Postgraduate study at UEL
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Postgraduate study at UEL
Build your career with expert support
You will be supported throughout your studies by experienced tutors who are active in research and industry.
Study in East London, close to major employers and career opportunities. Build your skills, grow your network and take the next step in your career.
Our research is recognised globally for its quality and impact. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF):
- 17 per cent of our research was rated world-leading
- 45 per cent was rated internationally excellent
- 94 per cent met international standards
We have also significantly increased our world-leading research output in recent years.
Our psychology research is ranked joint first in the UK for impact, ahead of Oxford and Cambridge.
Many of our researchers teach on postgraduate courses. You will learn from experts working at the forefront of their fields and apply their insights to your own career.
A postgraduate qualification is a strong investment in your career. You will gain specialist knowledge that sets you apart from other graduates and helps you progress or move into a new field.
At UEL, you gain more than a degree. You will develop practical skills and experience to strengthen your CV and stand out to employers.
We are known for our civic engagement, giving you opportunities to work on real-life community projects as part of your studies.
Our industry links can lead to placements and internships, while our Careers and Student Employability team offers expert advice to help you achieve your goals.
UEL’s campuses in Docklands and Stratford sit in the heart of east London, one of the UK’s fastest-growing centres for research, innovation and culture.
Stratford is home to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and one of Europe’s largest shopping centres, while nearby Canary Wharf is a global hub for finance and business. The area also attracts high-tech companies and arts organisations.
Whatever your subject – from architecture and engineering to psychology, business, education, health or the arts – east London offers an inspiring place to study. It is a living laboratory on your doorstep.
We have invested £170 million in our campuses and are ranked among the UK’s top universities for facilities spending per student.
University Square Stratford (USS) is a £33 million learning environment that we opened in 2013. We have also built a £14 million library at our Stratford campus, and a £21 million SportsDock complex, used by Team USA during the London Olympic and Paralympic Games.
You will study in professional-standard facilities, including computer suites, libraries open 24/7 during term time, performance studios, workshops, a multimedia production centre, a clinical education centre and the Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability business incubation centre.
We offer a range of postgraduate bursaries and scholarships to support your postgraduate study.
All postgraduate students can apply for a bursary to help with the cost of books, equipment or accommodation. You may also be eligible for a scholarship worth up to 50 per cent of your course fees. If you completed your undergraduate degree with us, you can receive a discount of up to 25 per cent when you stay with us for postgraduate study.
Find out more about postgraduate Fees and funding, or contact our Student Money Advice and Rights (SMART) team at +44 (0)20 8223 4444 for guidance.
The Academic Skills programme was very well organised, fantastic context supported by wonderful ambassadors. It has made my students aspire towards Higher Education."
Teacher
London Design and Engineering UTC
Choose how you'll learn
Our taught postgraduate degrees include lectures and seminars leading to qualifications such as Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert), Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE), Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip), Master of Arts (MA), Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Science (MSc).
The Master of Research (MRes) is a taught postgraduate course that combines training in research methods with independent research projects.
We offer two types of research degrees: Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), as well as professional doctorates. The MPhil is a one- to two-year supervised research degree, and many students transfer to a PhD, which is often required for research careers in academia or industry.
Professional doctorates combine research with taught and practice-based elements, and are designed for professionals looking to develop their expertise in their field.
We offer a range of postgraduate courses through distance learning, attracting students from around the world.
Distance learning allows you to study around your personal and professional commitments. Course materials are provided online or by post, and you do not need to attend on-campus lectures or tutorials.
Completing a distance learning degree demonstrates to employers that you can manage your time, work independently and stay motivated.
Examples of our research expertise
TACKLING LONDON'S HEALTH INEQUALITIES
UEL’s Institute for Connected Communities (ICC) works with some of London’s most disadvantaged communities to improve health and wellbeing and tackle health inequalities.
DISASTER EDUCATION AND SOCIAL MEDIA
A project led by the School of Childhood and Social Care explores how social media can be used more effectively to educate the public during national emergencies.
GREENING URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE
Researchers at our Sustainability Research Institute are developing green roof designs that support biodiversity in urban areas by reflecting local conservation habitats.
