Female Master's student

Making your postgraduate application

Everything you need to know before you start

You can apply online directly from the webpage for your chosen degree – and for select courses with a different application routes, you'll find details of how to apply below.

If you're not a perfect match for the entry requirements listed, don't worry. We consider every application on an individual basis, taking into account your qualifications, experience and enthusiasm for studying. If you're not sure, get in touch with our Admissions Team.

Your application checklist

  • Check the entry requirements on your chosen course page to see if you’re eligible and check for additional criteria e.g. portfolio requirement.
  • If English isn't your first language, please check the English requirements on the course webpage. If you do not meet them, you can do an English course with us before starting your degree.
  • Gather supporting evidence for your application. This can be a qualification certificate, transcript or a current CV.
  • Most of our courses request a supporting reference. However, please check the course page or with the Admissions Team if a second one is necessary to apply.
  • Write a personal statement to introduce yourself and outline why you're a compelling candidate for your chosen course

You can then apply through the course page - the “Apply” section is at the base of the course page. It's free to apply online and you can complete one section at a time and return to submit it when you're ready.

Courses with different ways to apply

Check below to see if your chosen course has a different application process.

To study a PGCE with us, you'll need to apply directly to the Department for Education (DfE).

To apply for these courses, you need to first contact the Learning at Work department to discuss your work objectives so they can tailor the course to your and your employer's needs.

You should make your application for MSc Social Work course directly to UCAS.

To make an application to an MRes course, you can apply online.

Additionally, you'll need to include a brief research proposal outlining your area of interest.

 

Are you an international student?

Our application process differs for students applying from outside of the UK. There's much more to consider as an international applicant, such as English language requirements, CAS and visa processes, and varying application deadlines. 

Make sure you refer to our international students page to ensure you've got everything covered.

There's more than one route into postgraduate study

When you apply to join us as a postgraduate student, we consider your application on its own merits. 

Our entry requirements will usually include qualifications and grades that you need before you start the course, including any subjects you need to study, where relevant.

Entry requirements can also include:

  • a successful admissions test
  • a successful interview
  • a successful health check (for health-based courses)
  • a successful criminal records check
  • a portfolio
  • professional experience (if relevant)
  • English language qualifications (if English isn’t your first language)

If your course needs an interview, we'll invite you to do this after you’ve applied. If it needs a health or criminal records check, you can usually do this after we’ve offered you a place.

How do I check the entry requirements for my course?

You can check the entry requirements for your chosen course on its course page, under the 'entry requirements' section. If you're not sure you meet the entry requirements, or have different professional or academic experience, then get in touch to explore your options.

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