With the exit of UK from EEC more vacancies have been created in the top universities in UK. This are primarily for master’s programme. There are some which are reserved for Indian and Goan students
Applying for a Masters isn’t necessarily the same as applying for an undergraduate programme. Although there are some similarities – you’ll probably need to write a personal statement, for example – the application process very much reflects the post-graduate nature of a Masters.
You’ll be expected to show what you learned during your Bachelors and how you on plan on using this experience to make a success of an advanced qualification.
Masters applications – step-by-step
If you’re applying directly to a university for your Masters, your application will usually follow these steps:
- Find your perfect Masters – With thousands of postgraduate programmes listed on our website, we’re the perfect place to begin your search!
- Contact referees in advance – Once you’ve chosen a course (or courses), start thinking about previous lecturers or tutors that would be able to provide a quality reference for you. It’s a good idea to send them an email politely asking for permission to put their name down as a reference.
- Write your personal statement – Start work on your personal statement as early as possible, giving yourself plenty of time to proof-read and, if necessary, redraft.
- Apply online through the university website – Most universities have their own online applications systems (there are exceptions), so make sure you’ve familiarised yourself with your prospective university’s website and know how to begin the application proper.
- Attach supporting documents – After you’ve filled in your personal details on the university’s postgraduate admissions portal, you’ll probably need to attach a series of documents supporting your application. These could include your personal statement, references and copies of your academic qualifications.
- Check your email regularly – When you’ve finished the application, you’ll want to keep a close eye on your inbox for (hopefully positive!) news from the admissions department.
When should I begin my Masters application?
Unlike undergraduate programmes, applications for most Masters courses are open all year round (some vocational programmes may have a set deadline). However, this doesn’t mean that you should leave things until the last minute!
It’s always a good idea to apply relatively early in the admissions cycle – at least six months before the course begins. Masters offers are given out as applications come in, so you don’t want to leave it too late and discover that your perfect programme is already full.
How do I apply?
In most cases, you’ll apply directly to your prospective university, either through an online applications portal or by printing off an application form and posting it with the relevant documents.
There are a few exceptions, however. UCAS Postgraduate is a centralised application service run by UCAS, the organisation responsible for undergraduate admissions in the UK. 12 institutions use UCAS Postgraduate for their Masters applications.
Similarly, different rules apply if you’re applying for one of the following postgraduate qualifications:
•Performing arts courses at conservatoires – Applications for these programmes are managed through UCAS Conservatoires
•Postgraduate teacher training in England and Wales – If you’re applying for a teacher training course in England or Wales, apply through UCAS Teacher Training
•Postgraduate teacher training in Scotland – If you’re applying for a Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), make your application through UCAS Undergraduate
•Postgraduate teacher training in Northern Ireland – For teacher training courses in Northern Ireland, applications go through the universities themselves.
•MA / MSc programmes in Social Work, Nursing and Medicine – Apply through UCAS Undergraduate.
•Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) / Legal Practice Course (LPC) – Applications for these postgraduate legal qualifications are dealt with by the Law Central Applications Board.
Whichever route your application takes, you’ll usually have to supply the following documents:
•Application form
•Personal statement
•Academic / professional references
•Copies of your degree certificate and academic transcripts
•Research proposal (if you’re applying for a research Masters like an MPhil or MRes)
•Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable)
How many Masters courses can I apply for?
If you’re applying directly to a UK university for your Masters, there’s no limit to the number of courses you can apply for. However, the application process can be time-consuming and you should be careful not to overstretch yourself. Make sure that you tailor each application to the programme in question rather than using a template format for each one. You should talk specifically about the course, mentioning why it appeals to you and how it’ll help you achieve your goals.
For those courses listed above that use a different application method, you may find that you can only apply to a certain number of programmes.
If you’re applying for a postgraduate teacher training course in England or Wales, you can make up to three applications. For Scottish teacher training courses, meanwhile, you can apply for up to five programmes.
Are there any application fees?
Most universities in the UK don’t charge fees for postgraduate applications. Several of the most competitive institutions do charge an application fee, however. If you’re applying for a course at a prestigious business school, you’re more likely to be charged a fee.
Personal statement
The personal statement is an important part of any Masters application. This statement is a chance to highlight your skills and experience, making sure that the admissions tutor knows why you’re perfect for this particular programme.
Academic qualifications
University admissions departments will require proof of your academic qualifications. This normally comes in the form of a degree certificate and academic transcripts.
If you haven’t finished your degree yet, don’t worry – just provide transcripts showing your academic performance to date, giving a predicted outcome for your undergraduate course.
Most universities have an online application system that you can use to upload scans of these documents. They might ask to see the original paper copies before you register for your course.
If you’re an international applicant whose previous education wasn’t in English, you should submit copies of your original academic qualifications along with official translations of these documents, done by a certified translation service.
Language tests
If you’re applying for a Masters taught in a language that isn’t your first language, you’ll normally have to provide proof that you’re proficient in the language of instruction.
In the case of English-taught Masters, you will probably have to achieve a certain grade in an English language test if it isn’t your first language. However, if you’ve already finished (or are studying on) an English-taught Bachelors, this requirement might not apply to you.
These are four of the most popular English language tests, widely accepted by universities across the world:
• IELTS
• TOEFL
•Cambridge English certificates
•PTE Academic
The exact procedures differ from test to test, but generally the exam provider will send your results to the institutions you’re applying to.
Our guide to Masters language tests features pages on the major international study languages, from English and French to German and Mandarin.
Interviews
Most Masters applications won’t require you to attend an interview, but they are common for certain kinds of postgraduate qualification, such as MBAs, Masters of Social Work and teacher training courses.
There are several types of postgraduate interview:
• Formal interview
• Skype interview
• Informal chat
• Practical test
• Presentation
You can find out more about these kinds of interview and how best to prepare for them in our full guide to postgraduate interviews.
What happens next?
Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll generally hear back from the university after about a month. If positive, this response could take two forms:
•Conditional offer – Subject to satisfying academic conditions (achieving a certain degree classification, for example) you’ll be able to take up a place on the Masters programme
•Unconditional offer – As you’ve already met the academic requirements, you’ll have earned a place on the course