Common questions about postgraduate study

As you contemplate what you'll do after graduation, remaining at university is a popular option. We asked the University of Bolton's admissions team to answer some frequently asked questions about postgraduate study

What application documents do I need?

Before beginning your online application, ensure you have the following documents ready:

a comprehensive personal statement
duplicates of certificates and transcripts
a copy of your marriage certificate or official name change document (if your certificates bear a previous name)
your CV
details of two referees, with one being an academic reference
a copy of your passport and/or residence permit - if applicable, include copies of documents related to your residency status in the UK.

Discover what else is required when applying for a Masters degree.

What makes a good postgraduate personal statement?

Your personal statement presents a valuable opportunity to showcase not just your academic accomplishments but also your unique talents and passions.

To ensure your application stands out, consider incorporating something distinctive and memorable about yourself. This is the time to show how you have dedicated yourself to pursuing your chosen field.

For instance, you could:

align your statement with the specifics of the course description, showcasing how it resonates with your goals
highlight personal skills, achievements, and relevant work experience, while also discussing your future plans.

Keep in mind that your personal statement should not exceed 1,000 words. Before submitting it, thoroughly proofread and spell-check the document. It's advisable to seek a second opinion from a friend or family member to review your statement for additional feedback.

Get more advice on personal statements for postgraduate applications.

Do my references have to be academic?

Ensure that at least one of your references is academic, but professional ones are also valuable. Provide email addresses for both referees so that the admissions team at your prospective university can contact them to request written references in support of your application.

How long will I have to wait for a reply once I've applied?

Generally, it takes a few weeks to hear back after you apply. This time allows the admissions team to thoroughly review your application and make an informed decision.

The admissions staff will process all received applications in chronological order. Hence, the sooner you submit your application, the quicker the team can initiate the processing stage.

Throughout the application process, you will receive email confirmations at various stages. If additional information is required beyond the initial documents - to demonstrate compliance with the course entry requirements - the admissions team will request it.

Information regarding entry requirements and other essential details can be found on the specific course pages on the university's website.

While universities strive to expedite the application process and make timely decisions, various factors can cause delays, including:

scheduling interviews
incomplete applications
referrals to partner institutions or academic departments
missing documents/references
other course-specific requirements that necessitate additional time.

Are late applications accepted?

It's generally advisable to avoid applying late for postgraduate programmes. Late applications often face limited availability, as many courses fill up quickly and have a capped number of spots. For certain courses, the admissions team may consider and process applications even after the start date.

If in doubt, you can reach out to the admissions team directly but remember that applying on time ensures a smoother process, better preparation, and a higher likelihood of securing a place on your desired course.

My application has been accepted. Now what?

Upon being accepted onto the course, you'll receive an offer via email, containing instructions on how to formally accept it. If your offer is 'Conditional', the specific conditions will be detailed in the offer email. It's essential to submit any outstanding documents to fulfil the conditions before the course commences.

Once you receive your offer, it's advisable to promptly apply for postgraduate funding.

Can I ask for feedback if my application is unsuccessful?

If your application isn't successful, asking for feedback is a smart move. It can provide valuable insights for future applications. The admissions team will often be able to put you in touch with the relevant course tutor for detailed feedback.

How do I make my Masters application stand out?

You should highlight experiences and skills that align with the course and demonstrate your unique perspective or background. Show the admissions committee why you and this programme are a perfect match.

For instance, if you're applying for a Masters in environmental science, you can mention involvement in a local conservation project and relate the skills you developed, such as project management, environmental impact assessment or community engagement.

Alternatively, for computer science, you could talk about specific projects that showcase your technical skills and lateral thinking with a view to applying this skill set to real-world situations.

Will I need to attend a postgraduate interview? If so, what does this involve?

If there's an interview, it usually focuses on your motivations and suitability for the course.

The interview provides an opportunity for you to discuss your academic interests and how the programme fits in with your career plans.

Familiarise yourself with common postgraduate interview questions.

What level of written and spoken English is needed for Masters courses?

A high level of English proficiency is typically required for entry onto Masters courses. This ensures you can fully engage with the course material and participate effectively.

Many universities offer international preparation courses or pre-sessional English to prepare students from overseas for the rigours of postgraduate study.

For example, University College London (UCL) runs a nine-month International Pre-Masters (IPM) course, which includes one-to-one personal support, help with making your postgraduate applications and English language training.

Find out more about studying abroad in the UK.

I'll need additional funding. How do I find out about scholarships and bursaries?

Start with the university's financial aid page. There are often various options available, including those from external sources.

For example, at the University of Bolton they offer an alumni loyalty discount as well as The Masters (Taught) Excellence Scholarship for those looking to study an eligible Masters course.

The university also provides bursaries for Initial Teacher Training (ITT) and Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes. Get the lowdown on funding for teacher training.

Explore the range of scholarships and bursaries.

For general information and advice, you can also visit GOV.UK - Funding for postgraduate study.

What's your advice on working while studying?

Balancing work and study will be challenging but it is achievable. Good time management and prioritising your studies are key to making it work. A good rule of thumb is to work between 10-15 hours per week if you're a full-time student. This allows enough time for attending classes, studying and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

For study hours, a common guideline for full-time postgraduate students is to dedicate around 15-20 hours per week to studying outside of class. It's important to note that these hours may need to be increased during periods of intense coursework or leading up to exams.

Can postgraduate students apply for university accommodation?

Universities usually offer accommodation for postgraduate students and have dedicated teams to support postgraduate students.

Explore the available options at your chosen university and apply early.

Discover what you need to know about student accommodation.

Is a September start date the only option?

The common start date is September, but some courses offer alternative start dates.

For example, the University of Kent offers a variety of postgraduate courses starting in January.

These include programmes in:

architecture and planning
business and management
education
healthcare and social care
law, society and social justice
pharmacy
politics and international relations.

The University of Sheffield, meanwhile, offers entry for selected courses in February, with applications opening in the September prior to the start date, and closing the month before the course is due to begin.

Check with the specific programme you intend to take a place on to be sure.

How difficult is a Masters degree?

Masters degrees are challenging but rewarding. They require a deeper understanding of your field and a commitment to intensive study. Expect the workload to be higher than in undergraduate study.

Ask yourself, should I do a Masters?

You can also view our Masters students YouTube playlist and watch videos of those who've navigated a postgraduate course.

I'm returning to education after a break. Will I be able to keep up?

Returning to education after a significant period of time can be daunting, but many returnees find they can draw on their life experiences to enrich their studies.

This could involve being capable of planning and executing projects, possessing refined communication and critical thinking skills invaluable in debates. And from experience in the workforce, knowing how to present professionally, work within deadlines and self-motivate, these are all skills beneficial for managing university work.

Universities often do offer support for returning students, typically from a wider student support team. The University of Birmingham notes that services are available to assist those who have been out of education for a while, addressing issues unique to their situation.

These services might include academic support, counselling and careers advice tailored to help returnees reintegrate into the academic environment.

Read more about where to find help at university.

How should I prepare for postgraduate study?

Vital preparation includes familiarising yourself with the course content, required reading, and engaging with current research in your field. Often, lecturers and module leaders have published work of their own, which can offer big clues on the direction of study.

If you're thinking about postgraduate study, book a place on a university open day.

Find out more

Get the lowdown on Masters degrees.
Read about postgraduate diplomas and certificates.
Explore postgraduate courses at the University of Bolton.