Durham Doctoral Scheme to end for most new PG students

Emily Doughty News Editor

Palatinate can reveal that the Durham Doctoral Scheme (DDS), a funding scheme available for Doctoral students funded by Durham University, will only be available for prospective doctoral students in the science faculty going forward, with funding for other faculties being cut.

However, it has been confirmed that funding will continue for existing DDS students.

In emails and presentations seen by Palatinate, it was said that the funding was to be discontinued for prospective students in non-science faculties, with one of the emails to postgraduate representatives saying that the University “understood that this will come as a disappointment to many”.

Durham University has since confirmed to Palatinate that “no new DDS Studentships will be offered in 2023-24 except in the Science Faculty”.

However, in a presentation seen by Palatinate the chemistry department had advised prospective PGR students that the funding will not be continued.

In the email to postgraduate representatives it was said the decision was made due to financial limitations, with representatives being told that the decision was a ributed to “significant financial pressure due to a range of factors at international and local levels”. They said this decision was made to “reduce costs’’.

In a comment to Palatinate the University confirmed the decision was made for financial reasons saying “this decision was taken for financial reasons, but only after careful reflection given the importance of PGR studentships to our academic community”.

When Palatinate asked what other funding will be available a spokesperson said “There are still a range of studentship options for people applying to Durham, including Doctoral training partnerships and centres for Doctoral Training”.

None of these options are funded solely by Durham University.

This decision comes after an investigation by Palatinate revealed the financial hardships caused by lack of funding for students.

Coarse, a newly opened ‘tasting menu’ restaurant based on North Road, has been featured as a “favourite new restaurant” in the British edition of the Michelin Guide, a prestigious guide to high-quality restaurants.

It has been included in the guide just four months after opening its doors for the first time, with ITV News speculating that it “has surely become one of the fastest to earn a place on the Michelin Guide”.

In the guide, Michelin gave Coarse a glowing review, writing: “Hidden away in a small courtyard in the centre of Durham, this warm, cheerily

“The simple, rustic décor belies the quality of the cooking found within; the set menu of modern British small plates changes seasonally and the kitchen’s skill is clearly evident in the quality of the sauces.”

Its opening has been a great success, often fully booked on weekends and has received a host of positive reviews, culminating in a highly soughtafter recommendation in the Michelin Guide.

On their website, Coarse says that they aim to “make tasting menus more affordable, accessible and fun”, and only offer “a 6-course tasting menu that uses local, seasonal ingredients”.