How to apply

How to apply

There are currently two methods of application for Postgraduate programmes:

• Apply online for all of our programmes (with the exception of our PGCE in Secondary Education and our Diploma in Social Work with Children and Young People).
• Apply by post, email or fax for all of our programmes if you are unable to apply online. Please email pg-admissions@bristol.ac.uk to request a paper application form.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements vary depending on the programme, but the majority of taught programmes require an upper second-class Undergraduate (Bachelor's) degree or equivalent. You may be required to have a degree in a relevant field for some programmes, whereas other programmes will accept applicants from many different (non-related) backgrounds.

Some programmes do have additional requirements, such as work experience or specific professional qualifications.

Please check individual programme information for the entry criteria for the programme(s) you are interested in.

Entry requirements are also detailed in the Admissions Statement for each programme.

Eligibility for a programme

If you are unsure as to whether you meet the entry requirements, please contact the Department before applying.

If you are an non-UK applicant, there are additional factors to bear in mind. Please see our information for international applicants for advice.

When to apply

• Before you have final grades/certificate

  If you have not yet graduated or received your final grades or certificate, you are still welcome to apply. You will need to provide transcripts to-date as well as other supporting documents. If you are applying online you can upload documents into your application easily.

• Taught courses

  For taught programmes to start in Autumn 2012, applications will be accepted from October 2011 through to summer 2012. Please check the relevant programme page in this prospectus for further information on deadlines. It is generally better to apply as soon as you can without waiting until you finish your studies or receive final documents.

  Remember to give yourself enough time to make suitable arrangements depending on the outcome of your application, in particular if you require accommodation or need to meet funding deadlines.

• Research programmes

  Applications can normally be accepted throughout the year, but please check Department and funding deadlines which may affect when you apply.

• Re-applying

  If you have applied before but were unsuccessful you will be required to re-apply unless you are in possession of an offer of deferred entry, you will need to apply again in the usual way.

• Closing date

  Many of our taught programmes have a fixed deadline and complete applications need to be received before this date. Programmes have differing deadlines, and so please check individual programme information. Popular programmes often fill their places in advance of the deadline, so it is advisable to apply as soon as you can.

Before applying

Before you start your application, please ensure you have:

• Consulted the relevant programme information in this prospectus.
• Reviewed the Admissions Statement for your programme which details any additional requirements departments may have
• If you are applying for a research programme, it is strongly advisable to consult the relevant department webpage before applying, and contact the Department to discuss your research if required.

More detailed information about individual programmes, departments and our academic members of staff will be found on Departmental webpages, which can be accessed via the link on programme pages within the prospectus.

Apply online

Our online system is designed to make our application process easy and convenient for you. You will be guided through our application form to ensure that you complete only the necessary sections for your programme. It is easy to upload documents into your application and you will be able to request references online. You can also save your application and return to work on it at a later date. Once you have submitted, you can check the progress of your application by logging into the system and will be able to view and respond to our admission decision online.

Should you experience any problems with the online system, please use the online help function. If this does not resolve your query, please contact us, pg-admissions@bristol.ac.uk.

Create your application

You will need to create an account in order to begin your application. When you create an account, you can create your own username and password so that you can return to work on your application over several sessions before submitting it.

Please ensure that the email address you provide us with when you create your profile is up to date. We will use this address to communicate with you about the progress of your application, to inform you of your decision and to provide information for your UK visa application (if applicable). You can amend your profile email address by choosing 'Update Profile' in the top navigation of the online application form. 

If you forget your log-in details, you can use the Technical support, or 'Forgotten PIN or password?' links on the log-in page to have them re-sent to you, or your account unlocked.

You can also contact the Technical Support team for advice and support on accessing and completing your application form by using the ‘Technical Support’ link at the top of the screen throughout the application form.

Making multiple applications

You may wish to apply to more than one programme at the University of Bristol.

If you wish to apply for more than one programme within the School of Economics, Finance and Management, or the School of Computer Science, the online application form will have a drop-down box where you can select a second choice of programme. If you do not see a drop-down box in the programme choice section of the form, the programme does not have the option of a second choice.

If you wish to apply for more than one programme outside of these two Schools, then you are able to make a second application by creating a new username and password. Please create a different username to any previous application you have made with us, to prevent the system identifying your application as a duplicate. Please ensure the email address and name you give when setting up your profile are accurate.

System security

The University of Bristol is committed to delivering electronic services that recognise and respect customer concerns around privacy and security.

Using the form

It is important that you review the Application Instructions, accessible from the link in the top-left of your screen. Please also review the relevant Admissions Statement for the programme you are applying to, which contains vital information about documents required as part of your application.

Start your application

Click on Programme Choice in the left-hand navigation. You will need to complete this section before moving through the other sections of the application form.

