Your questions
About our Master's programmes
How can I find out more about the programme?
Further information on individual programmes of study can be found via our Masters Programme pages. These web pages include links to read more information on the programme, the structure of units, tuition fees and entry requirements. We are proud to have alumni students from over 70 countries. To hear more about our alumni and how they have gone onto to use their degrees in their personal and professional life’s please visit http://www.bris.ac.uk/education/study/what-our-students-say/.
Can I study on a part-time basis?
Yes part-time study is available for all Home and EU students. Students can choose to study part-time over two or three years. Please note that students in receipt of financial support or planning to access the Postgraduate Government Loan must complete their study over two years.
At the beginning of each academic year, part-time students can select the number of units they wish to take in each term - programme timetables with unit details are published on the SoE New Student website at the start of the academic year.
We recommend that students opting to study on a part-time basis over two years aim to take at least 60-80 credits in their first year of study to allow space for the dissertation in Year 2. For students studying over three years it is recommend that you complete the taught units (120 credits) in the first two years leaving the third year for the dissertation.
The majority of our overseas students come to the UK on a Tier 4 visa. Restrictions imposed on students holding Tier 4 visas by the UK Border Agency mean that most overseas students are not permitted to study on a part-time basis.
What scholarship opportunities are available for master's study?
The University of Bristol has a dedicated fees and funding website which houses lots of information about how to identify possible funding sources, as well as how to manage your finances whilst studying. You will find that the website also hosts a search engine that makes navigating the various funding streams/eligibility criteria much easier.
I have already obtained master's-level credits, can I transfer them?
You may be permitted to transfer up to 60 credits into a programme of study under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme. There are two ways in which ‘recognition’ can be considered:
- Recognised Prior 'Certified' Learning is the achievement of learning that has been formally assessed and certificated from previous study with a higher education organisation.
- Recognised Prior 'Experiential' Learning is the non-certified acquisition of relevant skills and knowledge, gained through relevant experience, which is capable of being evaluated.
All requests for the recognition of prior learning will be considered for approval by the relevant Admissions Officer. Prior learning will not normally be accepted if five or more years have elapsed since it occurred unless the applicant can provide evidence that his/her learning has continued in a professional or similar context.
Dependent on your programme of study it may not be possible to import the full 60 credits as your chosen programme of study may require completion of core units that cannot be substituted by this prior learning. For example this would be the case on most pathways under the MSc Education programme.
Typically students wishing to import the full 60 credits apply to the MSc Education or MSc Education (Teaching and Learning) programme.
Please be advised that the Postgraduate Government Loan requires completion of the full programme i.e. 180 credits. Those importing credits will not be eligible for this loan.
Students who successful import credits will receive a pro-rata fee discount for the credits awarded in their final free paying year of study.
How to apply
Full details on how to apply can be found here. The guidance available includes videos on how to make an online application. There is no fee to make an application to courses at the School of Education.
Applicants are advised to read the Admissions Statement for the chosen programme of study to find out more about what to include in your application, requirements for references, professional experience expectations and how to tailor your personal statement. Admissions Statements can be accessed via the Prospectus.
We aim to deliver a response to all masters applications within 21 days. At busy times, or during University holidays, it may take us a little longer.
Is there an open day for prospective postgraduate students? Can I visit the School of Education?
Further information on opportunities to visit the University and School including Postgraduate Café and Talk Events, Housing Fairs, Exhibitions and Open Days can be found here.
How can I defer my Offer of Study?
If you are holding an offer of study and are no longer able to start on the proposed start date you can request to defer your offer of study for one academic year. i.e. if you have an offer of study to start this year you could defer this offer to next year. To request a deferral please e-mail ed-masters-admiss@bristol.ac.uk. Deferred applicants will receive a new offer for the deferred start date in the next admissions cycle i.e. October/November 2020 for September 2021 start.