Masters FAQs
Everything you need to know about studying with us
Click on the question to reveal the answer.
How do I apply?
You may apply online using the following link
Is there a deadline for applying?
Please refer to the applications deadlines tab on this page.
When can I apply?
You are advised to apply as early as possible as competition for places is high and we expect to fill places early. You may apply from October for admittance to the School the following September.
Is there more than one intake a year?
No, we only have one intake a year in September.
What are the Entry Requirements?
Please consult our Entry requirements section by clicking on the link
International Students may click on the link below to ascertain qualification equivalents
What are the English Language Requirements?
Candidates must show evidence of substantial education (minimum of twelve months) or work experience (minimum eighteen months) conducted in english and undertaken no more than two years prior to the proposed date of enrolment.
In order to be considered for any of our Masters programmes, the applicant who has not been eductated through the medium of English. will need to present a
a minimum of the listed scores in one of the following exams:
- IELTS: Overall Grade 7.5 with a minimum of 6.5 in each subtest
- TOEFL: Overall Mark of at least 109 with 24/30 in reading and writing subtests and 23/30 in listening and speaking subtests.
IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE AN APPROVED ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEST RESULT BEFORE YOU COMMENCE THE COURSE.
*Please note that the School of Public Policy requires an ‘Advanced’ of English.
Do both of my references need to be academic?
One of your references must be academic. Your application will not be
processed without one. The other may be from an employer or colleague who
has worked with you closely.
Can I still apply if I do not have a relevant degree?
Course Directors will consider applicants with ‘non-relevant’ degrees, providing that you can demonstrate some relevant experience and/or a genuine interest in the course you are applying for.
How much does the Masters programmes cost?
Please visit our fees page for a list of fees:
Are there any scholarships available for students?
There are various scholarships available. Please click on the link for details or call the Admissions team in the Department.
What does the Admission process involve?
Your online application once submitted will be received by the College Central Admissions Office. Once your details have been logged they will then send your application to the Department for the Course Director of each programme to make a decision. Once that has been made, the application is then returned to the Admissions Office for the offer letter to be produced and sent.
We expect to turn around applications from the time we receive them from Central Admissions in approximately 15 working days, however this make take longer during busy times in the year.
Why has no decision been made on my application yet?
We will only consider completed application forms. Forms that are
missing a reference(s) or examination grades or transcript proof will
not be sent to the department until they are completed.
When does the course start?
The course starts each year in the last week of September.
Can I study part-time?
The Masters programme can be taken part-time over 2 years. The courses offered are not run separately as evening classes for part time students although some courses are scheduled in the late afternoon/early evening. Part –time students should expect to attend classes on approximately three occasions per week during Terms one and two (ie up to 6-7 hours) depending on the combination of courses chosen each term.
For each course lasting one term in length, the total
contact time is approximately 20 hours with an additional 130 hours of
reading, essay writing and/or revision.
Can I study by distance learning?
It is not possible to study the Masters Programmes by distance learning or online.
I am going to take an english test later in the year, can I still apply now?
You may apply now for a place on a programme without a current english test as long as you send your qualification as soon as your receive it. It you are offered a place, it will be conditional on your providing evidence of English before the start of the course.
What happens after I have been made an offer?
Once you have been made an offer and accepted that offer, you will be contacted by the Department and by the Registry with any relevant information regarding your time as a UCL student. You will be sent information by post regarding enrolment and registration and over the summer months the Department will send you induction information by email before the course commences.
How long is the course and what are the term dates?
The course lasts for a full calendar year from September to
September. Teaching finishes at the end of Term two, allowing students
to prepare for exams and dissertation.
If I cannot take up my offer of a place this year, can I defer it to next year?
It is not usually a problem to defer your offer of a place to the following year. Applicants will need the authorisation of the course tutor and the College Admissions office will need to issue a renewed and updated offer letter.
Is there an admission application fee?
From April 1st 2011, there will be a £25 fee per online application and £50 fee per paper application, collected on submission.
Can I ask for feedback on my unsucessful Masters application?
We regret that we cannot offer feedback on unsuccessful applications to the School of Public Policy.
Still need help?
For all enquiries to our Masters Programmes, please contact:
- Helen Elliot - Tel: 020 7679 4982, Email: spp.pg@ucl.ac.uk
- Genavive Sarkis - Tel: 020 7679 4950, Email: spp.pg@ucl.ac.uk
