Applying for a postgraduate taught programme

Considering applying

The University offers a wide range of taught postgraduate programmes, designed to enhance your professional development, deepen your understanding of a subject or provide research training. More information can be found in our catalogue of postgraduate programmes.

Support is available to overseas students from the University's International Office.

If you have a disability you may wish further information about the support provided and this is available from Disability Assist Services.

Entry qualifications

The entry requirement for a taught postgraduate programme is usually one of the following:

a first or second class degree in a relevant subject from a UK HE institution (or an equivalent overseas qualification)
an equivalent qualification and/or professional experience

The comparability of UK and overseas qualifications can be checked with NARIC who provide an advisory service. Their website address is www.naric.org.uk.

The level of written and spoken English is also important. If your first language is not English then evidence of English proficiency is required. The level of proficiency that is required varies with the type of programme for which you are applying. For further advice on the appropriateness of overseas qualification and proficiency in the use of English, please contact the International Office.

The minimum IELTS score for acceptable English proficiency for entry is normally 6.5. However where the course is linguistically demanding a higher score may be required. If you have any queries please consult the Graduate Administrator identified for your course.

Application form

If you are applying for a taught postgraduate programme, in all subject areas apart from education or health and social work, you can download the application form here:

Application form for postgraduate study (pdf document)
Application form for postgraduate study (word document)

The form and references must be submitted to The University of Plymouth, Postgraduate Admissions Office, Marketing and Communications Department, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
Remember to complete every section of the form and to include the following documents:

two references in envelopes signed across their seals
copies of transcripts and certificates of qualifications
an English language certificate if this is appropriate
Ethnic and Disability Monitoring form
proof of sponsorship (if applicable)
a CV if is this required

Your application form and all documents, including the references, must be in English with any translations certified as true and original. An unconditional offer letter will not be issued until all relevant documentation has been received by the University.

Other application forms

Further information for applicants, and the appriopriate application form, for postgraduate taught programmes in education.

Further information, and corresponding application form, if you are applying for a postgraduate taught programme in health and social work, (excluding MA Social Work, please email for further information).

References

Along with your application form you should also submit two statements from your referees about your academic ability and suitability for the course of study. You need to print off two copies of the reference form and give a copy to each of your referees. When each of your referees has completed the form they should return it to you in an envelope signed across the seal. These must be submitted along with your application form.

When to apply

If you are applying for a taught postgraduate programme, please check the deadline with the appropriate Graduate Administrator. Their contact details can be found with the course information.

Responses to your application

You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application, you may be asked for more information, to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone) or you will be sent an offer or a letter of rejection.