POSTGRADUATE PROSPECTUS 2013

Faculties

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How to apply

You can now apply online for all of our postgraduate programmes, (with the exception of our PGCE in Secondary Education and our Diploma in Social Work with Children and Young People). Start a new application Complete an existing application

Please note

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 contact your admissions office to confirm whether they accept paper applications. You can email pg-admissions@bristol.ac.uk to request a paper application form. Please note that the School of Economics, Finance and Management do not accept paper applications.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements vary depending on the programme. Most taught programmes require an upper second-class Undergraduate (Bachelor's) degree or equivalent. You may need to have a degree in a relevant field for some programmes, whilst others accept applicants from different (non-related) backgrounds.

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

Please check individual programme information for entry criteria also detailed in the Admissions Statement of each programme.

Eligibility for a programme

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

International applicants

If you are a 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

You are still welcome to apply even if you haven't graduated or received your final grades or certificate. Please provide transcripts to-date as well as other supporting documents; if applying online these can be uploaded.

Taught courses

For taught programmes to start in Autumn 2013, applications are accepted from October 2012 through to summer 2013. Please check the relevant programme page in this prospectus for further information, including deadlines. We advise to apply as soon as you can.

Please give yourself enough time to make arrangements, depending on the outcome of your application. This holds especially true in regards to accommodation or if you need to meet funding deadlines.

Research programmes

Applications are accepted throughout the year, but please check department and funding deadlines.

Re-applying

If you have applied before and were unsuccessful, you will need to re-apply, unless in possession of a deferred entry offer.

Closing date

Many of our taught programmes have a fixed deadline. Please check individual programme information since they hold different closing dates. Popular programmes often fill in advance, so we advise you apply as soon as you can.

Before applying

Before applying 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 departmental webpage and contact the department to discuss your research, if necessary.

More information about individual programmes, departments and academic members of staff is found on departmental webpages, accessed via programme pages within this prospectus.

Apply online

Our online system is designed to make our application process easy. You will be guided through our application form so you complete only the necessary sections for your programme. You can upload documents, request references or save your application and return to work on it later. Once submitted, you can check the progress of your application and view and respond to our admission decision online.

Should you experience any problems, please use the Technical Support function. If this does not resolve your query, please contact us at pg-admissions@bristol.ac.uk.

Create your application

You will need to create an account in order to apply. When you create an account, you can create a username and password so that you can return to work on your application at any time before submission.

Please provide a current email address when creating your profile. We will use this address to communicate with you about different matters. You can amend your profile email address by using the 'Update Profile' link in the top navigation of the application form.

If you forget your log-in details, you can use the Technical Support, or 'Forgot your user name or password?' links on the log-in page to reset your password.

You can also contact the Technical Support team for advice by using the ‘Technical Support’ link at the top of the screen throughout the process.

Making multiple applications

You can 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 some programmes within the Faculty of Engineering, the Graduate School of Education, the School of Physics and the School for Sociology, Politics and International Studies, the online application form will have a drop-down box where you can select a second choice. If you do not see that option, the programme does not allow for a second choice.

If you wish to apply for more than one programme but no second choice is available, then you are able to make a second application by creating a new profile. Please create a different username to any previous application, to prevent the system identifying your application as duplicate. The email address and name you provide must be accurate.

System security

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

Using the form

Please review application instructions, via the link in the top-left of your screen. Please also review the relevant Admissions Statement for the programme you are applying to. This statement contains important information about documents required as part of your application.

Start your application

Once you have logged into the form, select 'Application for Admission'. You will see a list of options in the left navigation. Select 'Programme Choice' to begin. You will need to complete this section first.

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 top and bottom of each screen.

Please proceed through the sections of the application form using the 'Save and Continue' button. Failure to navigate through the system might result in your inability to submit your application.

Left navigation

Before completing your online application to the University of Bristol, it is important that you read the following instructions. Please also read the Admissions Statement for the programme you are applying to, which contains important information about your application.

