Apply early and show you're serious

The business of applying to university to do a Masters degree or a doctorate is only difficult because there is no central administration system. Some universities have clear closing dates, which are set out on their websites. Some have a rolling admissions process, while others close a course when it is full.

Professor David Bogle, head of the graduate school at University College London (UCL), advises applicants to submit their forms at the beginning of the year in which they want to study.

“Early applications are viewed favourably as it indicates applicants are serious about the course,” maintains Bogle. “I would always recommend applications be made as early as possible – enquiries to the university in the autumn and applications in the new year.”

Competition for places is getting tougher. Birmingham University expects to get 35,000 applications for taught postgraduates courses, plus 5,000 applications for research degrees and expects to admit about 6,000 students.

“There isn’t a closing date, but we do close courses to applications. This year applications for a Masters in financial management are already closed. It is a course that is particularly popular with international students,” says Roderick Smith, the university’s director of admissions.

“There is no advantage for students to wait. If applicants meet the criteria – a 2.1 or better – they are offered a place. If they then decide to change career, they can withdraw. It is possible to apply in the weeks before the date the course starts, but applicants run the risk that the course is full.”

The London School of Economics insists on early applications. Oxford University closes its postgraduate programmes in January, but some departments will extend the date until March if places are not filled.

Students studying Masters courses rarely get funding, though they will be eligible from August to apply for loans. Applicants for research degrees need to have applied to the research councils for funding before they apply to the university. Funding decisions are often made in February or March.

Lee Walters, director for postgraduate admissions in philosophy at Southampton University, advises applicants to contact the university department they want to join before the cut-off date for funding.

“Funding is dependent on the quality of the research project. The relevant specialist in the department can help shape a proposal that is more likely to be approved,” he says.

It pays to plan ahead, even if you later change your mind.

This article was created by the Independent and sponsored by Northumbria University, Newcastle. Based in Newcastle and London, Northumbria is a research-rich, business-focussed, professional university, with a global reputation for academic excellence. The UK’s biggest riser in Research Power, following the Research Excellence Framework 2014 where the university was rated Top 50 in in the UK, Northumbria’s inspirational academics, cutting edge courses, outstanding facilities and extensive partner network means that they offer exceptional opportunities to learn from the best and give your career an edge. Click here to find out more about studying at Northumbria University, Newcastle.