9 to 13, reframing mental health as something that can be addressed through positive, communal activity.

Danny’s own PhD research at the University of Liverpool explores how politicians understand and communicate mental health policy. He emphasises that mental health is a “wicked problem” that impacts every area of government, from housing and education to the economy.

Ending on a note of resilience, Danny and co-host Chris Kirkland discuss the myth that men are unwilling to speak about their struggles. Danny argues that men are often waiting for a “safe avenue” to open. His advice to anyone currently struggling? “Recognise that social media is not reality and that validation tends to come from within… have that open conversation”.

Episodes of Edge Ahead, featuring expert guests and inspirational stories, are available to stream on Spotify and YouTube now. Whether you’re on campus or tuning in from afar, Edge Hill invites everyone to join the conversation. 

Edge Hill University offers a dedicated student support service, providing mental health and wellbeing advice, as well as other help and support.

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She discusses her Bafta-nominated BBC documentary Life After Suicide, a project she felt compelled to make after years of encouraging others to speak out, and with honesty and hope, she explores how far the conversation about mental health has come and the progress still needed to save more lives. 

Speaking on the Edge Ahead podcast, she shared the immediate impact of Mark’s death: “We’d gone from being a normal family unit with its normal ups and downs, with potty training and things like that, to becoming a single parent family. 

“And the change happened in 15 minutes; I literally spoke to him at 6pm and by 6.15pm he wasn’t alive anymore. 

“I didn’t know he was experiencing suicidal thoughts but knowing what we know now about men’s mental health there were huge red flags there. 

“I wish the last conversation we had was me asking him how he was feeling and if he was experiencing suicidal thoughts. Looking back, that was the conversation I would have with him now.” 

Angela describes her grief as “like having this big massive stone in the pit of my stomach” and the huge challenge of trying to support her two sons, then aged three and 13. 

“It was really difficult to navigate that conversation. Someone had my kids in front of a counsellor within 24 hours. What they needed was just to stay close to us and feel that in the chaos it was OK. I don’t think I always got it right but I always tried my best.” 

Angela has been passionate about creating change that she also co-authored the award-winning Zero Suicide Alliance training, now accessed by over three million people worldwide. 

And she has been comforted by how far understanding about men’s mental health and suicide has come in the years since Mark died. 

“I’ve just tried to educate myself and put things in place which might help other people. I’ve been honest about what I’ve experienced, what the boys have experienced, what that feels like. 

“There’s absolutely been huge change in the last 20 years; then I thought I was the only person this had happened to. Actually I was surrounded by people who had been impacted, affected, bereaved by suicide but no-one was talking about it. 

“It was only when I started to be quite honest, because I didn’t know what else to do with it, that people would say that happened to me, my relative, my friend.” 

Co-hosts of this first series of podcasts entitled ‘What’s in Your Head?’ are Chris Kirkland, Premier League goalkeeper and Edge Hill Honorary Doctor, who has been very open about his own struggles with mental health, and popular regional podcaster Gareth Roberts. 

The pair shared their own perceptions that conversations around mental health are becoming easier to have, that people are “checking in on each other more”, helping those who are struggling to “be brave” and speak out, to ask for help. 

Angela described the help she found in a support group: “I just felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders because all of a sudden I wasn’t alone.” 

And her drive to continue speaking out, for herself and others: “I never underestimate the power and the privilege I feel every time I have these conversations. It’s about putting out into the world what we need for our kids.” 

Hear more about Angela’s experiences by streaming the full episode. Explore other episodes of ‘What’s in Your Head?’, featuring guests with expertise or lived experience of mental health, on Spotify and YouTube now.  

The podcast series discusses topics including addiction, depression and suicide and sometimes contains strong language. Viewer discretion is advised. 

Edge Hill University’s Student Services provides dedicated support with mental health and wellbeing and staff can access help through the employee assistance programme.

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Former Premier League goalkeeper and Edge Hill Honorary Doctor Chris Kirkland and popular regional podcaster Gareth Roberts sat for a candid conversation with James to explore the vital, often-hidden topic of men’s mental health, the pressures of fame and how James found strength through vulnerability.

As the host of his own podcast, Male Mind Matters, James emphasises that communication is not just a therapeutic tool for the individual, it’s an act of collective encouragement.

“Not only are you lightening your own load, but you’re also giving the person you’re talking to permission to do the same thing and to pass that forward. I want to create a society where men feel like they have permission to do that.”

James opens up about the immense pressure he faced early in his career. While training at drama school, he suffered from a debilitating series of panic attacks that lasted six months. At the time, with no public conversation or reference points for mental health, he genuinely thought he was “going mad”.

The anxiety was so intense it led to him missing classes, prompting lecturers to question whether he could even complete the course. His struggle demonstrates how mental health issues can surface without a specific trigger.

