UCAS Postgraduate Deadline 2024

The UCAS postgraduate deadline is more flexible than at undergraduate level. Different programmes have different postgraduate deadlines, so make sure you check exactly when yours is due, so you don’t miss out.

Postgraduate study

Postgraduate study is an exciting opportunity to enhance the skills and knowledge you gained during previous studies. It can also help you strengthen your employability and expertise in a particular sector, improving your job prospects.

You need to think carefully about whether or not to make this investment. Postgraduate courses require a lot of hard work and will require you to pay fees more than not. Choosing to pursue postgrad study just because you don’t know what else to do might not necessarily be the best reason.

What are you hoping to get out of your extra year or so in further education?

Make sure you have thoroughly considered why you want to go into master’s education and be sure to research what each course will offer you and what to expect. How will it support your professional and personal development?

The range of courses in the UK demonstrate that pursuing this route will help set you apart in some careers – indeed, many are career orientated and specifically designed to help you develop skills in certain areas that will then be useful, for example, as a business manager.

Postgraduate courses allow you to expand and consolidate your existing knowledge and gain an extra qualification which will make you stand out in the job market.  Unlike undergraduate degrees, they tend to only last one year with full-time study, are more specialised, but require much more hard work and research.

Courses can be taught or research-based, depending on what you want to do and where. Full time tends to be one year, although the majority of postgrad students undertake their degrees as part-time study. This allows you to continue studying whilst working a part-time job or balancing your home and personal lives. Part-time study is a good compromise for those who want to keep working whilst gaining an extra qualification, or look after children and a family.

UCAS Postgraduate Application

To apply to a postgrad degree, UCAS have created a UCAS Postgraduate service. This is for some, not all, master’s courses, as some institutions may prefer you to apply directly to them. If you are not sure which is the best way to apply, get in touch with your course provider.

To begin the postgraduate application process, you need to register first and enter pieces of personal information such as your name and email address. After completing registration, you will then be able to activate your account.

There are over 21,000 courses to choose from, provided by 430 universities and colleges throughout the UK. Hopefully, you have a rough idea of what course you want to study, but you can use the search tool to investigate all the options available to you.

On the whole, to apply for a master’s programme you need to have completed an undergraduate degree. Many courses require you to have graduated with at least a 2:1 – if you’re not sure what the entry requirements for your course are, check the UCAS course page or get in touch with the course provider. In your masters personal statement, you will need to show the admissions tutors why you are suitable for this programme, especially if your undergraduate degree was in another subject.

If you are applying for a PhD or research master’s (MRes), entry requirements will likely be higher. Your chances of getting in are much better if your first degree or masters is in a relevant area. Again, if there is anything you are not sure about, check on UCAS or with the institution itself.

If you haven’t studied an undergraduate degree, you may still be able to apply for a master’s programme if you can prove that you have a thorough understanding of the subject and relevant experience.

What do I want to study?

Given the time, effort, and money required by postgraduate courses, it is best to choose a subject that will support your personal and professional development. On the UCAS application page, you can search for all the available courses with the search bar, saving any that look particularly interesting. Once you have decided where you want to apply, click ‘apply’ and the application process will begin.

You don’t have to have studied the same subject at undergraduate and postgrad level, but you need to show you have relevant work experience or knowledge in that field.

If you are looking to specialise in a particular topic or subject area, is there a tutor on this programme who can help? The best way to do this is to look at the school faculty and see who is involved in the masters. Open days are another great way to meet the academic staff.

Why do I want to do a postgrad?

Such a qualification generally has a positive impact on your career. The most obvious examples of this are in medicine and veterinary medicine, but also teaching. Some jobs require more advanced and applied qualifications.

A postgraduate qualification may help your career if it is directly related. Many employers value the advanced level of skills and knowledge students develop – indeed, you will be more highly qualified. Some courses have stronger links to employers than others, so if this is an area of particular concern for you, make sure you research to see which options will best support your career aspirations.

Taking such a qualification can also help if you want to change your career direction.

Whilst a masters does not necessarily guarantee you a job, statistics suggest that there is a higher employment rate for postgraduates than non-graduates.

Due to the cost of taking a postgraduate course, however, they are only recommended for those for whom such a course will enhance the skills and knowledge relevant for their career. Postgrad degrees are expensive if you are not able to get financial support and require a lot of hard work – they are not for the faint-hearted. It is partly because of these factors that such qualifications indicate an individual’s passion, dedication, and commitment to a certain sector. Employers will not have to question your commitment to Marketing, for example, if you have undertaken a postgrad degree in it.

Postgraduate Personal Statement

Remember your undergraduate personal statement? This one is similar, to an extent. Most applicants will have completed a degree beforehand, so you will need to talk about this in your personal statement. What skills and knowledge did you learn from your initial studies? How has this prepared you for the course you are applying to?

Your personal statement is where you get the chance to convince the admission tutor reading it to offer you a place. These are even more important for courses where an interview is not part of the application process.

It’s a good idea to link your previous studies and any relevant work experience to demonstrate your dedication and commitment to your chosen field.  Prove your interest with any wider reading you have undertaken (it’s a good idea to do this if you haven’t already!), or lecture series you have attended. Admission tutors will be looking for applicants with strong critical thinking and analytical skills – make sure this is evident in your statement.

You need to show that you have thoroughly researched the course you are applying to and understand what opportunities such a programme will open further down the line. How does this programme fit in with your ambitions and career goals?

Most importantly, you need to answer the questions as to why you want to study a master’s course.

The personal statement is important, so it is crucial you take time to plan, write, and edit it before submission.

To give you the best chances of getting into a course, apply to more than one at more than one university. There are plenty of options available, and you are likely to find similar courses at more than one institution. But remember, make sure you have properly researched the course content to understand what you can expect, and what is expected of you.

UCAS Postgraduate for international students

Postgraduate courses in the UK offer numerous exciting opportunities for international students. Not only is the UK an increasingly diverse and multicultural nation, but you will also be able to improve your English language abilities and prepare yourself for working in an international market.

For students outside of the UK, the application process is slightly different. If you require financial support, have a look to see if the university you are applying to offers scholarships. Your home government may also have financial schemes available. Fees tend to be more for international students too, but the exact cost depends on the subject and institution. Whilst the average cost of studying is around £11,000, costs can range from £4,900 to over £30,000 a year.

The entry requirements will often be expressed in terms relating to the British education system, so if you’re not sure if you meet the entry requirements, or would like more clarification, do not hesitate to get in touch with the course provider. One thing they will require, however, is that you are very competent at speaking, writing, and listening in English. You will need to prove your abilities in this area.

UCAS Postgraduate deadline for international students

Depending on what you are applying for, deadlines tend to be in June or July for courses starting in the Autumn.

It’s a good idea to apply well before the deadline so you have plenty of time to sort out your visa and accommodation. 6 months before the course start date is roughly a good time to apply. However, if you are moving country or need to get funding, do so even earlier to avoid any unnecessary delays.

Be prepared – make sure you have checked when the application deadline is with your course provider if you are in any doubt – you don’t want to miss it!