Apply for postgraduate study

Application process

Frequently asked questions

Where can I find information about postgraduate programmes at the University of Exeter?

Full details of our Postgraduate programmes can be found under our subject areas. For more information about a particular programme of study, please visit one of our College websites.

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How can I get a postgraduate prospectus and application forms?

You can download a copy of our latest prospectus on the order a prospectus page, however the information held on our postgraudate study webpages and college webpages provides more comprehensive information. Applying online is the quickest way to apply and receive a decision on your application. You can upload some of your supporting documents* via the online system which will enable us to make a faster decision on your application. Alternatively you can complete a paper application. See Application process.
*Your reference(s) will need to be sent to us direct by your referee(s).

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Where can I find information about entry requirements?

Entry requirements for taught programmes can be found in the right hand navigation next to the programme description.

General entry requirements for research programmes can be found on our PhD entry requirements page, although you will also need to consult the College's webpages and our English language requirements page if English is not your first language.

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Where can I find information about English Language requirements, acceptable tests and tuition?

Full details of the acceptable tests and the scores required can be found on our English language requirements section. For details of English language courses and tuition at Exeter, please visit the INTO website.

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Where can I find information about University accommodation?

Information about accommodation on our campuses in Exeter can be found at: www.exeter.ac.uk/accommodation. Information about accommodation at our Cornwall campus is at www.exeter.ac.uk/cornwall/accommodation

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What information is available on scholarships, bursaries and studentships?

The Scholarships, Bursaries and Studentships website provides information to both prospective and current students on the range of institutional and School-based funding available, with details on how to apply.You can search for awards relevant to you via our funding database.

Where can I find information about the campus and community in Exeter and Cornwall?

For information about the campus and community please see the Locations webpages.

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How can I find out the research interests of academic staff?

A summary of research areas and groups is provided under each research degree entry. More detailed information about the research activity and expertise of academic staff at the University of Exeter can be found on our College and research centres websites; our directory of research activity provides a comprehensive list of all areas of research at the University. You can also find out more about individual staff interests and expertise in our staff profiles on college sites; see the directory of staff profiles on our Research site for links to these for different subject areas.

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How do I apply?

For details of how to apply, please see How to Apply. To apply online, please visit our Online Application form; this is the quickest way to apply.

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What is the application deadline for postgraduate programmes?

Although for most programmes there is no formal closing date, some programmes are extremely popular and fill up quickly.  If you are an international student applying for a postgraduate taught programme you are advised to apply by 11 May 2013 to facilitate your visa application and application for University accommodation. See our Application deadlines page for more information.

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Can I send my supporting documentation in after my application?

We recommend uploading all supporting documents with your application as this makes the process much quicker and enables us to make a faster decision on your application.

You can apply before completing all of your academic qualifications but you will need to provide any interim transcripts that you have to support your application.

If you are an international student and you have not yet completed your academic or English language qualifications we will normally be able to make you an offer on condition on completing these and supplying any required references.  You will need to provide documentary evidence that you have met these conditions before your offer can be considered unconditional.  

We do not require original copies at the application stage and would not recommend that you send these during the application process. Please note that ALL international students will need to show original or certified copies of academic qualification/s and (if applicable) an English Language qualification at registration along with your current passport and (if appropriate) student visa. For further information see ‘Once you have an offer’.

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Do you accept references by email or fax?

Your referees can either complete a paper copy of the reference form and post it to us or complete it electronically and send via email. Paper reference forms should be endorsed by an appropriate institution/company official stamp or be accompanied by a letter of reference on official institution/company letterhead. If your referees wish to email or fax your references to us we can only accept these if sent from a university or company address or email.

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When can I start my postgraduate study at the University?

Most full-time taught Masters programmes start in October. Start dates for each programme are stated in the individual programme entry in our subject areas. Some taught programmes, particularly those offered via distance learning have flexible start dates. You can register for a research degree at any point in the academic year although the majority of students commence their studies in October. Please contact your chosen College for further information.

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How can I find out what my Fee Status and programme fees will be?

Information about our assessment criteria can be found on our fee status webpage. You can also visit the UKCISA website which contains specialist advice and guidance.  Programme fees can be found under each programme entry in our subject areas.

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Have you received my application?

We receive thousands of applications a year from all over the world, and we try to deal with each application as quickly and efficiently as possible.

We will acknowledge receipt of your application via email within 2 working days of receipt. It is therefore not necessary to contact us to check if we have received your application.

If you have completed a paper-based application, remember that postage times vary, and therefore your application may take several days or even weeks to reach us, depending on your country. For further information see 'How we assess your application'.

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What happens to my application when you have received it?

The Admissions Office will consider your application once all supporting documentation is received. You will be informed of our decision via email (providing you have supplied an email address). It is therefore very important to inform the Admissions Office of any change of address or email.

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How long will it take to be informed of a decision on my application?

Once we have a complete application, we aim to provide decisions for taught programmes within 20 working days, although there will be exceptions during extremely busy periods where it will take longer.

Decisions for research programmes are normally made within 8 to 10 weeks. Completed applications are sent to the academic college for consideration and additional documentation may be required before a decision can be made (for example, a more detailed research proposal).

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How often will Exeter contact me after I have sent my application?

All applicants will receive a personalised email to confirm the application has been received. It is therefore very important that if you have an email address, you specify it clearly on your application form.

We will send you up to three email reminders if you have not sent in all the supporting documents that we need to make a decision. If we have not heard from you within 4 weeks of the final reminder, we will withdraw your application.

We will notify you of our decision within 20 working days of receipt of a complete application (for taught programmes). If you have a conditional offer we will write to you again when you have met all your conditions to confirm that your offer is now unconditional. If you are an international student you will be able to use this letter for visa purposes.

We will contact you nearer to the start of the new academic year with details of our postgraduate induction week and registration.

You will also be contacted by your academic School with induction information. 

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Can I apply for more than one programme?

It is possible to apply for more than one programme; however, we would ask you to consider your choices carefully, and ensure your personal statement is relevant to your choice(s). You can hold more than one offer, but you can only accept one.

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Can I appeal a decision?

If your application has been unsuccessful you can appeal the decision by emailing the Admissions team. This must be done within a maximum of three months of receiving your decision. You need to include details of the programme for which you applied, your Exeter Reference Number, and your grounds for appeal. You can only appeal against a decision once.

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My personal details have changed since I applied. What do I do?

It is very important that you let us know of any changes to your personal details. This will ensure that all correspondence goes to the right person at the correct address. Please include the title of the programme that you have applied for, and your Exeter reference number in all correspondence with the Admissions Office. Our contact details can be found on our Contact us page.

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