Postgraduate Taught Application Process

Final year Swansea undergraduates

The Admissions Office contacts final year Swansea undergraduates with an invitation to apply for a taught postgraduate programme via our Fast Track process. Invitations are sent to Swansea email accounts, usually in November and March. A further email is issued after results are known in July. As we already hold information on your academic performance, you don’t have to provide a transcript of your marks to date. We aim to respond to your application within two working days.

Document checklist:

Your application will be delayed (and possibly withdrawn) if you fail to provide the following documents (where appropriate):

• clear copies of qualifications you’ve completed, e.g. Bachelor degree certificate and transcripts (showing a list of subjects taken and your grades). If you’re still studying, provide a transcript of your results so far
• if your qualifications are in a language other than English, please provide official translations, in addition to the copies of the documents in your original language
• if English is not your first language, please provide a Swansea University recognised English language test certificate (if appropriate), for example IELTS
• If available, open references/letters of support. Alternatively, please provide details of your nominated referees including full and correct email addresses so that the Admissions Office can message them directly.
• a copy of your sponsor letter/scholarship award (if appropriate/available)
• copies of any other documentation to support your application such as a CV, Personal Statement, Portfolio (MA Creative Writing, for example)

To apply via medium of Welsh, click on 'Cymraeg' tab.

If you are unable to apply online, please contact postgraduate.admissions@swansea.ac.uk

International students who have not met the direct entry requirements for a postgraduate course have the option of studying a Pre-Masters programme at The College, Swansea University, located on our Bay Campus. 

Please see our country-specific entry requirements section for information about grades required from your country.  You can also visit your country page where you can find out about tuition fees and moving to Swansea. 

There is more in our International Section.

Final year Swansea undergraduates

The Admissions Office contacts final year Swansea undergraduates with an invitation to apply for a taught postgraduate programme via our Fast Track process.  Invitations are sent to Swansea email accounts, usually in November and March. A further email is issued after results are known in July. As we already hold information on your academic performance, you don’t have to provide a transcript of your marks to date. You will normally receive a decision from us within two working days.

Document checklist:

Your application may be delayed if you fail to provide the following documents (where appropriate)

• clear copies of qualifications you’ve completed, e.g. Bachelor degree certificate and transcripts (showing a list of the subjects taken and your grades). If you’re still studying, provide a transcript of your results so far
• if your qualifications are in a language other than English, please provide official translations, in addition to the copies of the documents in your original language
• if English is not your first language, please provide a Swansea University recognised English language test certificate (if appropriate), for example IELTS
• If available, open references/letters of support. Alternatively, please provide details of your nominated referees including full and correct email addresses so that the Admissions Office can message them directly
• a copy of the personal details' page of your passport
• a copy of your sponsor letter/scholarship award (if appropriate/available)
• copies of any other documentation to support your application such as a Curriculum Vitae/Resume, Personal Statement, Portfolio (MA Creative Writing, for example)

If you are unable to apply online, please contact postgraduate.admissions@swansea.ac.uk

Detailed information can be found on our A-Z course pages.

A taught postgraduate degree is a structured degree of study consisting of a number of modules in specialist subjects which can prepare a student for a particular professional career.

• Taught programmes are designed to develop knowledge in specialised subjects previously studied more generally.
• A few Master's programmes act as "conversion courses", allowing you to change your area of specialisation from that undertaken at undergraduate level.
• A taught course will often involve attending lectures and seminars or possibly working in the lab if undertaking a science-based course.
• Assessment is usually exam-based and through written assignments at the end of each module. To gain a Master's degree, you are often expected to complete a dissertation.
• Taught degrees typically last 1 year full-time, or 2/3 years if studying part-time.

A research degree provides you with the opportunity to research a specific area or topic in depth.

• Research degrees are more focused on independent study.
• Some research degrees do involve a taught element, particularly Master's by Research (including EngD) degrees.
• As a research student, you will be provided with guidance and support by your supervisor and the facilities to conduct your research. Your research should result in a unique piece of work involving new knowledge in your chosen subject area.
• Assessment is based upon your final thesis and an oral examination (viva-voce).

