How to apply for postgraduate study at UEL

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.

How to apply for postgraduate study at UEL

How to apply for postgraduate study at UEL

Applying for postgraduate study at the University of East London (UEL) is straightforward.

Find out about:

  • Postgraduate entry requirements
  • How to apply
  • Interviews, tests, portfolios and auditions
  • What happens after you apply
  • How to accept your offer 

Whether you are progressing from undergraduate study, returning to education or applying from overseas, find guidance for each stage of your application.

Start your postgraduate application by finding your course.

Choose the right postgraduate course

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

Postgraduate entry requirements

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

    Qualifications and experience

    Before you apply, check your course page for specific 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 IELTS Academic and other approved English language tests.

    Check your chosen course page for the English language requirements that apply to your course.

    How to apply for postgraduate study

    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 before submitting it. Once submitted, you can track your application online. 

    If you cannot apply online, contact our Applicant Engagement team on +44 (0)20 8223 3333.

    Check your post regularly

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

    Current UEL students

    If you are a current UEL student, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate course through UEL Direct. Applications open at specific times of year, usually outside peak enrolment periods.

    When applications are open, a link to apply for a course will appear in UEL Direct.

    What you can do in UEL Direct

    Use your UEL Direct account to: 

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

    Check your UEL Direct messages 

    Check the UEL Direct noticeboard regularly for 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. You may also be invited to an interview if we need more information before making a decision on your application.

    Interviews may also form part of: 

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

    What to expect at your interview

    We may ask about: 

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

    We will consider your interest in the subject, as well as your ability and motivation to complete the course successfully. 

    Check your chosen course page to find out whether an interview is required.

    Tests

    Some postgraduate courses require a test as part of the application process. Check your chosen course page to find out whether a test is required. 

    Check your email 

    We will email for information about any required tests.

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

    English language tests

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

    We accept the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and other equivalent approved tests.

    Portfolios

    Some postgraduate courses require a portfolio to assess your suitability for the course. 

    Check your chosen course page to find out: 

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

    Courses that may require a portfolio include: 

    • Architecture
    • Fine art 

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

    Auditions

    Some postgraduate performing arts courses require an audition as part of the application process.

    Auditions may include:

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

    Check your chosen course page for details of the audition process.

    Postgraduate start dates - January, May and September

    UEL offers postgraduate start dates in January, May and September, although availability varies by course. 

    Check your course page for confirmed start dates and allow enough time to arrange your application, funding and, if needed, Student visa.

    What happens after you apply

      Processing your application

      Once we receive your application, we will: 

      • Send you an acknowledgement email
      • Make a decision within ten working days if your course is based on standard qualifications and does not require an interview or portfolio

      Check your email 

      Check your inbox regularly for updates. If you do not respond by the deadline we give you, we will withdraw your application.

      Get help with your application

      If you are a UK applicant and have questions about a new or current application, 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

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

      Follow the instructions in the email to complete and return the form. Your offer is officially accepted when you submit your Student Reply Form.

      Understanding our decision

        Unconditional offer

        An unconditional offer means we are satisfied that you are academically qualified and suitable for the course, based on your application and, where applicable, your 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 have applied for a course involving contact with children or vulnerable adults, we will ask for further information to assess your suitability for enrolment.

        Conditional offer

        A conditional offer means you must meet the conditions set out in your offer before you are academically qualified for the course. 

        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 offer you a place on a different course from the one you originally applied for. This offer may be conditional or unconditional.

        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 can help you develop the skills needed to complete a 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 letting us know in advance.

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

        If you cannot attend or meet a requirement

        If you cannot attend or 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 consider whether an alternative degree or a foundation year may be suitable for you. We may decide that you need additional qualifications or skills that are not available at UEL before you can successfully complete a degree.

        Future applications and advice

        An unsuccessful application 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 with you, including opportunities outside UEL.

        Further checks for course applications

        Check your course page to find out whether you need to meet any additional requirements, such as a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

        Ready to apply?

        Find your postgraduate course to check its entry requirements, start dates and application information before you apply.

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