Applying to Aberdeen couldn’t be simpler, and with a number of scholarships available across the Colleges to provide financial assistance to postgraduate students, the University will do everything it can to make your decision to apply an easy one.
When Do I Apply?
Most taught postgraduate programmes begin in mid-September. International students can apply any time from the previous September. For application deadlines please visit www.abdn.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply
UK/EU students can apply any time from the previous September until the start of the course. For taught programmes beginning in January, applications are accepted until the end of September prior to the start of the course; UK/EU students can apply until the programme start date. In all cases, international students should consider the time required for visa application processing.
Research programmes often have flexibility to begin at any time during the academic year. Applications can be made up to 12 months in advance but preferably no later than six months before you intend to start your studies.
There is no need to complete your previous course of study or to have achieved English language qualifications before applying; we can make offers conditional upon you successfully completing a particular qualification.
How Do I Apply?
It is important when submitting an application that you have completed all the necessary sections and have enclosed all of the relevant documentation to ensure that your application can be processed as quickly as possible.
To apply you must submit:
- A completed Postgraduate Application Form
- Full details of your academic achievements to date (e.g. transcript, degree certificate)
- Proof of proficiency in English is required if you are an international applicant. Visit www.abdn.ac.uk/languagecentre for details. This can be submitted at a later date but must be verified by the University prior to commencement of your studies
- Academic References. Two references are required for research programmes. Taught programmes generally require one reference only but there are some exceptions so applicants are advised to check individual programmes for specific entry requirements
- Some programmes require a CV but please check individual programmes for details of specific entry requirements
You can download our application form and application notes or apply online at: www.abdn.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply
Note: If you have any disability or medical condition which might necessitate special arrangements or facilities, please write directly to Student Support Services to discuss these before you submit your application.
Student Support Services
The Hub
Elphinstone Road
Old Aberdeen
AB24 3TU
Tel: +44 (0)1224 273935
Email: student.support@abdn.ac.uk
If you have any questions about the application process please contact:
Postgraduate Admissions Office University Office, University of Aberdeen King’s College, Aberdeen, AB24 3FX Tel: +44 (0)1224 273506 Email: pgadmissions@abdn.ac.uk
Please note, for the PGDE Primary and Secondary Education programmes, please DO NOT use University of Aberdeen or Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) forms. Application forms for these programmes are available from the Graduate Teacher Training Registry:
Tel: +44 (0)870 1122200 or you can apply online at www.gttr.ac.uk
How is My Application Processed?
Step One You will receive an acknowledgement when the University of Aberdeen receives your application. Completed applications are then passed to the relevant School for consideration.
Step Two After considering your application, the Head of the School to which you have applied will decide whether an offer of admission can be made. UK-based applicants for research degrees or postgraduate scholarships and those who have been out of education for a period of time may be interviewed before a decision is made.
Offers of admission may be conditional or unconditional. Under the terms of a conditional offer, applicants are requested to obtain or provide evidence of further or pending qualifications that will allow them to fully satisfy the course entry criteria. Such students may, for example, be awaiting final undergraduate degree results.
Unconditional offers may be issued directly to applicants whose qualifications fully satisfy the entry criteria of their desired postgraduate programme.
Step Three
You will be sent a decision, informing you of whether or not the University is able to offer you a place of study. Those who have been sent an offer will also receive an Acceptance Form and a Financial Guarantee Form. You must complete and return both of these forms to the Postgraduate Admissions Office as early as possible.
Once we have received these forms, applicants with unconditional offers will be ‘cleared for admission’. Applicants with conditional offers will be cleared for admission after they have forwarded, to the Postgraduate Admissions Office, documents to confirm that they have met the conditions of offer.
Step Four
Once you have been ‘cleared for admission’, students who are commencing study in September/October* will be sent, from May onwards, a pack of joining instructions which includes information on accommodation, registration, tuition fees payment, and their student ID number, etc. All international students who declare that they require a visa to enter the UK will receive a Confirmation of Acceptance which includes a CAS number so that they may apply for a visa.
*Research students commencing study at a time other than September/October will receive their joining instructions and a CAS number (if applicable) at the equivalent time prior to the commencement of their studies.
Education Programmes
The application process for taught postgraduate programmes for in the School of Education varies from the standard application procedure. Application for PGDE Primary and Secondary programmes is through the Graduate Teacher Training Registry. For more information please visit www.gttr.ac.uk
Application for in-service education programmes is by completion of a specific application form for the programme you want to study. These application forms can be downloaded from the School of Education website.
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
Please note that international taught and research applicants for certain Science, Engineering or Technology disciplines require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Clearance Certificate. ATAS clearance must be obtained before applying for a visa. If you need to obtain ATAS clearance, this will be indicated in the letter detailing our offer of admission. For more information, visit www.fco.gov.uk/atas