Application

Please complete all application form sections. Use the 'Save' button located at the top and bottom of each screen to save details you have entered. You do not have to complete the application in one sitting or from one computer. You should ensure that you always logout at the end of each session (top right of the screen), as the system will lock you out if you navigate away from the page. If this happens, you should switch the computer off and on again.

You may access the application as many times as you like with your username and password. You must move through the sections of the application form using the 'Save and Continue' button.

Some of our programmes require additional information. The system will guide you to complete a supplementary form for your programme when you move through the sections using the 'Save and Continue' button. You can also check the Admissions Statement for each of our programmes for information on what is needed.

References

You will be directed to 'References Section 1'. If appropriate, you can also use this section to upload any references you already have. Once you have completed the main body of the application form, the system will direct you to the 'Referee List' in 'References section 2', where you must identify your referees and, if appropriate, provide a reference using the online reference system. Please note that we will need an email address for your referee.

Check your application

You can 'Check Your Application' to see whether you have answered all questions required by the programme you are applying to. The system will identify any incomplete fields. Please note that this section refers only to the minimum number of questions required, there may be others that should be answered; please review your application carefully.

Downloadable forms

Forms you may need to complete are available for download. As you work through the application the system will prompt you to complete forms which are relevant to the programme you are applying to.

Print button

Use this button to print your application form for your records. You will be able to log in to view your submitted application at any time.

Top navigation

After completing your application, you can begin the submission process. Please select 'Submit Application' at the top of the page. You will be asked to confirm and to digitally sign your application. Once the University has received this, you will get a confirmation message.

Home

Please use this button to navigate to the home page of your application at any time.

Update Profile

Your email address in your profile needs to be current. We will use this address to let you know your admission decision and to communicate with you about your application progress and visa (if applicable). The address may be amended at any time.

Technical Support

Use this option for any queries about applying online.

Top-right navigation

In the interest of security and to prevent you locking out, you must logout of your application once your work is complete. We also recommend that you close your web browser after.

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 navigation to check whether you have completed all the relevant questions. The system will highlight the ones which still need completing.
  • Please review your responses answer questions accurately. When you submit your application your responses will become the official property of the University of Bristol and our admission decision will be based on the information provided.
  • Please select the 'Submit' button to send your application. You will be asked to confirm this action.
  • After you have submitted your application, use the 'Post-submission Uploads' section 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 be able to upload outstanding documents by using the 'Post-submission Uploads' section. You will also be able to update your email address in your profile by choosing 'Update Profile' in the top navigation. It is important to keep this email address up to date. None of the other information in your application can be changed after you have submitted.
  • To send your application, enter your name in the 'Application Signature' page and select the 'Submit' button.
  • You will receive a message that your submission is complete and a confirmation email from the University of Bristol.

Can I change my application or upload documents after submitting?

After submission, you cannot make any changes to your application, other than uploading supporting documents in the 'Post submission uploads' section. If you need to make any other updates, please contact the appropriate University of Bristol admissions office immediately.

Some students may be asked to submit a fees questionnaire. If you have been asked to do this, use the 'Downloadable Forms' section (left navigation) to download the questionnaire, Complete the form, save it and upload 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 such recruitment 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

We require documents in support of your application so if you are applying online you can upload these. Please provide the following:

  • Two references - for further information see the references section;
  • 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

Some programmes require additional documents; research applications may need a research proposal. You should check the Admissions Statement for your programme to make sure.

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

Missing documents

If you have not yet graduated, please apply as usual. When possible, please indicate your anticipated final grade on your application form. If an offer of study is made, it may be conditional on obtaining the minimum required final grade in your degree. You will need to 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 will need your degree certificate and transcripts in order to make a decision on your application. If you are missing these documents, you must obtain another copy (or a letter confirming your award and final grade, in the case of a degree certificate). You can request such documents from your University, though some Universities may charge.

References

We need two references in support of your application, for a decision. Applications received without references will not be processed.