“It just happens, that’s what we have to understand as well, that mental health crisis isn’t always rooted in something. It just happens.”

The actor also discusses the toxic culture of celebrity that contributed to his later breakdown, including heavy drinking and a lack of self-care practices that ultimately led to his divorce. He stresses that fame should be the “perfume of talent.” not the goal itself and advises young creatives to focus on their craft and professional training to stay grounded.

“I think from the outside looking in, things were probably quite good. I got this TV career and I was being invited to various things, it’s quite glitzy and glamorous, that world is quite intoxicating.

“But that world only works well if you have healthy practices alongside it. You can’t have it both ways. You can’t party hard and expect to be in the best physical shape.”

James discusses the emotional weight of portraying complex, heavy storylines on Hollyoaks as John Paul, including sexual assault and struggles with sexuality. He talks about the immense responsibility he felt toward the LGBTQ+ community and survivors of sexual violence, highlighting the invaluable support he received from organisations like We Are Survivors to ensure the truth and accuracy of the performance.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the realities of the TV industry, the stigma surrounding male emotions and the simple, powerful steps we can all take to prioritise our minds.

Episodes of Edge Ahead, featuring expert guests and inspirational stories, are available to stream on Spotify and YouTube now. Whether you’re on campus or tuning in from afar, Edge Hill invites everyone to join the conversation.  

Edge Hill University offers a dedicated student support service, providing mental health and wellbeing advice, as well as other help and support. 

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Speaking during recording, Bellew said: “Mental health is so overlooked these days. 

“For students, it’s especially tough, so many changes, living away from home, away from their parents. It’s hard, so we’ve got to talk to each other and be there for one another. 

“Everyone is going through something, fighting their own battles or demons. The key is to try your best to enjoy the good moments.” 

The University introduced Edge Ahead in September, a welcoming new podcast created to inspire, inform and connect students, staff and the wider community, to provide a space for honest and supportive conversations. 

The first series, ‘What’s in Your Head’, focuses on mental health, featuring meaningful discussions with respected guests from the University, elite sport, the media and beyond. 

Co-hosted by former Liverpool goalkeeper, Edge Hill honorary doctor and mental health advocate Chris Kirkland, and popular regional podcaster Gareth Roberts, each episode offers valuable insight, guidance and support. 

Professor Andy Smith, an expert researcher on the links between sport, education and mental health, said: “The latest episode of Edge Ahead with Tony Bellew is an excellent listen on the importance of our mental health, what we can all learn from times when this is challenged, and the strategies we can adopt to help positively impact our mental health. 

“The series ‘What’s in Your Head’ highlights many of the issues which are the subject of the University’s internationally-recognised research in mental health, and how this has benefited the lives of our communities and shaped policy and practice in the area. 

“We are extremely grateful to Tony and his wife Rachael for sharing their experiences, and for supporting the University’s longstanding commitment to promoting the mental health of its students, staff and partners.” 

The ‘What’s in Your Head’ series will continue to shine a light on mental health, while future series of Edge Ahead will branch out into other topics close to the Edge Hill community – from higher education and student life to current affairs and beyond. 

Listeners can look forward to at least one new episode each month, always bringing guests with uplifting stories and expert advice. Episodes are available to stream on Spotify and YouTube. Whether on campus or tuning in from afar, Edge Hill welcomes everyone to join these important conversations. 

Edge Hill University is proud to support World Mental Health Day 2025 and offers a dedicated student support service, providing mental health and wellbeing advice, as well as other help and support.

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In 2015, Abigaile struggled with her own mental health, experiencing anxiety and panic attacks that led her to self-harm. Her journey reached a critical point when she attempted to take her own life and was admitted to hospital, an experience that would ultimately ignite her passion for making a difference.

After being discharged from hospital, she was connected to a Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) group in the community, which helped improve her wellbeing.

“With meds and therapy, I improved and figured out the techniques that worked for me, in managing my mental health and recognising any deterioration early on.

“I became pregnant at 19 and following my son’s birth, suffered with postnatal depression. Covid hit when he was 6 months old, so I became very isolated.”

It was during the pandemic that Abigaile realised she wanted to pursue a career in mental health. She returned to her studies, completing an intensive, one-year access course in allied health professions to gain the qualifications needed for university.

Abigaile says she was inspired to pursue this career to advocate for those who may struggle to speak up for themselves.

“I aim to bridge the gaps that I have identified through my own personal experience that I have reflected on as I move further into my recovery.”

Abigaile is sharing her story on World Suicide Prevention Day to send a powerful message: “While it’s really scary to be open about your mental health, there are so many people who are experiencing the exact same thing as you, so please reach out to someone today.”

