Postgraduate applications and personal statements
Understand what is required in applications for further study and how to submit strong supporting statements.
When to apply
Most postgraduate courses will open applications from Autumn, but it’s important to start researching courses the summer before you want to apply so that you can make a note of any important deadlines. Postgraduate programmes typically take on smaller numbers of students than at undergraduate level, so although they will usually post a deadline date for applications, they will often close the application window as soon as they have filled the course. As such, we recommend that you apply as early as possible and don’t leave it until the deadline date as you may be left disappointed. Before applying, consider calling the relevant admissions team to understand how many students they typically take on the course you’re interested in and how competitive it usually is.
Most postgraduate courses will have academic entry requirements, typically but not always a 2:1 or first-class honours degree. However, some courses accept lower degree classifications and may be more interested in your relevant experience in the field.
Check out our handy guide to applying for postgraduate courses below:
Postgraduate study checklist
Start this the summer before you are thinking of applying
How to apply
Applications for postgraduate study differ across courses and institutions. For most courses, you will apply online directly to the university, though there are some exceptions. For example, law, teaching and graduate entry medicine and dentistry all use a centralised admissions system like UCAS.
As part of your application, you could be asked to provide one or more of the following:
CV
- When applying for a postgraduate course, you will need to create an academic CV. This type of CV focuses more heavily on your academic knowledge, skills and experiences
- For a research-based course, such as an MRes, MPhil or PhD, remember to really focus on the research experiences you have gained so far. You might even consider having a 'Research Experience' section which explicitly highlights the research you have undertaken to date. These could be projects as part of your course or work experience, in an internship or work placement for example
- You should also elaborate on your undergraduate degree if it is relevant to the postgraduate course. This could include expanding on useful knowledge you have learned or highlighting good grades you have received in relevant modules
Application forms and personal statements
To apply for a postgraduate course, you will almost certainly be required to apply via an online application form. You will be asked to submit details about your qualifications, education history and work experience. You will also be required to submit a personal statement, sometimes also known as a supporting statement. The statement offers you the opportunity to explain your reasons for applying and why you would make a great candidate for the course. Remember both your application form and personal statement are an example of your written communication skills so make sure there are no errors!
Read our advice on application forms and see below for our handy guide to personal statements.
Research proposal
A research proposal is only typically required for research-based courses (e.g. an MRes, MPhil or PhD) and only if you are proposing your own research topic (more common in arts, social sciences and humanities than STEM disciplines). You can read Cardiff University's advice on writing a research proposal and Prospects also has useful tips on writing a research proposal.
References
You will be asked to provide the details of at least one person who can provide a reference confirming your suitability for the course. Sometimes you need to provide the actual reference as an attachment within your online application so make sure you check what is required. The best person to provide a reference for a postgraduate course is usually someone who has taught you at undergraduate level and knows your academic capability, for example a personal tutor, lecturer or project supervisor.
Transcript
A transcript is an official university record of your academic performance, often referred to as HEAR - Higher Education Achievement Record. You can request this if needed from your School and the Registry department of Cardiff University.
You may also be required to complete an admissions test for some courses (such as law and graduate entry medicine and dentistry) or submit a payment fee to apply, but this is less common.
Some postgraduate courses will require an interview. For example this is common in teaching and healthcare-related courses. You will definitely be asked to attend an interview if you apply for a PhD – read our advice to help you develop your interview skills.
FindAMasters and FindAPhD also has useful tips on interviews for postgraduate courses.
Personal statements
Personal statements are commonly required for a lot of postgraduate courses, especially Masters courses, and are a really important part of your application. It’s your chance to demonstrate:
- your interest in the course and university to which you are applying
- your motivation in furthering your knowledge and expertise in this area
- your suitability for the course you how it will support your career ambitions
Watch the video below with our Careers Adviser, Caitlin, for advice on writing personal statements for postgraduate study:
Personal statements for postgraduate study
Impress admissions tutors by including the points below!
