Applying for a postgraduate course
Need help applying for your postgraduate course?
Get help with your postgraduate course application
We can help you put together an application for a postgraduate course. You can speak to a careers adviser at any stage during your application to ensure you submit the best application possible.
Making an application for a postgraduate course
- Apply direct to the university or college of your choice.
- Some vocational courses such as Nursing and Teaching have central Clearing Houses.
- For competitive, professional courses, you may need to apply in the autumn to have a chance of getting a place.
What to include in an application
- For an academic course, stress your academic abilities and show how you have developed and used them in your honours degree.
- If the course includes a professional qualification, show how you meet the job requirements.
- Include contact details of your referees.
Writing a personal statement
An application for a postgraduate course may include a personal statement. This should:
- Be tailored to the course for which you are applying.
- Outline clearly and precisely your reasons for selecting the course/ ultimate career, giving a detailed example of something specific to your own experience or an event that influenced your decision.
- What interests you about the field of study for which you are applying and how did you learn about it?
- If applicable, what is your relevant work experience? (prior work experience for some course will be essential)
- What personal characteristics do you possess (e.g. integrity, compassion, persistence) and provide evidence with concrete examples
- If it's a competitive course, why should you be chosen above the other applicants?
What happens next?
- If it's a competitive course or includes a professional qualification, expect an interview.
- For academic courses a decision may be made on the application form alone.
- Sometimes conditional offers are made dependent on your class of honours degree.
