Postgraduate Application Process

This guide explains how to apply for a Masters, Postgraduate Certificate, or Postgraduate Diploma at Ulster University. Once you’ve chosen the right programme, follow these steps to complete and submit your application.

Getting Started

Application Time

It takes around 30 minutes to complete an online application if you have all your information ready.

To complete your application, you will need to provide:

• Full contact details
• Details of any criminal convictions or prosecutions pending
• Qualifications and award dates
• Evidence of English language attainment (if applicable)
• Employment details and history
• Funding details
• Contact details for 2 referees
• Personal statement (500 word maximum)

Your progress is saved along the way. Use the application checklist on the Online Application System to track your progress.

Application Deadlines

• For most courses, apply at least 2 weeks before the semester starts
• Some courses (e.g. PGCE) have specific deadlines — check the course pages online
• Places may be limited, so we encourage you to apply early.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements vary by course. Check the online course page for details.

If you don’t have formal qualifications, we may consider your experience through Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).

How to Apply

Step 1 – Getting set up

• Apply via the online course page — click “Apply Now”
• Create a login and PIN in the Online Application System.

Step 2 – Choosing your application type and term

• Postgrad Home & EU: for residents of NI, GB, or ROI
• Postgrad International / Non-EU: for international students outside the EU (except ROI)
• Choose your Admission Term, the year you would like to start (e.g. Academic Year 2026–2027 for September 2026).

Step 3 – Selecting your programme

• Find your programme in the alphabetised list
• Choose your award type:
• Masters (e.g MA, MSc) – Completion of full programme, including dissertation or final project. You will complete 180 credits.
• Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) – second level of a masters education. Typically, you will study the same taught content as a masters, but without the dissertation or final project. You will complete 120 credits.
• Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) – shortest taught postgraduate award. No dissertation or final project. You will complete 60 credits.

Important: if you want to apply for student finance, choose the highlight level of award that you are likely to complete.

• Select your start month and ‘Year 1’ as point of entry.

Step 4 – Completing your application

• Personal information: Contact details, address, country information, any disabilities, criminal convictions (for regulated programmes)
• Education & employment history
• English language confirmation: evidence of attainment will be required for those which English is not their native language
• Funding details: include funding source. If you are receiving financial support from an employer, you’ll need to email proof to fees@ulster.ac.uk
• Referees: two contacts required
• Personal Statement: maximum 500 words about your reason for applying to the programme
• Confirmation: consent to Data Protection Statement.

Applying to multiple courses? Submit a separate application for each.

Step 5 – After you apply

• You will receive a confirmation email within 2 working days
• Check your programme details are correct and upload required documents
• Track your application status online.

Step 6 – Offer making

The University Admissions team will review your application and respond with either:

• Unconditional offer: you have been offered a place, you have met all requirements
• Conditional offer: you have been offered a place subject to meeting conditions (e.g. exam results)
• Decline: you have been unsuccessful, and no offer has been made.

Step 7 – Replying to your offer

• Accept your place as soon as possible following the instructions sent in email
• Follow email instructions to begin registration and enrolment.

Contact us

We’re here to support you every step of the way. For questions, email: admissions@ulster.ac.uk.