Applying for your Masters Degree - Here’s What you need to know

If you want to embark on a journey of postgraduate study, you are going to need to apply for your Masters. This is something that you have to get right in order to be accepted on your chosen course. It takes time to plan your application but you also need to know when to apply. So, we are going to help you learn more about how and when you should apply for your Masters.

Applying for a Masters - When Should You Do It?

Some universities will specify a deadline although some will accept applications throughout the year. However, one thing to consider is that some course providers open the application process and then accept on a first come, first served basis and so, the application window could be closed earlier than you might expect.

As a result, the advice is to apply as soon as you can because some courses receive more applications than others. In addition to this, if your course requires a portfolio then you should also apply early and this is the same if there is an essay component or an interview too.

Ideally, you should aim to apply around six months before the course begins and this is the case even if you are in your final year of undergraduate study. Even if you don’t have your degree, your university should be able to provide a predicted degree. The latest you should apply though is June or July for those courses that start in September.

So, the advice is to apply as soon as possible because you might need to apply for funding, visas and accommodation, all of which take time too.

How Do You Apply For a Masters?

Unlike the application for undergraduate courses, the process for applying for your Masters will involve applying directly to universities. Despite this, UCAS Postgraduate will offer application management for some UK universities and colleges. One thing to remember is that the majority of universities will have their own application system online. You won’t have to complete your application in one go because you will be able to create an account and then work your way through each section, saving your progress as you go. However, you might prefer to download an application pack or even contact the university to request that they email or send a pack in the post.

Every university will have their own time frame when it comes to process applications although it usually takes two weeks to two months to find out whether you have been accepted.

What Should You Include in Your Application?

Part of your application will involve submitting a personal statement. This is a vital part of the application and will clearly explain your motivations for studying the course. It will also cover any skills that you might have as well as experience. You should also cover your career aspirations and any other information that is considered vital for your personal statement.

Writing your personal statement can prove challenging but you don’t have to do this alone. A personal statement writing service will enable you to ensure that your personal statement is on point and covers everything necessary in a professional way.

You might also need to submit your CV, a portfolio and a research proposal if necessary. To make sure that you get a quick response you should provide all information as this will ensure that they have all that they need. It will also speed up the process as it means they won’t have to constantly ask for further information.

Include a Reference

You need to build a picture of who you are so your chosen university has an idea of who you are. Therefore, references are vital but who can you ask? For a Masters application, you will need to provide two academic references.

You should avoid approaching a top-ranked professor for this with the aim to impress because there is no point in asking someone who doesn’t know you that well. Instead, choose lecturers, tutors and supervisors who you have worked with and had contact with throughout your degree. They will be able to make a comment based on your performance and how you are suitable for the course you are applying for.

If you cannot provide an academic reference, then you should aim to get a reference from an employer. The one thing you will need to do is speak with referees in advance to tell them that you will be providing their details. All references have to be sent to the university and must be signed, dated and sealed in an envelope.

What Happens After You Have Submitted Your Application

Once you have submitted an application, it will then be assessed. Within eight weeks, you will be informed of the decision although the timeframe can vary. However, you will receive one of the following verdicts:

Unconditional - This means that your place is confirmed because you have met all requirements.

Conditional - The university has made an offer but you have to meet certain requirements

Interview - You have been asked to attend an interview and after this, the university will make a decision on whether you will be made an offer.

Unsuccessful  - This means that you have not been offered a place on the course.

If you are unsuccessful, you should remain positive and request feedback from the admissions department and staff. You can ask them for advice for any future applications and if you feel the decision is wrong, you can appeal it.

It is an exciting prospect to apply for a place on a Masters course but you have to make sure that you do everything right throughout the entire process.  Your personal statement is something that can make you stand out and it can complement your references, helping to build a picture of who you are. This is the reason why it can make perfect sense to use a professional personal statement service, as this will ensure that everything is right.