Complete each section as it appears. If you would like to pause in a section and save your work, use the 'Save' button located at the bottom of each screen, which will store the details you have entered on that page.

You must move through the sections of the application form using the 'Save and Continue' button, located at the bottom of each page. Failure to navigate through the system in this way will mean that you may not complete all the information that University of Bristol requires for your programme and you may be unable to submit your application.

Left-hand navigation - Instructions

Before you begin completing your on-line application to University of Bristol, it is important that you review these Application Instructions. Please also review the Admissions Statement for the programme you are applying to, which contains vital information about documents required as part of your application.

• Application

Complete the application form sections. Make sure to complete each section of the application you are taken to and use the 'Save' button located at the bottom of each screen to store the details you have entered on that page. You do not have to complete the online application in one sitting or from one computer. You may access the application as many times as you like with your PIN and Password from any computer with Internet access. You must move through the sections of the application form using the 'Save and Continue' button, located at the bottom of each page.

Some of our programmes require additional information as part of the application process. The system will automatically guide you to complete a supplementary form for your programme when you move through the sections of the application form using the 'Save and Continue' button, located at the bottom of each page. You can also check the Admissions Statement for each of our programmes for information on what you should supply with your application.

• References

Within the application form, the system will direct you to 'References Section 1', which you should use to indicate how your references will be sent to University of Bristol. If appropriate, you can also use this section to upload any references you already have in-hand. Once you have completed the main body of the application form, the system will direct you to 'References Section 2', where you must identify your referees and, if appropriate, request a referee to provide you with a reference using the online reference system. Please note that to use the online application system to provide a reference for you, your referee must have an email address.

• Check Your Application

You can use the 'Check Your Application' feature to check whether you have answered all the questions required by the programme you are applying to. If all required fields are not completed, the system will identify which questions still need answers. Please note that this section refers only to the minimum number of questions required by the system before submission is allowed. There may be many other questions on the form that should also be answered; thus, please review your application carefully.

• Downloadable forms

Any forms you may need to download, complete and upload with your application are located here. As you work through the application the system will prompt you to complete any of these forms which are relevant to the programme you are applying to.

• Print button

You can use this button to print your application form for your own records. However, please note that you will be able to log in to your submitted application at any time and view the information you have submitted.

Top navigation

After you check your application for completeness, you may begin the submission process by clicking on the 'Submit Application' button at the top of the page. You will then be asked to confirm your decision to submit the application and digitally sign your application before submitting. Once University of Bristol has received your application, you will receive a confirmation message confirming your successful submission.

• Home

You can use this button to navigate to the home page of your application form at any time.

• Update Profile

Please ensure that the email address you provide us with when you create your profile is up to date as we will use this address to let you know your admission decision and to communicate with you about the progress of your application and visa (if applicable). You can amend your profile email address using this button.

• Tech Support

If you have queries about using the online application system, please use this button.

Top-right navigation

To help ensure the security of your application, you must logout of the online application once your work is complete. It is also highly recommended that you close your browser after logging out.

Submitting your application

• You may only submit your application once.
• When you have completed your application, use the 'Check My Application' feature in the left-hand navigation to check whether you have completed all the relevant questions for the programme you are applying to. The system will highlight questions which still need to be completed in order to submit your application.
• Please ensure that you have carefully reviewed your responses and that you have answered all of the questions accurately. When you submit your application your responses will become the official property of University of Bristol and our admission decision will be based on the information you have provided.
• You should click on the 'Submit' button to submit your application. You will be asked to confirm this action.
• After you have submitted your application, use the section entitled 'Post-submission Uploads' to submit any further supporting documents if necessary. If you need to make any other updates to your application, please contact the appropriate admissions office.
• The final step is to complete the Application Signature page. Once you have submitted your application you will only be able to upload outstanding documents by logging back into your submitted application and using the section entitled 'Post-submission Uploads'. You will also be able to update the email address you provided in your profile by logging in to the system and choosing 'Update Profile' in the top navigation. It is important to keep this email address up to date as we will use it to communicate your admission decision to you and for your visa application (if applicable).  None of the other information in your application can be changed after you have submitted.
• To submit your application enter you name in the 'Application Signature' page and click on the 'Submit' button.
• You should then receive a message telling you that your submission is complete. You will also receive a confirmation email from University of Bristol.

Can I change my application or upload documents after I have submitted my application?

After submission, you cannot make any changes to your application, other than uploading selected outstanding supporting documents in the 'Post submission uploads'. The 'Post submission uploads' section is to be used only when you have submitted your application. If you need to make any other updates to your application, please contact the appropriate University of Bristol admissions office at once.

