Applying for Further Study

How do I apply?

Unlike undergraduate entry, applications for most postgraduate courses are made directly to the course provider.

Details of how to apply should be available on the institution's website. A small number of UK universities use UKPASS to handle their admissions.

Central admissions services also handle applications for a number of vocational courses, including:

  • GTTR - handles applications for postgraduate teacher training e.g. PGCE, SCITT. See preparing and applying for teacher training for a comprehensive guide to the application process.

  • UCAS - for postgraduate programmes in nursing and social work, and graduate-entry undergraduate courses in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science.

  • CUKAS - for the majority of postgraduate courses in music performance.

  • CAB - for full-time graduate law conversion courses (GDL/CPE). Part-time applications should be made directly to the institution.

  • CHPCCP - clearing house for postgraduate courses in clinical psychology.

Check the application process for each institution carefully. Applications may be made by completing the institution's own application form (often online) or by submitting a CV and covering letter (more common for research places). Informal enquiries about research degrees are usually encouraged before applying.

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When can I apply?

Apply as early as possible to give yourself the best chance of securing a place and any available funding. During the autumn term (or about 12 months before planning to start your course) is an ideal time to make applications.

If you make a late decision to pursue postgrad study it's advisable making direct enquiries to the institution to see if places/funding are still available. Prospects timetable for applications will give you some idea about what you should be doing at different times in the months before you finish your first degree.

There are no official closing dates for applications to the majority of postgrad courses, although there are often cut off points by which you must apply to be considered for any available funding.

Some popular vocational courses have application deadlines which fall in the year preceding entry, to allow time for interviews and assessment to take place. These include:

  • Teacher training (PGCE/SCITT)-
    • primary deadline: 1 Dec
    • secondary deadline: 30 June (of year of entry)
  • Medicine, dentistry, veterinary science: 15 Oct
  • Social work and nursing: by UCAS 'early application' deadline (usually in Jan)
  • Music performance: 1 Oct

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Completing your application

Making applications for further study is very similar to completing job applications. You need to demonstrate:

  • relevant skills, experience and knowledge,
  • your motivation and commitment to the proposed course of study.
Personal statement

Often the most important part of your application, personal statements should be relevant, focused and well structured. See postgraduate personal statements for useful tips and advice.

Research proposal

If you're applying for a research degree e.g. PhD, MPhil, MLitt, it's possible you will also have to submit a research proposal outlining your project.  A good research proposal is clear, concise and focused. Check any guidelines offered by your chosen institution as word limits, suggested structure etc. vary considerably. The following websites offer examples and advice on putting together a winning proposal:

Please note, while we offer face-to-face feedback on applications for postgraduate study, we are unable to do so on research proposals. It is advisable to seek guidance from a prospective supervisor or other academic related to your chosen field, before submitting your proposal.

Funding

Application forms often ask you to indicate how you plan to finance your course so admissions departments can assess how many applicants are seeking, or competing for, funding awards. If no funding is available through the department, you should state your most likely source of funding. You don't have to have a definite source at this stage. 

For more information on financing additional time at university, see funding further study.

Referees

Good academic references to support your application are often critical to the selection processes, so:

  • select your referees carefully - for example, it might not be a good idea to ask your personal tutor if you've only met with them once or twice. Think about approaching other members of staff who might know you better such as your dissertation or project supervisor. Similarly, if you are undertaking a vocational course, it might be more appropriate to choose a past employer as a referee.
  • always seek permission before adding details of referees to your application.
  • involve your referees in the process by sending them a copy of your application or CV that they can refer to before writing your reference.

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