Applying for a Masters degree

Find out whether you need to submit a personal statement as part of your postgraduate application, by visiting our personal statements page. We also provide you with some tips and advice on how to write a personal statement, which should be no longer than 500 words.

If you have received your test results you may include a copy with your application. The main tests we accept are IELTS, TOEFL or Pearson, and the test must be less than three years old at the time of admission. The IELTS requirement for your course is listed in our course listings.

You can also see more detailed information about English language requirements here (.pdf)

Official transcript(s), in English or a certified translation of your academic results to date, showing marks or grades, must be provided at the time you make your application. (Transcripts are not required from current or previous University of Essex students, or from students who have previously completed a degree at Colchester Institute awarded by the University of Essex).

If you are applying to one of our taught courses in the Essex Law School or Human Rights Centre, a Pre-Registration Masters course, MA Social Work, MSc Periodontology, MSc Advanced Periodontal Practice, or the Essex MBA, you will need to provide a copy of your CV with your application.

You are required to submit a reference only if you are applying for one of the following courses:

• The Essex MBA
• MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-Registration)
• MSc Speech and Language Therapy (Pre-Registration)
• MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration)
• MA Social Work
• MA Psychodynamic Counselling

Don't worry if you cannot provide your reference when you make your application, as if we make you an offer you will be able to provide this at a later stage. References should be recent, ideally on letterhead paper, as well as signed and dated by the referee. We can also accept an email directly from your referee.

If you are currently studying at another university, either in the UK or elsewhere, and it’s not working out, you may be considering transferring to the University of Essex.

We welcome enquiries and applications to transfer to the University of Essex and recommend that you read the guidance below before making an application.

Before applying for transferred entry

Transferring to another institution is a big decision, and can take time to complete. We would recommend speaking with someone at your current university (such as your personal tutor, supervisor or academic support services) who can provide advice and guidance on the possibility of transferring.

You should also discuss with them the impact that a transfer might have on your funding or visa arrangements.

If you decide that you wish to transfer to the University of Essex, we recommend emailing our Postgraduate Admissions Office before making an application. 

How to apply for transferred entry

Please email pgquery@essex.ac.uk stating that you intend to transfer from your existing institution, stating your course choice and preferred point of entry at Essex. You should then make your application for the course via the University’s Postgraduate application form and attach the following supporting documentation:

• CV
• Personal statement (which might include your reasons for moving institution)
• An academic reference
• Undergraduate and Postgraduate Transcripts

Upon receipt of your application, the relevant department may invite you to interview and will assess your suitability for transfer to the University of Essex.  The following information may also be requested for consideration as part of your application:

• Formal release of all Intellectual Property (IP) from your original institution
•  Data use and/or ownership information
•  Ethical approval information
• Studentship/scholarship funding transfer arrangements

All suitable applications for admission are then submitted to the relevant Deputy Dean (Research) for final approval.

Visa students

If you require a Student visa to study in the UK, the above information will apply. However, in addition, we will consider whether you would be able to meet all Home Office requirements when determining whether or not you are eligible to transfer to the University of Essex.

Transferring from a partner institution

You may be looking to transfer to the University of Essex from a partner institution in the EU or overseas under one of our link agreements, which support the admissions of students to study with us through progression arrangements.

Transferring credit for individual modules

If you wish to transfer credits for individual modules from your current or previous university study or work experience, you should discuss the matter with the relevant Admissions Office in the first instance. Your request may be considered under the University’s Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning – AP(E)L procedure. This procedure may need to be completed in addition to submitting a standard application to transfer to the University of Essex.

Please refer to the University’s AP(E)L policy and procedure for further information.

We understand that sometimes circumstances beyond your control may have impacted your studies. The Admissions Selector may take into account any extenuating circumstances which have affected an individual applicant when deciding whether an offer should be made, or if an applicant’s place may still be confirmed where degree results miss the entry requirement.

We will automatically consider information provided within the personal statement and reference about any extenuating circumstances which may have affected your academic performance. If you wish to inform us of any extenuating circumstances not disclosed in your application, such as illness or any other serious difficulties during study, these should be emailed to pgquery@essex.ac.uk or the Postgraduate Admissions Adviser named on your offer letter. You should inform us of any extenuating circumstances as soon as possible. If further information or evidence is required regarding any extenuating circumstances before a decision can be made, we will contact you. Any extenuating circumstances provided should only be those not already considered by an examination board prior to your results being issued.  

Applications are considered against the same academic criteria as those from other candidates. If you are disabled, state this on your application form so that we can give early consideration to any support requirements you may have. Please contact Student Support if you would like to discuss this in more detail before you apply.

If you require an application form in an alternative format please telephone Graduate Admissions on +44 (0) 1206 876587 to discuss your needs.

Policy and procedure for the accreditation of prior (experiential) learning (AP(E)L)

• AP(E)L Policy (.pdf)
• AP(E)L Proforma (.doc)
• The reuse of credit (.pdf)
• Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust reuse of credit (.pdf)

This procedure applies to former postgraduate students who are requesting permission to be readmitted to study, having previously left voluntarily or having been required to withdraw from the University.

It does not apply to:

• students who want to be admitted to study at a higher level after having successfully completed an award at a lower level
• students who have successfully completed a degree and want to start another degree in a different subject area

Readmission policy

It is our policy, and part of national HESA rules, that you cannot normally be considered for readmission to the same programme from which you have been required to withdraw, or a similar programme which contained modules you have already taken, for a minimum of two years after you left (with the exception of students who have been required to withdraw for debt).

You can be considered for immediate readmission to a completely different area of study if there are good reasons to indicate that you chose the wrong course originally and there was evidence that you could be successful in a new area. This is subject to the University’s rules relating to the maximum period of study.

How to apply

In order for your request to be considered, please complete the application form for former postgraduate students.

Supporting documents

Your personal statement should cover the reasons why you wish to be readmitted; what you have been doing since leaving Essex; and why you believe you will be successful if you return to your studies at Essex. If you have studied elsewhere since leaving Essex, please give full details of the course(s) you studied and the dates of your study.

If you are a recent Essex student and you have not studied elsewhere since leaving Essex, then you will not need to supply a new reference with your application.

Deadlines

The deadlines for the submission of a readmission request are set well in advance of the relevant course start date, as the process can be a lengthy one, especially if a student requires a Student visa to study in the UK.

Outcome

Your application will be considered by several departments within the University, so please don’t be concerned if you don’t hear from us immediately. Depending on your case, it may be a number of weeks before you receive a decision. If you have any concerns about the progress of your readmission request please contact: readmission@essex.ac.uk

Complaints against decisions

There is no right of appeal against selection decisions made by the University, including decisions about readmission. Complaints will normally be considered to be valid only where there is evidence of procedural irregularity. In the event that you are dissatisfied with the University’s readmissions process, you can submit a complaint in line with the Complaints policy for applicants (.pdf).