Some students may be asked to submit a fees questionnaire after they have submitted their application.  If you have been asked to do this you should navigate to the Downloadable Forms area of this application using the left-hand navigation and download the Fees Questionnaire (Microsoft Word document) to your computer. Complete the form, save it and upload it in the 'Post submission uploads' section.

Admissions policy

The University welcomes applications from candidates from all backgrounds, and our admissions policy includes a commitment to the recruitment of students from a range of backgrounds, with all the educational and cultural benefits this brings. The life of the University is enriched by a student body which reflects the diversity of the community at large, including students from all parts of the UK, the local area, students from other EU countries and from overseas, mature students and those entering straight from their first degree.

The University's admissions policy is directed towards the selection of students who have the ability and motivation to benefit from the programmes which they intend to follow and who will make a contribution to the life of the University.

If you wish to find out more, please see our Admissions Principles and Procedures.

Supporting information

Required documents

Aside from providing information on the application form, we also require documents in support of your application. If you are applying online you can upload these into your application easily. Documents you need to provide are as follows:

• Two references. Please see the references section for further information
• University degree transcripts to date. Transcripts are documents showing your grades for individual units/essays/exams throughout your degree
• University degree certificate
• English language certificate if your first language is not English. See information on Language Certificates for further information

You may also be required to submit additional documents for some programmes, and research applications may need to include a research proposal. You should check the Admissions Statement for your programme for further details.

We accept certified copies of documents. This is particularly relevant for international applicants who need to retain original documents for visa purposes.

Missing documents

If you have not yet graduated, please apply as normal. If you can, indicate your anticipated final grade on your application form. If an offer of study is made to you, it may be conditional on the basis you obtain the minimum required final grade in your degree. Please ensure you include transcripts to date (e.g. if you are a third year student, please include transcripts from your first and second years).

Degree certificate or transcripts

We do need to see your degree certificate and transcripts in order to make a decision on your application. If you are missing these documents, you will need to obtain another copy (or a letter confirming your award and final grade, in the case of a degree certificate). You can normally request such documents from your University, though some Universities may charge.

References

We do need to see two references in support of your application in order to make a decision. Applications received without references will not be processed, so please ensure you make reference arrangements before applying.

Language certificate

Please see the Language Certificates section for more details.

Certified copies

If you are submitting hard copies of your documents, you may wish to submit a certified copy instead of the original document. A certified copy is a copy which has been certified as a true copy of the original document by a relevant authority. You can ask your University to provide a certified copy to you. Alternatively, you can have a solicitor, your local British Council or relevant authority certify documents for you.

Submitting supporting documents

Supporting documents should be uploaded with the rest of your application if possible, either uploaded into your online application or emailed/posted with your application form. If this is not possible, please submit your documents separately by post or email. Please ensure you include your full name, date of birth, and the name of the programme you are applying for, and submit your documents to the relevant Faculty or School who will be dealing with your application. Please see the contacts page for contact details.

Uploading documents

Files you upload cannot exceed 1000 KB in size and should be in .doc, .wpd, .rtf, .xls, .pdf, .docx, .xlsx or .txt format. Image files (such as .jpg format files) are not accepted by the system and should be converted to .pdf format prior to uploading.  Software to do this conversion is widely available on the internet.  You can only upload one file into each upload question, so you should ensure that your scan appends document pages if you have multiple documents to include within one upload - e.g. a transcript and a translation.

Uploading large files

• Minimising file size for scanned files

  • Use the options in your scanning application carefully - you need not always pick the highest resolution, just ensure a reasonable and legible quality. For some documents you may wish to scan to greyscale as this will create a smaller image size.  You can also try using any 'Compact pdf' tools or functions on your scanner.
  • Once you have scanned in your documents you should create a .gif file where possible instead of a .jpg file.  A .jpg format creates a better quality image but will be larger than a .gif format file. Please try a .gif formatted file first and see what the scanned document looks like. If it’s okay, that's fine, if not then try a .jpg format.
  • You should copy the image of your document into Microsoft Paint, or another image manipulation application and print it to a pdf to make a smaller sized file.  Note that you cannot upload .gif or .jpg format files into your application form.

• PDF

  • If you are using Adobe Acrobat pdf creation software (such as Adobe Acrobat Pro), reduce the size of the pdf by selecting 'reduce file size' in the 'document' menu.
  • If you do not have Adobe Acrobat pdf creation software and are instead using pdf reader software (such as Adobe Reader or similar), you can reduce the size of the pdf by opening it in the pdf reader software and then printing it to another pdf.

