The single most common misunderstanding about UK postgraduate study is the process itself. UCAS handles undergraduate applications. For a taught masters you apply directly to each university, through its own online portal, as many times as you like.
What that changes
- No five course limit. You can apply to as many universities as you can properly tailor applications for. Four to six is typical.
- No single national deadline. Each course sets its own, and many run rolling admissions until they fill.
- A separate statement each time. There is no shared personal statement, so each application needs its own.
- Separate application fees. Many courses are free to apply to, some charge roughly 25 to 80 pounds.
The documents you will need
- Degree transcript and certificate, with a certified English translation if it is not in English.
- Personal statement, tailored per course.
- Two references, usually academic. Ask your referees at least three weeks ahead and send them the course description.
- CV, one to two pages, for most courses.
- English language evidence if English is not your first language and your degree was not taught in English.
- Portfolio or writing sample for creative, architecture and some humanities courses.
The timeline for a September start
- Prior spring and summer: shortlist courses, check entry requirements, sit English tests if needed.
- October to January: the strongest window. Apply now for competitive courses and for most scholarship deadlines.
- January to April: still viable for many courses, but the most sought after ones start closing.
- April to July: late applications. Possible, but limited choice and tight visa timing.
- May to August: accept your offer, meet the conditions, pay the deposit, receive your CAS, apply for the Student visa.
Understanding your offer
An unconditional offer means everything is satisfied. A conditional offer lists what is outstanding, usually final results, an English score or certified documents. You will normally be asked to accept one offer as your firm choice and pay a tuition deposit, often 1,000 to 4,000 pounds, which is credited against your first tuition instalment.
CAS and the Student visa
Once you have accepted an unconditional offer and paid the deposit, the university issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. You cannot apply for the Student visa without it. Applications can normally be made up to six months before the course starts, and you will need to show tuition and maintenance funds and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. Check current rules and fees on the UK government website, as they change.
What to check before you apply anywhere
- Does the course accept your degree classification, converted from your home grading system?
- Does it list prerequisite modules you need to evidence?
- Is the university a licensed student sponsor?
- Are scholarship deadlines earlier than the course deadline? They usually are.
