Thanks Guys,
Your replies are much appreciated :-) (...and yes, XJR it does make sense!)

Evidently they felt the previous application system wasn't complex enough.... I've managed to rumble a vague reply from the AHRC and I remain none the wiser! .... so I think I shall follow your advice PM and make my initial applications to the universities - at least then I'm in a position to apply for funding - whatever the restrictions or processes!

Thanks!

I've been out of academia for a few years and I'm in the process of applying for my PhD, however with the new Block Grant Funding Scheme, I'm lost! Does anyone know.... Can you apply for more than one AHRC studentship? For instance is it possible to apply for an AHRC studentship at Leeds and one at Reading? I've been onto the funding boards but they've been curiously unhelpful....