Hi Edwardianguy - yes I've done a fair amount of digging and emailing and haven't been able to find any more sources to top up the funding from Oxford :-(

Thanks HazyJane and BilboBaggins - you've both made really useful points! I do realise that the chances of getting an academic job are incredible slim and that paying for three years of extra education might seem like a waste of money (as well as time) if I don't get to work in a university. It's also a good point that it's important to do 'extra' activities that might be easier at Newcastle. All in all looks like I should go to Newcastle then!

Hi Everyone,

Thank you so much for the replies - I'll definitely try to consider all the different aspects of the decision that you mention, particularly Mark_B's suggestions! I was (and still am) leaning towards Newcastle - I think my two prospective supervisors are of much the same "standard", and the prospect of going to Oxford but not being financially self-sufficient doesn't sound like a great idea for the ol' self-esteem...I guess it just feels very odd to be turning down an offer from Oxford. (Though, as some have mentioned, reputation isn't everything). Thanks again!! There's not a lot of advice to be found about stuff like this so it's really nice to have some.

Hi,

I’ve got several offers for PhDs in English starting this autumn. I’m trying to choose between an offer of a full AHRC award from Newcastle (fees plus living expenses), and an offer from Oxford that covers college fees (£2800 per year), but not tuition fees or living expenses. I want an academic job after I complete the PhD, and wondered which of these options would look best on my profile?

Thanks!