Her university journey wasn’t without its ups and downs. “I began my integrated masters in mental health nursing and social work when I was 22 years old,” she said. “Beginning the course was a bit of a shock to the system, as I had to figure out how to manage work, university and a young child.”

Abigaile’s final year presented a new set of challenges, she lost her grandfather and had to take on some caring responsibilities for her nan, causing her to consider leaving the course. However, she reached out to Edge Hill’s wellbeing services and her tutors, who provided the support she needed to overcome that last hurdle.

“I was struggling with the balance and demand of placements, exams and essays so I sought support from the University about this. I was directed to wellbeing, where they were able to support me and lecturers were able to support me academically. Some of the support I received is why I’m where I am today.”

Abigaile is set to receive her nursing pin later this year, 10 years on from her last hospital admission.

“While I still have bad periods. I have come a long way to get to this point and I have continued to thrive despite all odds.”  

Abigaile is preparing to start her first role as a qualified registered social worker in a community mental health team. She also plans to explore nursing opportunities and in the future she hopes to complete a PhD and her Approved Medical Practitioner (AMP) training.

Find out more about the School of Allied Health, Social Work and Wellbeing and other opportunities to study at Edge Hill, or come along to an upcoming open day.

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Laptop Loans

Printing and Binding

Specialist Workstations

Further help and support

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Microsoft Office

How to access your Office 365 package

To access all of your Office 365 apps, including your emails, click on the link below and sign in using your username (for example: 29876541@edgehill.ac.uk) and your University password.

Once signed in, use the App Launcher (the 9‑dot icon in the top‑left corner) to find all your other apps such as Word, PowerPoint, OneDrive, and Teams.

Your username is made up of your Student ID, followed by ‘@edgehill.ac.uk’. You can find your Student ID on your library card.

Microsoft Office 365

Office 365 is a cloud hosted service provided by Microsoft. It allows University staff and students the ability to create, edit, manage and even collaborate on the popular Microsoft Office products through a browser based interface.

Download here

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is part of the Microsoft 365 suite. Enhance collaboration and communication through video conferencing, file sharing, notes, and assignments all integrated into Microsoft Teams.

OneDrive

Microsoft OneDrive is a secure, cloud-based storage service allowing students to store, sync, and access files (documents, photos) from any device with an internet connection. Included with Microsoft 365, it typically provides 1 TB of storage for school, enabling real-time collaboration on assignments and automatic file backup to prevent data loss

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Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 Monday 12 – Sunday 18 May

Your mental health is important to us every day of the year. And this Mental Health Awareness Week, we wanted to share our tips and services in place to support you.

The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is community. Feeling connected, supported, and part of something bigger can make a huge difference to our mental health and wellbeing. Whether it’s a group of friends, neighbours, an online group, or a shared interest, being part of a community reminds us that we’re not alone.

What is a community?

A community is a group of people who share something in common. That could be where you live, what you believe in, what you enjoy doing, or a challenge you’re facing. Communities can be big or small. In-person or online. And at its heart, a community is about connection, belonging, and support, where people look out for one another.

Why is being part of a community good for your mental health and wellbeing?

Being surrounded by people who care about you, helps to improve your mental health. It can reduce feeling of loneliness and isolation, and provide emotional support during tough times.

Having the opportunity to be there for others, is also great for your mental health. Allowing you to feel a sense of purpose, while listening, sharing and growing.

As community connections are often be formed around hobbies or interests, they can also support you in building confidence and learning/developing skills.

Finding your community

If you feel like you haven’t found your community yet, don’t worry. University is a time to grow and develop. And it’s the perfect place to find your people. We’ve put together our top tips to help you start:

Follow your interests

If you already have a hobby you enjoy, delve into you. Joining a class or signing up to an event, means that you will get a chance to spend time with people who already have shared interests. There’s plenty of chances to do this, free of charge and right here on campus:

Start small

Finding your community doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. You could start by saying hello to your neighbours. Or stopping to chat to people you see regularly. This could be near your home, in your favourite coffee shop or in class.

Reach out

Sometimes your community is already around you. Friends, family, classmates, coworkers. You never know, they could be feeling the same as you and appreciate the extra care when you reach out.

No one should feel like they have to go through life alone. Community reminds us that we’re stronger together. And that showing up, even just a little, can be the start of something big. Mental Health Awareness Week can be the motivation to make us reconnect, reach out, and build a more compassionate world. One community at a time.

Support on campus

Edge Hill’s support teams are available for you throughout your studies.

Ormskirk Campus

St James’ Campus

Remember, Edge Well 24/7 is free and available 24/7. Whether you need help with mental health, wellbeing, finances, relationships, housing, or any other practical concerns, you can reach out for immediate support from qualified professionals through phone, live chat, email, or video call. You’ll also have access to structured therapy sessions via phone or video, all completely free of charge.

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