Essential information for applicants

Your application checklist and other essential information on processing times, entry clearance and English language requirements are outlined below for taught Masters (MSc/MRes) and research degrees (PhD, EngD, MSc by Research).

The following supporting documentation must be submitted by you with your online application to the University of Glasgow:

After application, your supervisor will provide, in consultation with you,  a brief project description (100 words) on your agreed research topic if you are a non-EU applicant applying for postgraduate research.  This will be shown on your offer letter, along with your JACS (Joint Academic Classification of Subjects) study code. 

Dual MSc and PhD (1+3) offers

Our Graduate School may make a simultaneous offer to you if it judges that you are not ready for direct admission to PhD study or if this is the preferred model of your sponsor.  In these circumstances, you would typically receive a conditional offer for PhD study, subject to successful completion of a one year taught Masters programme. 

Timescales

Your application

The College will endeavour to process your postgraduate research application (PGR) within 14 working days, subject to receipt of all relevant information outlined above. If you are applying for a postgraduate taught programme (PGT), your application will be administered by the University's Recruitment & International Office and its aim will be to process your application within 7 working days.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate

If you are a non-EU/EEA national and you plan to undertake postgraduate study in the UK in certain science, technology or engineering subjects you may need to obtain an ATAS Certificate before you apply for Entry Clearance to come to the UK.   Your offer letter will indicate whether you require ATAS approval.   If this applies to you, you must complete the ATAS online application form at least eight weeks before you plan to make an application for Entry Clearance. You can apply for an ATAS clearance certificate as soon as you have a conditional offer of a place on a programme.

Confirmation of Acceptance for Study (CAS)

A confirmation of acceptance for study (CAS) is a 'virtual document' with a unique reference number which is allocated to  you, if you are a non-EU applicant, once you have accepted an unconditional offer of admission, so that you can apply for permission to enter the UK under the points-based system.  The University's policy is to provide applicants with a CAS statement showing the information entered by the College/Admissions Office into the UK Border Agency's student visa system.  You will need to know all of these details before you can accurately complete your immigration application.  A CAS is valid for six months.

Processing times vary by country, and can take several months in some cases.   You are encouraged to find your country on the list at Where to apply [www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/wheretoapply]. It tells you how to start the process of applying in your country – for example, whether you need to make an appointment or complete an online form, or have a tuberculosis test first (tuberculosis tests are only required in a few countries). If you cannot see any information about how long it takes applications in your country to be processed, use the contact details that they give to contact them and ask. 

Your entry clearance will start no more one month before your study commences.

English language proficiency

Candidates whose dominant language is not English must produce proof of English language proficiency achieved within two years prior to application*.

For all students this will normally be:

1. IELTS 6.5 (with no subtest less than 6);
2. ibTOEFL 92 (with no less than 20 in listening, 20 in writing, 20 in reading, and 20 in speaking);
3. Cambridge ESOL Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) - B minimum or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) - C minimum;
4. Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE minimum score of 60 with minimum 59 in all sub-tests 

* Study of your first degree in the medium of English in a country where English is not the dominant language may mean that your English is not at a satisfactory level for academic study in the UK.  

Pre-sessional English language courses

If you have not yet achieved the level of English language proficiency required for your programme, the University's Language Centre provides a series of pre-sessional courses which aim to bring your English up to entry level for a postgraduate programme in the University of Glasgow with a grade equivalent to the required IELTS score.  The study skills component will help you adapt to the style of learning and teaching in the University.  The length of course you need will depend on your level of English when you start. See the Language Centre for further information, courses and fees.

In-sessional English language support

Once you become a University of Glasgow student, you will be able to access free in-sessional English  and study skills support provided by the Language Centre for international students.   Early registration is advised to secure a place.  A small administrative fee may apply.

Fees for postgraduate study

Tuition fees

The normal annual full-time tuition fees for Session 2011-12 are typically as noted, though exceptions do apply to a number of postgraduate taught degree programmes:

• £3,732 (home and EU research students);
• £4,500 -  £7,000 (home and EU taught students);
• £15,000 international taught and research students

Fees for postgraduate study fall into a possible 12 bands (Home/EU) and 10 bands (International).  You should consult the full tuition fee listings for confirmation of the cost of your intended studies.

*Fees for Session 2012-13 will be announced shortly.  Please consult the postgraduate taught programme A-Z for specific tuition fee information for your intended studies.

Cost of living

The University estimates that a single student in self-catering accommodation should allow £8,040 per year (12 months) and a minimum of £12,000 for a married couple. An extra £2,000 per year should also be added per child.  Further information is avaialble on living costs.