Supporting documents
We will need a transcript (in English or a certified translation) giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained.
Please send scanned or certified copies of transcripts and not the originals*; however, in order to apply for a UK student visa and register at the start of your programme, you will need to produce your original certificates and transcripts.
*The University cannot guarantee the return of original documents, We therefore request that you do not send original documentation during the admissions process and should you choose send originals you do so at your own risk.
If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need to submit evidence of your proficiency in English to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and University's required standards.
The following forms can be used but endorsed references will also be accepted (see below):
Please check whether one or two references are required for the programme for which you are applying.
You should supply at least one reference from an academic referee who is in a position to comment on the standard of your academic work and suitability for postgraduate level study. Where this is not possible, we will accept references from other sources that provide evidence of your ability to undertake postgraduate study and suitability for your chosen programme (for example an employer or colleague). We cannot accept references from family members, partners or spouses.
Once you have your reference you can either upload via the online application system (if you have not yet submitted your application), via the Gateway if you have already submitted an application, or the reference can be posted to us or sent via email. You can also send a reference via our enquiry form. If your referee emails your reference to us we can only accept this if it is sent from a university or company email address. Paper reference forms should be endorsed by an appropriate institution/company official stamp. Alternatively we can accept a letter of reference on official institution/company letterhead.
Please Note: that it is your responsibility to provide us with any reference that is required, either during the application process or following your receipt of a conditional offer. Postgraduate Admissions will not contact a Referee and make a request on your behalf.
Your research proposal should cover the preliminary ideas of your research area, indicating the general area of study, objectives and hypotheses, methodology, sources of data, etc. For Science and Engineering applications a shorter outline of your topic may be sufficient. You are advised to contact the relevant Department for further guidance on the appropriate format for your proposal.
This information will assist us in considering your application and in determining whether we can offer supervision in the area you wish to study. If you have not identified a single research topic, you should outline several subjects which interest you and which could serve as a basis for further discussion. Your prospective School or Department may ask you to provide a more detailed research proposal before we can make a decision on whether to offer you a place.
More information can be found on our Research proposal webpage.
Can I send my supporting documentation in after my application?
We recommend uploading all supporting documents with your application as this makes the process much quicker and enables us to make a faster decision on your application.
You can apply before completing all of your academic qualifications but you will need to provide any interim transcripts that you have to support your application.
International students
If you are an international student and you have not yet completed your academic or English language qualifications we will normally be able to make you an offer on condition on completing these and supplying any required references. You will need to provide documentary evidence that you have met these conditions before your offer can be considered unconditional.
We do not require original copies at the application stage and would not recommend that you send these during the application process. Please note that ALL international students will need to show original or certified copies of academic qualification/s and (if applicable) an English Language qualification at registration along with your current passport and (if appropriate) student visa.
