Types of postgraduate study – your options

You’re an individual – and our courses are designed to work for you. Here’s the top-line on how they compare. One thing’s for certain though. Whichever route you choose, you’ll leave with the most desirable skills. And the mindset employers want and need.

Taught Master's degrees – MA,MBA and MSc

  • A taught Master's degree usually involves a nine-month taught element followed by a research project.
  • It’s likely to take 12 to 18 months to complete full time.
  • Gaining a Master’s can mean detailed study of an aspect of your academic discipline; become accredited by a professional body; or taking a conversion course to develop knowledge and skills in a new subject.
  • You’ll be awarded an MA (Master of Arts), MSc (Master of Science) or MBA (Master of Business Administration).

Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas

  • These often represent the initial stages of a taught Master's degree.
  • The Certificate requiring fewer credits than the Diploma.
  • They normally take 9 to 12 months to complete full time.

Short courses

  • Short courses are a great way to develop your skills without the commitment of long-term study.
  • Some courses are aimed at beginners – perfect if you want to try something new.
  • Others are designed to further update and develop existing professional skills.

Short courses

Research degrees – PhD, MPhil, ProfDoc

  • PhD and MPhil students undertake independent research culminating in the submission of written work and examination by viva voce.
  • Professional Doctorates comprise of a taught element, and a research element involving the submission of a thesis and examination by viva voce.

Research degrees

Getting started – before you apply

Double check the entry requirements

The Entry tab on the course listing for your course explains what you’ll need to be eligible to apply. Sometimes there are specific requirements – like undergraduate study in a specific subject or related professional experience – so it’s worth checking carefully.

Not completely sure? Get in touch with the Admissions Team for help and advice.

Postgraduate and Professional Open Events

Did you know that we run Postgraduate and Professional Open Days throughout the year? Come along, find out more about the courses you’re interested in, chat with tutors, and check out the campus facilities. It’s a great way to see how we do university right – and know we’re right for you.

View upcoming Postgraduate and Professional Open events.

How to apply

Individual instructions

There are three straightforward steps to follow:

  1. Choose the course you wish to study from our postgraduate course list.
  2. Complete an online UWE Bristol application form by selecting the 'Apply now' option on the page.
  3. Once completed, you will be able to track the status of your application using the online application system.

Some courses have an alternative application route. These include the the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and professional law courses like the LPC. If there’s an alternative route, it will be identified on the 'Entry' tab for each course or in the 'Apply for this course' section.

Application deadlines

For most courses we consider applications until all places are filled – there are no specific deadlines, but the sooner you apply, the less likely you are to miss out. Any exceptions will be identified on the Entry tab for the specific course.

International applications

View our international application guide to find out how to apply to UWE Bristol as an international applicant.

Research applications

For research degrees please apply directly to UWE Bristol's Doctoral Academy.

After you apply

Application checks

When we receive your application we'll check the information you've shared about your fee status, if you have declared a disability, or if you have a criminal conviction. We may ask further information from you at this point.

We'll also check for any attachments that you provide at the time of application.

If references are not provided with your application, we'll also send an email to your named referees.

Track your application

Once your application has been received, you'll receive an email with details on how to access your UWE Bristol Welcome website. This handy portal is the place to track your application, respond to offers, and get messages with details about accommodation and so on.

If your application is successful, we'll send you an official printed letter confirming the details of your offer. Please make sure you check the information in this letter carefully as it forms the basis of your contract with UWE Bristol. You'll also be able to see a copy of the offer letter in your UWE Bristol Welcome website.

To accept your offer please go to the 'My Applications' section of your UWE Bristol Welcome website. You can also use this section to decline your offer.

How to login to the UWE Bristol Welcome Website

The UWE Bristol Welcome website is an online portal for UWE Bristol applicants and future students which allows you to track your application. You access the site using the login ID and password provided to you at the application stage.

Please note: for security reasons you will be asked to change your password when you first log in to the site. Therefore, the password will be different from the one in our original email. If you cannot recall your login details please visit the login help page for further advice.

On the site you can view the latest status of your application(s), reply to any offers using the 'My Applications' option, and view all the important information we have sent to you including letters which you can print. At the appropriate time we will also use the site to send you information about how to apply for accommodation. In addition we will send you links to the new student welcome information relating to enrolment, registration, reading lists etc.

Please note: This is not the same as MYUWE, which is for current students and staff only.

Withdrawing your application

All requests for withdrawal must be put in writing either by letter or email. Please include 'Request to withdraw' in the subject heading of any email. In any letter or email to the University it will greatly facilitate a speedy resolution if you provide the following information to enable us to identify you:

  • Your welcome ID
  • Your full name
  • Your date of birth

You can email Admissions Team at admissions@uwe.ac.uk or post a letter to:

Admissions
University of the West of England
Coldharbour Lane
Frenchay Campus
Bristol
BS16 1QY

Explore the university

Between applying and enrolling it is advisable to look into any financial considerations such as tuition fees, loans, grants and bursaries. See our funding and financial support information for full information.

If you are moving to the area for your course, you may wish to find out about the city of Bristol as well as our accommodation options.

Fees and funding

Don't let money be a barrier to your future – there could be a funding option with your name on it. Find out more about fees or funding and scholarships.

The tuition fees and the financial support available to you depend on the programme of study that you follow and whether you are classed as a Home (UK) student, European Union (EU) student, offshore student or international student.

Please see our tuition fee status definitions for further information.

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