SGSSS

Advanced Training Fund (ATF)

Advanced Training Fund

The Advanced Training Fund supports advanced and specialist training events for PhD students across Scotland.

Our 2025 call is now open!

The Advanced Training Fund (ATF), formerly the Discipline-led Training Fund, supports the delivery of advanced and specialist training led by one or more specific academic disciplines, or focusing on specific, specialised methods. The ATF also contributes to helping the SGSSS deliver the highest quality inclusive advanced training to postgraduate students in Scotland, forming part of a year-round programme of training.

What can it be used for?

  • Training which deepens students’ skills, knowledge and engagement with specific methods or academic disciplines. It should bring together students across Scotland to foster and strengthen disciplinary and cross-disciplinary links. The training must go beyond that typically delivered at Masters level, and be distinct from any training already regularly provided at PhD level in individual institutions.

What can it not be used for?

  • The fund is not to be used for core training delivered through postgraduate taught/ Masters level modules, or to provide standard training that higher education institutions deliver to their PhD students.

While the application process for ATF training is open to all colleagues, we ask that applicants notify PGR Leads when they submit their application to SGSSS.

Please complete the application form (located below) in conjunction with the associated ATF Guidance. 

Application Deadline: 5pm on Friday 19 September 2025. 

Please Note: 

  • Planned events must take place between November 2025 and August 2026.
  • We now have a deadline for receiving ATF event invoices of two months post event. Any SGSSS agreement to fund ATF events lapses if no invoice is received within this deadline.  
  • By submitting an application or receiving an award, academics involved with our challenge-led pathways are still encouraged to participate in other SGSSS events. Please consider if your proposed ATF event will be manageable alongside other advanced training and Summer School events.  


Download Advanced Training Fund Guidance Here


Apply for the Advanced Training Fund here