Applying for a UK Master's: What You Need to Know

Studying for a master's degree in the UK is a great opportunity to learn your subject at one of the world's top universities. But there is also plenty of conflicting advice circulating about applying for a UK master's.

There are currently 84 UK universities listed in the 2021 QS World University Rankings, and each offers a unique experience, with specialist lecturers, extensive facilities, and useful resources - the University of Reading is one of them.

To help make sense of it all, we spoke to Catherine Whittington, Head of Admissions at the University of Reading, to uncover some tips and tricks for applying to master's programmes at UK universities.

You need a strong bachelor's degree or relevant work experience to apply

Whittington explains that when applying for a master's course, UK universities are looking for a good bachelor's degree, ideally in a related or relevant subject.

However, the exact grade and level of achievement required can vary depending on the university and the programme. Some universities may only consider students with top marks, while others are more flexible.

A bachelor's degree is not always essential, though. As Whittington says, "If you do not have a bachelor's degree, but you do have relevant experience, you may still be considered for a master's degree."

You may need to take an English language test

Another requirement for studying a master's in the UK is a strong command of English. If you are applying from a country where English is not the main language, you may need to complete an English language qualification test, such as IELTS or TOEFL.

Whittington says: "Check which tests the university accepts and at what level. This can vary by institution and subject.

"Generally speaking, subjects that are discussion-based and involve a lot of essay writing require a higher level of English than subjects like maths."

Some universities, such as the University of Reading, offer pre-sessional English courses to provide students with extra support in preparing for academic English.

The application process is different at each university

In the UK, the application process for master's degrees can differ significantly from one university to another.

Whittington says: "Unlike undergraduate study in the UK, we do not have a single organisation managing the postgraduate application cycle, so each university can do things a little differently."

Because application processes vary so much between universities, deadlines can also be very different. Check the website of the university you want to apply to for more information about its deadlines.

Some more selective universities will expect you to apply very early, perhaps as soon as November, while others may keep applications open until the summer if places are still available. Some universities may not even have a fixed deadline, but Whittington advises against leaving your application until the last minute.

She says: "Do not leave your application too late, because your course may fill up, so it is a good idea to submit it early. This also gives you a safeguard against any technical issues that may arise."

Once you submit your application, you should receive a confirmation email letting you know how long you are likely to wait for a decision.

Ask before listing someone as a referee

Most universities will ask for references. These are usually two academic referees, such as lecturers or tutors from previous courses. You may also want to list an employer as a referee.

Whittington says: "It is really important that you check with the people you want to nominate that they are happy to do it and can do so by any deadline.

"I have spoken to many academics who have been surprised to receive a request for a reference from someone, and they may feel a little annoyed by it!"

The application system is broadly similar across subject areas

Although application procedures can vary between universities, the master's application process within a single university is usually very similar across subject areas.

That said, degree requirements can differ from one discipline to another. For example, to study maths at master's level, you will need an undergraduate degree in mathematics.

Humanities and social science subjects often accept a wider range of academic backgrounds, "as long as the applicant can demonstrate a genuine commitment to the subject," Whittington explains.

It is also worth noting that some professionally oriented courses will require your bachelor's degree to be accredited.

For example, at the University of Reading, students need an ARB-accredited undergraduate qualification to study the Master of Architecture (MArch).

Some courses may require you to submit a portfolio, especially for creative subjects such as art. Others may ask you to attend an interview.

Whittington says: "Highly competitive courses can use interviews as a way of selecting between candidates with equivalent qualifications. Some professionally accredited subjects are required to interview applicants.

"Obviously, the pandemic has changed the way many universities work, so interviews are now more likely to take place online, which is very useful for international students."

Your supporting statement should be tailored to each institution

A common mistake applicants make is writing one generic supporting statement and using it for every application.

Whittington says: "If you are applying to several institutions, make sure your supporting statement is tailored to each one rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

"Explain why your background is a strong fit for the specific course offered by that institution.

"If you are providing a supporting statement or work examples, make sure they show you at your best. Give the best examples of relevant work."

Highlight previous relevant experience in your application

Relevant industry experience can really help your master's application stand out.

Whittington says: "At the University of Reading, we always welcome applicants who have taken a break from study or academia, or those who want to use master's study as a way to change direction or advance an existing career."

If your work experience is relevant to the course, it is worth emphasising that in your application.

However, if you are applying for a master's in a field that is completely different from your work experience or academic background, you should focus on the transferable skills you have developed.

Funding is available, but be realistic about study costs

Studying in the UK can be expensive, so it is important to be realistic about the cost - especially if you plan to fund it yourself. You will need to factor in both tuition fees and living expenses.

Whittington says that if you plan to work while studying, you should be aware of visa restrictions, which will limit the number of hours you can work.

She also warns against underestimating the workload of a master's degree. "They are very intensive qualifications, and there may not be much room in your schedule for part-time work."

Students should also look into external funding they may be eligible for, such as scholarships and bursaries. Whittington says it is important to keep an eye on deadlines, because some scholarships - such as those offered by the University of Reading - require you to apply early, and you may need to submit a personal statement or examples of work.

Watch out for common mistakes

Whittington outlined some common mistakes you should avoid in a master's application. These include:

• Providing incorrect or incomplete information
• Spelling mistakes, especially in names or email addresses
• Failing to check whether someone is willing to act as a referee before naming them in your supporting statement
• Submitting an incomplete application without all the required documents
• Using a personal statement that is not relevant to the actual course and university you are applying to.

To avoid these mistakes, Whittington recommends reading the information provided carefully and asking questions if anything is unclear.