Language certificate

Please see the Language Certificates section for more details.

Certified copies

If you are submitting hard copies of your documents, you may submit a certified copy instead of the original. A certified copy is one that has been approved as a true copy by a relevant authority. You can ask your University to provide this for 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 this is not possible, please submit your documents separately, by post or email. You need to include your full name, date of birth, applicant ID number and the name of the programme you are applying for; and submit your documents to the relevant faculty or school.

Uploading documents

The uppermost upload limit is 1,000 Kb. All uploaded files should be in one of the following formats: .doc, .wpd, .rtf, .xls, .pdf, .docx, .xlsx or .txt format. Image files (e.g. .gif .jpg, etc) are not accepted and should be converted to PDF. This can be done using free, web-based PDF converters; please read the terms and conditions before you proceed.

You can only upload one file into each question so ensure that your files include multiple pages if you have more than one to include, e.g. a transcript and a translation.

Uploading large files
Minimising file size for scanned documents
  • Please choose an appropriate resolution, 300dpi should be sufficient (although the document still needs to be legible). If your original is colour, scanning to grayscale will reduce its file size. You can also use 'Compact pdf' tools or functions on your scanner.
  • You need to save your scanned document as a PDF or convert as necessary. application form.
PDF

If you are using PDF creation software (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Pro), reduce the size of the document by selecting 'reduce file size' in the 'document' menu.

Microsoft Word document
  • Inserted images should not be high resolution.
  • Images need to be appropriately sized with a suitable file type.
  • If your files are too large, please resize them using image software (e.g. Microsoft Paint) and save them as .gif or .jpg (not .bmp) before inserting them into document.
  • Import graphic files into Word by referencing them, instead of pasting them directly. To do this, go to 'Insert' - 'Picture' or 'Insert' - 'Object.'
Downloadable forms

If you are uploading a form downloaded from the 'Downloadable Forms' area, its size must not exceed 1,000 Kb.

Macintosh users

File names must include the appropriate three- or four-letter extension. Please don't upload a document that is password-protected or that contains macros.

Getting help

For any 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 you are applying for.

Please include your references with your application form and other supporting documents, where possible. Otherwise you can submit your references separately, either by post or as scanned attachments by email. Please refer to our guidelines for submitting supporting documents.

It is your responsibility to ensure the University's receives your references.

Submitting a reference

There are several ways you can provide references:

Uploading a reference you already have

If you already have a reference, you can upload it in 'References Section 1' of the application form. Please also complete the referee's details in this section. Select the 'Referee List' button to enter the details and indicate that the referee will NOT be submitting your reference online.

Electronic submission

You can ask a referee to provide a reference online, provided they have an email address. Select the 'Referee List' option to enter the details of your referees, indicating they will be submitting a reference online.

To follow

Please include your references along with your application form and other supporting documents, where possible. You may submit your references separately however, either by post or email. You will still need to complete the referee's 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' section. You will need to send your reference to the Faculty to which you are applying.

How to complete the online reference process

  • Select 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 must 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 on how to proceed with the process.
  • You can view the status of your online references when you log into your application account.

Most of our postgraduate programmes will not consider applications until references have been submitted, so referees' details must be correct. It is your responsibility to ensure that we receive your references.

Further information about references

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.

Please, also note the following:

  • 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 their information;
  • To complete the reference online, a referee must have a current email address.

If you would like to send a reminder to a referee, check the box next to his/her name and select the 'resend' button in the references section of the application form.

After applying

Confirming your application has been received

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

You can check whether we have received your application by logging into the application system, or by contacting the relevant Admissions Office. If you are contacting us by email, please include your full name, date of birth, applicant ID number 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 (provided 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.

If you have not applied online, your application will be added to the online system once we receive it. You will be able to log in and check 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 a 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 calendar days of receipt of a completed application, and to get in touch with research applicants within five calendar days. If you have not heard within this time, please log into the application system to check the progress or contact the relevant Admissions Office.

Deferring entry

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