Why it’s not too late to apply for a Postgraduate Masters course – A practical guide to applying

Not every student's journey to university is the same.

Did you know that some universities will accept postgraduate applications (if there are still places available) until just a few weeks before the course starts?

Unlike the fixed undergraduate application timetable the postgraduate process is more flexible so don’t worry if you have left things a little late. But be careful: if you’re an international student who needs a visa to study in the UK. This will extend the application process, so you’ll need to factor this into your timeline.

First, let's look at the stages for applying.

Contents:

1. What are the stages of applying for a PG course?
2. How long will it take?
3. When is the Master's application deadline?
4. Getting your CAS and visa issues sorted
5. Top tips for late visa applications

What are the stages of applying to a PG course?

We’ve broken down how to apply into simple steps to help you secure your place no matter when you apply during the year.

1. Search for your course - pay attention to fees and funding, module outlines, and entrance and English language requirements to ensure you find your perfect match. You can also have a look at some of the PG courses here at Newcastle using our course finder page.
2. Check entry requirements.
3. Check application and deposit deadlines - it’s always worth checking each university's PG course deadlines as they can vary widely from university to university, and between degrees.
4. Prepare your application.
5. Write your personal statement - find out our top tips in our blog, 'This is how to write a personal statement for a Master's'.
6. Apply through our application portal.
7. Complete and submit your application.

For most programs, there are no deadlines and if there are, this will be advised on the website.

Find out more about how to apply.

How long will it take? 

At Newcastle, we aim to respond to your application within 10 -15 working days after applying. For some courses, or during busy times, it could take longer.

If you’ve ever had a question about your application, you can send us an inquiry via the application portal you originally applied through.

And if we need any further information to help us make a decision, we will email you. You can track the progress of your application by logging in to your account.

When you have met all of the conditions of your offer (and paid a deposit if required), you will receive a ‘Confirmation of Place’ email.

When is the Master's application deadline?

There is no application deadline for the majority of our Master's or PhD programmes. However, some taught postgraduate degrees do fill places earlier than others, so you should apply as early as you can to avoid disappointment.

If you're not sure if your course will fill up quickly, it's always a good idea to check the individual course summaries to be certain. To find out if the course(s) you are interested in has an application deadline, please refer to the relevant programme guide on our Postgraduate Prospectus.

Getting your CAS and visa issues sorted

If you’re an international student and need a visa to study in the UK, then you’ll have an extra step to complete to secure your place.

Alongside the ‘Conformation of Place’, you’ll also receive a ‘Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies’ (CAS) number from us, which you will need to apply for your visa. There’s a handy step-by-step visa support guide to help you through the process.

It can take 3-8 weeks to process visa applications, so if you’re thinking of starting your studies in September you’ll need to act quickly!

Top tips for late visa applications

Visa applications are managed by the UK Home Office. There are a few things you can do to help when applying for a visa slightly later than you anticipated:

• Apply for your Student Visa using the priority service if this is available in your country. There is an additional fee to pay, but it can speed up the processing time.
• Start preparing for the visa application while waiting for an offer from the university. When using personal funds to support the visa application, this must be held for at least 28 days, so it’s never too early to start preparing this while waiting for the offer and CAS from the university. You can also complete a TB test (if required) in advance.
• After submitting the online visa application, try and book the earliest appointment for biometric enrolment. Visa applications will only be considered once the appointment for a biometric enrolment has been completed.

Find out more

• Applying for a student visa and how we can help
• Apply now and start your studies with us this September

We hope you found this post useful and would encourage you to explore our Belong blog for more support on your journey to university.

We understand that the application process is often stressful and worrying, but you will find the course and university that are right for you. Just take the process one step at a time, and do your best!

Discover Postgraduate study at Newcastle