Postgraduate course applications
Before you apply
To study at postgraduate level, you normally need to have a good undergraduate degree or have a qualification or experience accepted as equivalent.
The usual qualification required for admission to research degrees and some masters programmes is a degree with a very good classification (first or upper second class honours in the UK). Some courses have additional entry requirements such as previous work experience or previous study of a particular subject area.
For international students, most universities require students to provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English.
How to apply
You should submit your application as early as possible in the academic year prior to that in which you wish to study. Most universities will allow you to apply online. While you can place your application at any time throughout the year, there are clear advantages to applying early due to high demand for popular programmes or if scholarship and funding deadlines apply.
To apply for any full-time and part-time postgraduate taught courses you can also use the online system provided by the UK Postgraduate Application and Statistical Service (UKPASS). Maintained by UCAS, this service allows applicants to apply for up to 10 courses.
What you need to apply
Along with your application, you will need to supply proof of degree and grades and other supporting information such as transcripts, personal statements and a statement of purpose. If you are applying for a postgraduate PhD programme, you will need to submit a research proposal with your application (a typical research proposal will be somewhere between 1,500 and 3,000 words). You will also need to provide references in support of your application.
