Applying for postgraduate study

What you need to know about the application process.

 

The application process

All postgraduate courses are applied for directly to the university. This means that the method and timing for courses can differ a lot across institutions.

 

Typically, application for postgraduate courses would involve:

 

Application forms
These are usually hard copies or in PDF format from the university’s website. Application forms will require the typical biographic data such as academic history, employment history, extra-curricular activities etc. Look at it as a CV. Within the form, you may be asked to write a ‘supporting statement’, detailing why you want to study the particular course and why you are suitable.

 

Transcript of results

Candidates must provide an official transcript from their undergraduate college.

 

Interview

Some postgraduate courses will interview potential candidates as part of the selection process.

 

Courses that have a very large intake will most likely base their decision on exam results, not interviews. Smaller and more specialist courses often interview all applicants.

 

Basically, there is a lot of competition for good courses. Many postgraduate courses are oversubscribed – they receive far more applications than the amount of places they have. These courses tend to be very well established with a history of graduates doing well afterwards, resulting in the interest in them. Conversely, colleges can also struggle to fill all places, which will result in the entry requirements being lowered.

 

 

Do well

First and foremost, do well academically throughout your undergraduate degree. Nothing speaks louder than high academic results.

 

Start researching

Next, research your postgraduate options early so that you can make decisions regarding projects, subject choices etc in final year, which may help in your application.

 

Start filing

Keep a file with all your transcripts from throughout your college years; sometimes requesting a transcript from an institution can take weeks.

 

Don’t procrastinate

Apply early so that you can focus on studying for your finals or getting relevant work experience.

 

Relevant experience

Gain any relevant work experience. This will strengthen your application and help you to make a decision about your choice of postgraduate studies.

 

Consider what you are going to do after the postgraduate course. The decision to do postgraduate study is not an end in itself – it is really only the beginning.

 

Research the skills required in your target career after the postgraduate course, eg interpersonal skills, attention to detail, project management, working under pressure etc. Try to assess whether you possess or can develop the skills required – it makes both the course and your subsequent career a whole lot easier thus increasing your chances of success.