Research degrees vary in duration. MRes and Master's by Research degrees are typically pursued over 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time. PhDs last at least 3 years full-time, or 6 years part-time.

We will email your student account (usually November or March) inviting you to submit an online application for an appropriate master’s course via our Fast Track application process. We will not require a transcript of your marks to date as we already hold information on your academic performance.

Apply online 

Please note that some courses have a different application process:

• Full-time applications for our professional courses in Law must be submitted via the Central Admissions Board (CAB):
  • PGDip in Legal Practice (sometimes known as ‘LPC’)
  • LLM Legal Practice and Advanced Drafting
  • LLM in Law and Legal Practice
  • LLM in Professional Legal Practice
• MSc Social Work, MSc Physician Associate Studies, PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) and MBBCH Medicine (Graduate Entry) Applications must be submitted via UCAS.
• MA Sports Ethics and Integrity – please apply via KU Leuven, Belgium

Yes, please see our application deadlines page for full information.

You can find entry requirements for all postgraduate programmes on the individual course pages - find your course on the A-Z list of Postgraduate Taught programmes. EU and international candidates should view our country specific guidance.

Usually in September and January. The appropriate course page will tell you if the course is available in January (or alternative start date).

• A copy of your current or final academic transcripts (and official translations, if not in English)
• A copy of your Bachelor and/or Master’s degree (and official translations, if not in English)
• Personal statement outlining the reasons you wish to pursue your course of study
• Curriculum Vitae/Resume (you must include this if you are applying on the basis of experience)
• IELTS test report form (if English is not your first language) or other recognised English language test (see our English Language pages).
• Copy of the personal details' page of your passport (non-UK/RoI applicants only)
• Portfolio of work (e.g. MA Creative Writing) or Research Abstract (e.g. MSc Clinical Psychology and Mental Health).  It is strongly recommended that you check the course page for the course you are applying for as specific documents may be required.

No. We do not accept this as proof of your results. We need an official transcript from your University, which you should be able to get from your University’s Academic Office/Registry. If it is your final transcript, it needs to state your final overall result.

We will need an official translation of your documents into English if they are not printed in English in the first place. We will not be able to process your application until we have received a copy of your official documents and their official translation.

References can be supplied as follows:

• You can upload "open" letters of support to Apply; or
• Submit full details of your nominated referees on your online application form (please make sure that you type your referees email addresses carefully, without mistakes). The Admissions Office can email your referees directly via Apply.
• If you receive an offer conditional upon receipt of a satisfactory reference, it is your responsibility to follow up any outstanding letters of support.

Postgraduate Reference Form

1. Credit Transfer: It may be possible to admit you to a taught master's with advanced standing on the basis of M-Level modules studied elsewhere in the UK during the last five years. Please apply using the standard application form and note in the personal statement section that you wish to be considered via the University’s Credit Transfer policy.  You must include your previous academic transcripts plus a copy of the course syllabus giving details of learning outcomes and credit weightings so that the request can be considered alongside your application.
2. Experiential learning: If you wish to be exempted from modules on basis of previous experience, you must contact the relevant course Admissions Tutor prior to submitting an application. You will need to submit evidence in support of your claim for experiential learning. This can be via one or more of the following, as outlined by the relevant Admissions Tutor: 
   • undertaking one or more approved assessments for each module (this can be standard assessments or supplementary examinations; or specifically designed and approved assessments etc.); or
   • submitting a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes of the module(s) and your personal reflection of how the experience has furthered your understanding of the relevant subject area: this may include confirmation from your line manager based on your job description/responsibilities and abilities.

Once the portfolio is received, the Admissions Tutor will determine if the evidence provided demonstrates that you have met learning outcomes of the Swansea modules for which exemption is sought and make an experiential learning recommendation to the University’s Matriculation Panel. These applications can take up to 10 weeks to complete.

If the outcome of your experiential learning request is successful, you can then submit a standard application via Apply and attach a copy of your email confirmation of your approved application for RPL.