How difficult is it to apply for a postgraduate degree? Returning to education, paying substantial fees and giving up evenings or weekends to study requires commitment. But a postgraduate degree can open a door to a new job, or give a career a facelift. Many people simply embark upon further study from love of the subject.
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Quite the hardest part is deciding to take the initial plunge. It took Melissa Thermidor at least six months to decide – she’s just started a master’s in media, campaigning and social change at the University of Westminster. She manages the NHS blood and transplant’s social media strategy and firmly believes digital communications could be a force for good. “I want to work in communication that makes a difference rather than forcing people to buy something,” she says.
She had previously been working in marketing in India, and applied for the course a year after having a baby. To secure her place, she wrote an essay and then completed an hour long Skype interview. “At the time it felt a pain, but honestly, it was worth it,” she says. “They want the right people on the course – we really talked through the things we’d be doing – it was helpful to clarify my reasons for studying.”
Unlike undergraduate applications, there’s no central, deadline-driven process for applying to postgraduate courses. Mostly prospective students apply directly to individual universities and need a good degree – usually a 2:1 or above – in a relevant subject, but universities will make exceptions. “The application process for postgrads is remarkably straightforward,” says Prof Valerie Sanders, director of the graduate school at the University of Hull. “Particularly when you compare it with the longer timeframe of the undergraduate process. The best way is to apply online.”
Candidates must demonstrate the ability to deal with change and develop new ideas
The popularity of a course can determine admissions procedures. Hull, for instance, interviews all PhD students and for a few taught master’s linked to psychology, music and business. Business schools tend to interview MBA students and top-flight schools ask for the dreaded GMAT – a tough entrance exam. At Alliance Manchester Business School, there are four applicants per place. “For us it’s not about being choosy,” says Fran Johnson, associate MBA director. As well as a sparkling CV, academic background and references, she says that candidates “must demonstrate the ability to deal with change and develop new ideas”.
Most taught master’s require a personal statement explaining why a student is interested. The academic departments then usually make the call on whether to accept a student rather than a centralised admissions department – although numbers of students on master’s courses tend to be kept much lower than undergraduate classes.
While students can apply at any point in the year, places on a few popular courses get snapped up early and some, such as top fashion or gaming degrees and many at elite universities, are highly competitive.
Applying: the lowdown
Since the introduction of postgrad loans in 2016 (for English students), numbers of students taking a master’s straight from an undergraduate degree have risen by more than a third (according to Hecsu).Entry cycles are more flexible throughout the year, though popular courses fill up quickly. Many are offered part-time, and some online.
Students can apply for up to 10 postgrad courses at a time. Postgrad fairs and open days offer help with choosing. For more advice see ucas.com.
Ten UK universities use Ucas’ online application service UKPASS, mostly used by international students. A centralised system launches in 2018.
A good personal statement, covering your motives, experience and commitment, is important. Popular courses and business degrees may ask students to come in for an interview.
Universities will usually let students know within a couple of weeks if they’ve been successful.