REFORMING UK MEDIA POLICY
UEL research has helped shape UK media policy by influencing regulation, public debate and industry practice in areas such as product placement, cross-media promotion, ownership and media pluralism.
STRENGTHENING HEALTH SYSTEMS IN INDIA
Research from our Institute for Human and Health Development has helped reduce health inequalities in some of India’s largest states by improving how healthcare is funded and delivered.
SUPPORTING COUNTER-TERRORISM
Our criminology experts support UK and international counter-terrorism efforts by improving understanding of radicalisation and how people disengage from violent extremism.
ADOLESCENT SELF-HARM AND CHILD ABUSE
Our Centre for Social Work Research studies social work practice and social issues, helping improve services for young people affected by self-harm, suicide risk and child abuse.
TRACKING GLOBAL BEAT
Researchers from UEL’s School of Arts and Creative Industries have explored global dance music culture, from 1970s New York club The Loft to the emergence of dubstep in London.
Explore our research
Use our interactive map to discover more about the impact of our research projects in the UK and around the world.
Our research projects map
Before coming to UEL I held a BEng in Mechanical Engineering and had been working in a financial institution for three years. The multicultural aspect of UEL was fantastic and the lecturers were friendly. My course adviser always made us feel comfortable no matter what difficulties we might have been experiencing. Doing a postgraduate course gives you a great legacy. I'm now a software engineer within the financial sector."
Akanni Waisu Wale
MSc Computer Systems Engineering
Our alumni network
Postgraduates at UEL automatically become part of an expanding global network that will continue to benefit your career for years to come.
As a former UEL student, your career support continues long after you leave us. As soon as you complete your course, you will automatically become a member of our very active, 70,000-strong Alumni Association.
The Alumni team manage a busy calendar of events, including about 15 networking gatherings each year. It also arranges events in the UK and abroad for the alumni of specific courses - often featuring prominent guest speakers. Events take place as far afield as China, Malaysia, Ghana and Jamaica.
If you're already a UEL graduate and thinking of returning to us for postgraduate study, you'll qualify for our generous alumni discount on postgraduate fees. You may even be eligible for a scholarship of up to £3,000.
Our Alumni Association organises networking events and reunions around the world, often with industry-leading guest speakers.
Postgraduate study FAQs
I’m not sure whether to choose an MBA or an MSc. How do I decide?
The right choice depends on your experience and career goals.
An MBA (Master of Business Administration) is designed for professionals with management experience who want to move into senior leadership roles. It focuses on strategic decision-making, leadership and real-world business challenges.
An MSc (Master of Science) is usually more specialised. It focuses in depth on a specific subject area, such as finance, marketing or data analytics. It is suitable for recent graduates or professionals who want to develop expertise in one field.
Before you apply, check:
- The entry requirements
- The level of work experience required
- The course content and modules
- Your long-term career plans
If you are unsure, contact the course team for advice on which programme best matches your background and goals.
What type of reference is required for MSc applications?
Most MSc applications require one academic reference.
This should be from a lecturer, tutor or academic supervisor who can comment on your ability to succeed at the postgraduate level.
If you have been out of education for some time, you may be able to provide a professional reference from a manager or employer instead.
Your referee should be able to confirm your academic ability, skills and suitability for the course.
Check the specific course page for exact requirements, as these can vary.
Do master’s programmes at UEL include a placement year?
Some master’s programmes at UEL offer an optional placement year or professional experience opportunity, but not all courses include one.
A placement year means you spend part of your degree working in a relevant industry or organisation.
It can help you:
- Apply your academic learning in a real workplace
- Gain professional skills and experience
- Build your network before graduation
Whether you can do a placement depends on your chosen programme. Check the individual course page for details about placement options and any requirements. You can use our course search to filter courses by placement years.
Will academics help me find a placement?
Academic staff provide guidance and support, but students are responsible for securing their own placement.
Your course team may:
- Advise you on suitable roles and sectors
- Help you prepare your CV and applications
- Offer interview guidance
- Signpost you to employer contacts or opportunities
- UEL’s Careers and Student Enterprise team also provides support with job searches, applications and employer events.
You are expected to apply for placements yourself and meet any course requirements. Check your course page for details about how placements are supported and assessed.