Applying for your Masters

Most Masters also have much later deadlines compared to Bachelors, often around June/July for starting in September so there is plenty of time to research and make sure you have made the best option for yourself, however it is important to not that there can be different deadlines for Home and International applications due to CAS/Visa processing times.

Some Masters have the option to study part-time so that students are able to fit in multiple post-grad opportunities.

Application and Interview Prep

After deciding on your course and whether to study full-time or part-time you complete your application form and hopefully receive and interview. Some applications may require academic or professional references or specific tasks or bodies of work alongside academic achievements.

Applications often consist of a personal statement, short question about the course and a CV. During my application I felt it the admissions team were asking for me to demonstrate my passion for the subject, an understanding of what the course entails and how I will use my knowledge in my future career. I can’t speak for course that aren’t within the arts, but I felt my personal experience was more about aspirations and dedication to the subject rather than quizzing the academic side. I feel this is because the applicant pool is often smaller or at least with much similar academic ability and are looking for complementary qualities that will set you apart and ensure your success on the course. This is the same for the interview and is much more of an informal discussion regarding what you wish to gain from the course and how this will positively benefit your career.

Finances

Student Finance England are able to supply loans for Masters. You may be able to receive a loan of up to £11,836 (for 22/23). Unlike a Bachelors loan the money is not separated into Tuition and Maintenance finances, therefore you are paid your finances across three instalment per year and it is your responsibility to send the money directly to the university to cover your tuition fee.

You are required to start paying back your loan once earning £21,000 per annum so you are likely to start repaying your Masters Loan before your Bachelors.

Disabled Students

Just as with Bachelors, DSA is available for post-grad students. This is applied for at the same time as your student finances.

Top tip for disabled students - if you felt the support you received during your undergrad worked for you, contact the independent companies that provided that support and they can often keep you receiving the same support without having to re-do all the applications. For example, even with a gap year I am able to keep my dyslexia tutor as we had such good rapport.

I hope you have found this article useful and makes your journey into post-grad a lot smoother. Best of luck!

Advice