Is the ERSC open scholarship. I already have a 2:1 from Durham and am starting my masters. How likely am I to get funding.

It is very difficult to say as it is based on your individual application. My guess would be that you would have a fair chance with a 2.i and a masters but it would by no means be guaranteed. I was funded by ESRC, I applied with a first class degree and a masters from highly ranked universities. I think a well written, well researched application is crucial, rather than just the grades you have.

I'd agree with writingup. It depends on how good your proposal is, and whether your proposed project fits with ESRC research priorities. A 2.1 and a masters are prerequisites for applying for +3 funding, so you would have the same chance as anybody else.

could i have some comments on my chances with the open competition.
2.1. business & human resource management
merit in MSc. human resource management & industrial relations
currently doing postgraduate diplom but want to exit at cerificate level in social research & statistics.
graduate member of chartered institute of personnel and development.
i am considering giving some research assistance to a prof in the research group (very related to my area)
oh yeah and 6 years of reatil management work experience

any comments please :)
jo.x.

Hi!

I got funding for the ESRC, and I have a 2.2 degree. I have got 2 MScs degrees from UCL though and 3 years of research psychology experience. I did have to fight to get funding! but I managed to get +3 funding through a PhD studentship that was advertised.

Depends on the proposal although it helps if you got a first

They've just cut the number of places allocated to Unis so it looks like it will be getting even more competitive