XClose

Department of Political Science

Home
Menu

Postgraduate Taught FAQs

Applications

The application deadline has passed, can I still apply?

It is not possible to submit an application once the application deadline has passed and the programme has closed to new applications. Applications can be submitted up to 5pm (UK time) on the deadline date advertised. If you have missed the deadline you will only be able to submit an application for the next admissions cycle, which opens in October 2025. 

How long should my personal statement be?

You can type your personal statement in the online application form (3,000-character limit, including spaces) or upload it as a separate document. If you upload your personal statement, you can go over 3,000 characters but it cannot be longer than two sides of A4 paper (size 12 font and single spaced).

It does not need to follow a certain format. This is an opportunity for you to tell us about yourself, that you have the necessary academic skills and motivation required to pursue the degree. You should consider the following questions:

  • Why do you want to undertake the programme?
  • What are your academic interests?
  • Why do you wish to study at UCL?
  • What educational experience do you have?
  • Do you have any relevant work experience?
  • Have you completed any extracurricular or voluntary activities relevant to the programme?
  • What are your career aspirations?
What does the Admissions process involve?

Once you submit your online application, it will be received by UCL Graduate Admissions. After your details are recorded and your references received, your application will be forwarded to the department for review and a recommendation. Following the department's decision, the application will return to Admissions, where an official decision letter will be generated and sent to you via the Portal.

We expect to turn-around applications in approximately 15 working days (from the time we receive them from Admissions). However, this may take longer during busy periods. The end-to-end process takes approximately five weeks.

How many applications can I submit?

You may submit applications for a maximum of two taught graduate programmes for entry to the 2025/26 academic year. The applications must be for different programmes. Please note that if an application fee is charged, it will be charged per application.

UCL does not accept multiple applications for the same programme in the same academic year.

How much is the application processing fee?

There is an application processing fee for £90 for online application and £115 for paper applications.

Updating Applications

If I decide to defer for a year. What is the process and when will I need to decide by?

UCL will not accept applications for deferred entry to taught postgraduate programmes. Applicants must apply in the admissions cycle for which they seek entry.

Read more about the UCL deferral policy and exceptional circumstances: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate-offer-holders/deferr...

When do I need to accept my offer?

As a courtesy we usually ask offer holders to accept their place within four weeks of receiving their offers so that we may plan for your arrival.

How to upload my transcripts?

Transcripts should be uploaded to your student portal via the 'upload' button. The transcript section of the application form is mandatory. If you would like to send your transcript to us securely through your University’s transcript service, please upload a word document to your application confirming that you will submit your application through your University’s transcript service.

Once you have submitted your application please have your University’s transcript service send your transcript to transcripts.pgadmissions@ucl.ac.uk.

Please note that this email address can only be used to provide transcripts directly from your University’s transcript service.

Funding

Does the Department offer funding or scholarships for postgraduate study?

Unfortunately, departmental funding for Master's students is limited, and most of our students rely on personal savings or loans to finance their studies. For information on potential postgraduate funding opportunities outside the department, please visit: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/scholarships/scholarships-finder

References

Do both 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.

What happens if I graduated a long time ago and I can not provide and academic reference?

Please note that your academic referee does not necessarily need to be someone that knows you from your undergraduate degree – they may know you though another programme of study. As long as they can comment on your performance in an academic capacity, this will suffice.

If this is also not possible, please provide two employment references. We will contact you if we require further information.

 Relevant Information

Can I study part-time?

The Masters programme can be taken part-time over 2 years. It is generally expected that students complete 50% of a full programme load per year of registration, although we are keen to offer flexible study arrangements where possible. 

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 attend the same classes as their full-time colleagues - they just take half of the course load in each year. 

For each module 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. 

While we try to make part-time study as flexible as possible, our Masters programmes are demanding and we advise students that, if they intend to work alongside the course, their work should be flexible in nature.

I am going to take an English test later in the year, can I still apply now?

You may apply for a place on a programme without yet meeting the English language criteria. However, any offers made to you would be conditional upon you providing evidence of your English proficiency prior to enrolment.

Can I ask for feedback on my unsuccessful application?

We regret that we cannot offer feedback due to the volume of applications that we receive.

Do you require a deposit?

A deposit is required for all our Master's programmes. Full-time and part-time offer holders are required to pay a deposit equivalent to 10% of the first-year tuition fee.

For more information on deposits, please visit: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/taught-degrees/fees-and-funding/tuition-fee-deposits

Payment of the deposit: Payment of the deposit aids UCL in its student numbers, module and estates planning.  Once a successful applicant is enrolled on their programme of study, the deposit will form part of the total tuition fee, as quoted on the offer of admission.  

The required tuition fee deposit must be paid in full by the deadline specified in the offer of admission, which will usually be no earlier than 1 April for entry the following September.

Payment of the tuition fee deposit (in full or in part) will be considered as acceptance of the terms detailed in the policy. 

Can I visit the department?

The Political Science department is not open outside the University /Department open/offer holder days, but prospective students thinking of applying to UCL are normally welcome to have a look round college grounds at any time, to experience the character and atmosphere. For information on UCL Campus tours, please visit: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/campus-tours/  

Does the department assess transcript equivalencies before submitting an application?

We do not assess academic equivalencies in the department.  These will be assessed by UCL Central Admissions once your application has been submitted. In the meantime, please see the equivalencies information on the Prospectus: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/taught-degrees

How many courses are considered lectures versus small tutorials?

Nearly all of our modules are taught through a combination of lectures and small-group interactive seminars. Our lectures vary in size depending on the programme and module. Seminars average between 15-20 students.

Is it advisable to apply for MSc International Public Policy and MSc Public Policy early in the admissions cycle?

Yes, due to the high numbers of competitive applicants that apply each year, applicants for the International Public Policy Programme and the Public Policy programme are encouraged to apply as early in the admissions cycle as possible as these programme can close early. 

When should I pay my fee by?

For information regarding tuition fees, including how and when to pay, please go to  Pay your fees webpages.  

Can I transfer to a Masters programme?

Please contact polsci.admissions@ucl.ac.uk for more information.

Can I apply for a (graduate) application fee waiver?

UCL acknowledges that prospective students living in conflict zones, or affected by displacement, may face considerable difficulties in paying the application fee. UCL is firmly committed to making the application process accessible to individuals disadvantaged by such circumstances and would be pleased to consider written requests for suspension of the application fee.Should you wish to make such a request, please contact Graduate Admissions.