How To Apply To A PG Degree Course In The UK?

Getting admission to postgraduate degree courses is difficult in the United Kingdom (UK). It is imperative for students to start the application process as soon as possible, at least six months before the course begins so that they don’t get left out.

Universities use a central application system such as UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) for operating the application process for British universities. However, this need not be the case for PG courses because most universities require students to submit an individual application directly.

Since there is no uniformity, in terms of timing because each university has its own admission process, students should do research on universities, they want to apply to, more intensely.

Here are the things you need to follow while applying for PG in UK universities:

Follow the timeline

It is imperative that all students follow the timelines of the course’s application closely. For PG courses, late applications will not be considered. Timelines can differ, for example, applications usually open in March for the following September.

Certain universities, colleges, or courses will have open admissions that only close when the course is full. Do enough research on that and talk to a consultant if you have any doubts.

Eligibility

To get admission to a PG course, the student should pass a UG course. The requirements will include a minimum percentage of marks or grades.

The minimum grade requirement is usually the equivalent of a 2:1. Specialist degrees might require work experience like medical or engineering courses. Other courses will look for test scores such as GMAT (Business), BMAT (Medicine), or LNAT (Law). The crucial process is that you research well before choosing a particular university or course.

Entrance test/Interview/SOP

It depends on what is required for admission. Certain universities will permit admission through an entrance exam or interview. Others will want a well-written and compelling SOP (State of Purpose).

⮚ You can opt for coaching classes and online guides to prepare for the entrance exams.

⮚ If you are planning to apply to more than one university then don't send the same SOP everywhere. You should put together the SOP based on what is required in the individual universities you are applying to.

⮚ When it comes to interviews, some UK universities are moving to an automated interview system like 'Kira Talent.' In such cases, students are given questions to answer on the spot. The responses will be recorded and timed.

They will expect every new applicant to be a contributor. When you prepare for the interviews or SOPs, keep all that in mind. Be truthful in your approach and disclose your ambitions and aims adequately.

Students should prepare the following documents:

● CV

● Research proposal

● Work experience

● Career statement

● Passport copy (for international students)

● Mark sheet

What makes an application stand out?

The admissions committee will look for those people who are passionate, charismatic, and promising. Thousands of people will be applying from around the world. So, what does it take to provide a standout application?

⮚ It meets all requirements of the universities including the documents. If you have provided everything needed, then the application process will be faster.

⮚ They will look at the work experience and grades. Both these aspects will make the student look brilliant and promising, even in courses that don't require work experience.

⮚ You must demonstrate that you are unique and worthy to be included in the University. For that apart from the grades, you should be able to demonstrate soft skills like the ability to do teamwork, problem-solving, time-management, detail-orientated, creative, better communication, and a good networker. All these skills are expected in your studies as well as future.

⮚ You should be able to give it to the institution and pass on your skills. That should be reflected in the combination of background, experiences, passions, and goals you mention. So, articulate to the university about all that and what you have to offer.

If you did community service or social work, mention that in your application process.

⮚ Universities will also want to know about problems and challenges you face in your life and how well you can handle them. The ability to resolve issues is a major roadmap to how successful you will be in life.

Importance of a PG degree

Is it mandatory to get a PG degree? Of course not.

It is entirely up to decide whether you want to do higher studies. You can have a stable career with a UG degree and skills. Doing PG has its own advantages, take a look at them:

▪ You will get to do more research and delve deeper into the subject you have chosen.

▪ You can specialize in a single subject or a topic that you want to focus on.

▪ It will improve your career prospects. A PG degree from a well-reputed institution can easily get you your dream job.

▪ You will be able to negotiate for better pay in the company you are working in.

▪ You will get better priority for promotions. If you are working somewhere without any specialization, management will probably regard you as indispensable.

▪ Doing PG helps you get better exposure which helps a great deal in personality development. You will be skilled enough to start your own company or organization.

▪ People with a PG degree will get more opportunities like doing important projects for the company, undertaking special responsibilities, and foreign travel.

▪ PG degree earns you more prestige and career satisfaction.

Want to get a PG degree in the UK?

Contact the Scholab team to get the best overseas education consultancy. We will hold your hands throughout the process, you are not alone in this.