Applying to UEL as a postgraduate student

Applying for postgraduate study at UEL is straightforward. This page explains entry requirements, how to apply and what happens next.

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Applying for postgraduate study at UEL is straightforward. This page explains entry requirements, how to apply and what happens next.

Applying to UEL as a postgraduate student

Apply for postgraduate study at UEL

Applying is straightforward. This page explains:

  • Entry requirements
  • How to apply
  • What happens after you apply
  • How to accept your offer 

Whether you are progressing from undergraduate study, returning to education or applying from overseas, we provide clear guidance at every stage.

Start your postgraduate application today.

Choose the right postgraduate course

Not sure which course is right for you? Our Information, Advice and Guidance team can help you explore your options and plan your next steps. 

Applying for a postgraduate course

Find out what qualifications or experience your course requires and how to apply.

    Qualifications and experience

    Before you apply, check the course or research area page for detailed entry requirements. 

    Most postgraduate applicants should have: 

    • A first- or second-class bachelor’s degree from a UK university, or
    • A Master’s degree from a UK university 

    We may also consider: 

    • Other academic qualifications
    • Relevant research experience
    • Professional work experience

    If you are applying without a standard UK degree, you must provide two academic references. 

    English language requirements 

    If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of your English language ability. 

    We accept qualifications such as IELTS Academic and other approved English language tests.

    Apply online

    Submit your postgraduate application through the relevant UEL course page. 

    To apply, you will need: 

    • A valid email address
    • A username of your choice 

    You can save your progress and return to your application at any time before submitting. After you submit, you can track the progress of your application online. 

    If you are unable to apply online, contact our Applicant Engagement team on +44 (0)20 8223 3333.

    Important 

    If you include a postal address in your application, check your post regularly and respond promptly. We may cancel your application if you do not reply on time.

    Using UEL Direct

    If you are a current UEL student, you can apply for a postgraduate course through the UEL Direct web portal at specific times of year, usually outside peak enrolment periods.

    When applications are open, a course link button will appear in the portal.

    What you can do in UEL Direct

    Use your UEL Direct account to: 

    • Apply for a postgraduate course (when available)
    • Check or update your personal details
    • Access study information
    • Enrol on a course
    • Track your application
    • View fee payment records

    Important messages 

    UEL Direct is also a communication service. Use the noticeboard to read important messages, including requests for further information about your application.

    Interviews, tests, portfolios and auditions

    Interviews

    Some postgraduate courses require an interview with academic staff. For some courses, all applicants are interviewed. For others, you may be invited to interview if your application does not provide enough information for a decision. 

    Interviews may also be part of: 

    • Portfolio assessments
    • Auditions
    • Courses that consider previous career or life experience alongside formal qualifications 

    What to expect 

    At your interview, we will ask about: 

    • The subject you are applying for
    • Your work experience
    • Your wider interests 

    We assess your interest in the subject and your ability and motivation to complete the course successfully. 

    Check the entry requirements on your chosen course page to confirm whether an interview is required.

    Tests

    Some postgraduate courses require you to complete a test as part of your application. Test requirements vary by course. Check the entry requirements on your chosen course page for details. 

    Check your email 

    We will contact you by email with information about any required tests.

    Check your inbox regularly, including your junk or bulk mail folders. If you do not respond within the stated deadline, we will cancel your application. Due to high demand, we may not be able to reinstate it later. 

    English language tests

    International applicants may need to provide evidence of postgraduate or professional-level English language proficiency. 

    We accept qualifications such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or an equivalent approved test.

    Portfolios

    Some postgraduate courses require you to submit a portfolio as part of your application. We use this to assess your suitability for the course. 

    Check the entry requirements on your chosen course page before applying to confirm: 

    • Whether a portfolio is required
    • What your portfolio must include 

    Examples of postgraduate courses that require portfolios include: 

    • Architecture
    • Fine art 

    After you submit your portfolio, you will usually be invited to attend an interview with course tutors to discuss your work.

    Auditions

    Some postgraduate courses in the performing arts require you to complete an audition as part of your application.

    Auditions may include:

    • A prepared individual performance
    • Practical workshop sessions with other candidates
    • Readings
    • Group discussions
    • An individual interview

    Check the entry requirements on your chosen course page for full details of the audition process.

    Accepting your offer

      Processing your application

      Once we receive your application, we will: 

      • Send you an acknowledgement email
      • Make a decision within 10 working days for courses based on standard qualifications (where no interview or portfolio is required) 

      Check your email 

      Check your inbox regularly for updates. If you do not respond by the deadline we give you, we will assume you no longer wish to continue your application and will withdraw it.

      Need help? 

      If you have questions about a new or current application (UK applicants only), contact our Applicant Engagement team: 

      • Telephone: +44 (0)20 8223 3333 Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm
      • Live chat: Use the live chat icon at the bottom of the screen
      How to accept your offer

      To accept your offer, reply to the offer email we send you. 

      Once you have paid 50% of your course tuition fees, we will send you an offer email that includes a link to the Student Reply Form (SRF). 

      The email will explain how to complete and return the form. When you submit the Student Reply Form, you have officially accepted your offer to study at UEL.

      Understanding our decision

        Unconditional offer

        An unconditional offer means we are satisfied that you are academically qualified and suitable for the course, based on the information provided in your application and/or interview. 

        Before you enrol, you must provide official evidence of the qualifications listed in your application. 

        Additional suitability checks

        If you have declared a relevant criminal conviction, or you have applied for a course that involves contact with children or vulnerable adults, we will request further information to assess your suitability for enrolment.

        Conditional offer

        A conditional offer means you will be academically qualified for the course once you meet the conditions set out in your offer. 

        Your conditions may include: 

        • Achieving specified grades in qualifications you are currently taking or awaiting results for
        • Meeting our minimum English language requirements
        • Completing a required period of relevant work experience
        • Once you provide evidence that you have met all conditions, your offer will become unconditional. 

        Additional suitability checks 

        If you have declared a relevant criminal conviction, or you have applied for a course that involves contact with children or vulnerable adults, we will request further information to assess your suitability for enrolment.

        Offer of alternative course (conditional or unconditional)

        We may make you a conditional or unconditional offer for a different course from the one you originally applied for.

        This may happen if: 

        • Your chosen course is full
        • You do not meet the entry requirements for your original choice

        Research degree applicants

        If you apply for a research degree, we may offer you a place on our Master’s in Research course instead. This helps ensure you develop the skills needed to complete your research degree successfully. 

        Check your offer email carefully to understand your options before responding.

        Application withdrawal

        We will withdraw your application if you: 

        • Do not respond to a request for an interview, test or portfolio
        • Fail to attend an interview or test without prior notice

        In these circumstances, we will assume you no longer wish to study at the University of East London. We will withdraw your application without deciding on your academic suitability.

        If you cannot attend 

        If you are unable to meet an application requirement, contact us as soon as possible. We will consider whether alternative arrangements can be made.

        Unsuccessful

        If we decide that you are not currently suitable for postgraduate study at the University of East London, we will record your application as unsuccessful.

        Before making this decision, we will have considered you for alternative degrees or a foundation year. However, we may conclude that you need additional qualifications or skills that are not available at UEL in order to complete a degree successfully.

        Future applications and advice

        This decision does not prevent you from applying again in the future. To explore possible routes into degree study, contact our Information Advice and Guidance team. An adviser can discuss alternative study options, including opportunities outside UEL.

        Further checks for course applications

        You should check your course requirements to see if you need to provide any extra information – such as a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

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