• Microsoft Word document

  • Inserted images should not be high resolution
  • Images should be appropriately sized with an appropriate file type
  • Images can be re-sized your images in an image manipulation application such as Microsoft Paint and save them as .gif or .jpg format files (as opposed to a .bmp format file) before inserting them into Microsoft Word. 
  • Import the graphic files into Word by referencing them, instead of pasting them into your document directly. To do this, go to 'Insert' -  'Picture' - 'From File' or 'Insert' - 'Object.' Pasting an image directly into the document means that Word automatically creates the image in a .bmp format and results in a large file size.

• Downloadable forms

  If you are uploading a form which you have downloaded from our Downloadable Forms area, please ensure the size of the completed form does not exceed 1,000 Kb and that you are uploading the correct form.

• Macintosh users:

  For Macintosh users, please note that the filename must include the appropriate three- or four-letter extension. Also, please do not attempt to upload a document that is password-protected or that contains macros. This will cause the process to fail.

• Getting help

  If you experience difficulties, please contact technical support using the Tech Support button in the top navigation of the application form.

References

We require two references as part of your application. We recommend you use academic referees, unless you have employment references which are directly relevant to the programme to which you are applying.

Where possible, please try and include your references along with your application form and other supporting documents so that you submit everything together. If this is not possible, you are welcome to submit your references separately, either by post or as scanned attachments by email. Please follow our guidelines for submitting supporting documents for details.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure that we receive your references.

Submitting a reference

There are several ways that you can provide each of your references to the University

• Uploading a reference you already have

  If you already have a reference in-hand you should upload it in 'References Section 1' of the application form. You will also need to complete the referees details in this section. Click on the 'Referee List' button below to enter the details of your referees and indicate that the referee will NOT be submitting your reference online.

• Electronic submission

  You can ask a referee to provide you with a reference using our online reference system. Please note that to use the online reference system, your referee must have an email address. Click on the 'Referee List' button below to enter the details of your referees and indicate that the referee will be submitting your reference online.

• To follow

  Where possible, please try and include your references along with your application form and other supporting documents so that you submit everything together. If this is not possible, you can submit your references separately, either by post or as scanned attachments by email. You will still need to complete the referees details in this section and indicate that the referee will NOT be submitting your reference online. You can download a copy of our reference form in the Downloadable Forms area of this system. You will need to send your reference to the Faculty to which you are applying.

Instructions on how to complete the reference process online

• Click the 'Referee List' button in the References Section 2 area of the application form.
• Insert the name and contact information of each referee.
• If you want to ask a referee to submit a reference online, you will need to ensure that you enter a valid email address for this referee and indicate that they will be submitting their letter of reference online.
• Once the referee's details are saved, an email will be sent to them with an access code and instructions about how to proceed with the online reference.
• You can view the status of your online references each time you log into your application account.

You can check whether your references have been submitted in the online application system, and you can also send a reminder to your referees if they have not yet started your reference. Most of our postgraduate programmes will not consider applications until references have been submitted, so please ensure the details you have provided for your referees are correct. It is your responsibility to ensure that we receive your references.

Further information

• Your online reference will automatically be matched to your application upon submission.
• A referee's access code is valid for 180 days from the date you input and save their information.
• To complete the reference online, a referee must have a valid email address.
• The University of Bristol may not be able to make a decision on your application without two references. It is your responsibility to ensure that your references are received by the University. You should understand that your application may not be considered complete if you have not provided all necessary documents.
• If you would like to send a reminder to a referee, in the References section of the application form, check the box next to his/her name and click on the 'resend' button. This will automatically generate a reminder email to the referee.

After applying

Confirming your application has been received

If you have applied online or stated your email address on your application, you will receive an automated email notifying you once your application has been received. If you do not have an email address, unfortunately it is not always possible for applications to be acknowledged.

You can check whether we have received your application by logging back into the application system, or by contacting the relevant Faculty Office. If you are contacting us by email, please include your full name, date of birth and the name of the programme you have applied for.

Please allow sufficient time for your application to reach us before enquiring, especially if your application has been posted from overseas.

How the application is assessed

Once your application has been received, it will be processed by our Faculty or School Offices (providing it is complete). Your application will also be sent to the relevant Department for assessment, and once a decision has been made, you will be informed by the Faculty or School Office.

If you have not applied using our online system, your application will be added to the online system when we receive it. You will be able to log back into the application system to see the progress of your application, view your decision (once it has been made) and, if applicable, accept our offer of admission.

When assessing your application, your University degree grade, and grades achieved in individual units/components of your degree will be looked at, along with your references and personal statement. We assess applications on a case-by-case basis in a holistic manner.

Application decisions

We aim to make decisions on applications to taught postgraduate programmes within 21 days and to get in touch with research applicants within 5 days of receiving an application. If you have not heard within this time, please log back into the application system to check the progress of your application or contact the relevant Faculty Office.

Deferring entry

It may be possible to defer entry, however some programmes will require a new application. Please contact the relevant Faculty Office for further information.