University of Reading

At the University of Reading we are committed to addressing global problems through our teaching, research and partnerships. At the heart of what we do are the core values that characterise the University of Reading: a love of learning; creating and sharing new knowledge; embracing and celebrating diversity of people and ideas; and caring for our environment. We have maintained these values throughout our history and they will continue to guide us in the future as we transform the way we work.

Our main campus, Whiteknights, is the hub of university life and is set in 320 acres of stunning parkland. In 2024, we were awarded our fourteenth consecutive Green Flag Award, recognising it as one of Britain’s best green spaces. Our campus includes a lake, woodlands and the ever-popular Harris Garden and we are proud to welcome students, staff and the local community to enjoy the space. The campus is also a haven for local wildlife, with areas of meadow left uncut to provide habitats and food for seed-eating birds and butterflies, while the lake is a haven for fish, birds and insects.

We are also committed to making the best use of our resources and playing our part to tackle climate change. In our University Sustainability Report 2022/23, we have recorded a 35% reduction in waste generated per person compared to 2015/16, 61.2% reduction in carbon emissions since 2008/09 baseline and zero direct or indirect fossil fuel investments.

Why study at the University of Reading?

• Ranked 172nd in the world and 25th in the UK (QS World University Rankings, 2025).
• The University is centrally located with London Paddington 30-minutes away by train and Heathrow airport only 45 minutes and Gatwick airport 90 minutes from campus.
• We have more than fifty research centres, many recognised as international centres of excellence including in Agriculture, Biological and Physical Sciences and European Cultures.
• The University is a world leader in climate science, recently winning a Queen’s Anniversary Prize and the THE Award for Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership.

Facilities

• The library provides 1,500 study spaces, is open 24 hours a day during term time (except Saturday nights) and has a large cafe.
• The university is home to three museums and houses a variety of special collections that students can view and use.
• Study support services include academic liaison librarians, study advisers, and maths and statistical support resources.
• Research postgraduates benefit from the support of the library's research engagement team.
• Reading's chaplaincy centre welcomes people of all beliefs and offers a signposting service for all faiths. There's a Muslim prayer centre on campus, and atheist/humanist/secularist, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh societies.

Accommodation

As a postgraduate student, the need for independent study and other demands on your time mean that where you live is really important. Our University accommodation is safe, secure, and no more than a 15-minute walk from Whiteknights campus. Our rent prices are all-inclusive, meaning that your utility bills, Wi-Fi, and basic contents insurance are included. You can choose from quieter lifestyle areas, single-sex flats, accommodation solely for mature students, couples and families, and a number of adapted rooms for students with disabilities and special requirements. As your safety and happiness in halls is our priority, all halls have dedicated security patrols and CCTV cameras, and our 24/7 Halls Hotline is there to deal with any issues or concerns quickly.

Funding your Masters

Home-domiciled students may be eligible to apply for the Master’s Loan depending on their circumstances. Eligibility criteria includes age, the programme you have applied for, the mode of study, and whether you have already achieved a master’s level qualification. For part-time courses, fees are calculated at 50% of the standard fee, or pro rata for modular programmes.

The University of Reading offers an extensive range of scholarships to master’s students. Our Master’s Scholarships Scheme offers three funding opportunities: Centenary Scholarships, Subject Scholarships and Alumni Master’s Scholarships. To apply for a scholarship, you need to have an offer for your chosen course. Once you have an offer, you can apply through the me@reading applicant portal.

Our Student Financial Support Team and students’ union advisers can provide guidance to help you budget for your studies to ensure you have enough funds to cover all course-related, living and accommodation costs.

Careers and employability

Career support is available throughout your studies, and for an additional 24 months after the end of your programme. Access one-to-one sessions with career consultants, workshops, events and digital resources, where you’ll be supported through your career planning, whether applying for jobs or graduate schemes, PhD study or exploring setting up your own business. This focus on employability contributes to the success of our master’s graduates: 95% of our taught postgraduates are in work or further study 15 months after the end of their course and, of those working full time, 96% are in graduate-level roles.

How to apply

The quickest and easiest away to apply for postgraduate study at the University of Reading is through our online application service. The online service allows you to complete your application form and attach electronic copies of your academic transcripts, certificates and other supporting information. It also provides a tool for sending an email request to your referees, enabling them to send your supporting references directly to us.

Candidates for PGCE Initial Teacher Education courses should submit an application via the DfE Teacher Training portal.