Page content

How to apply to postgraduate study

A step-by-step guide to completing your application and our offer making explained.

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.

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 conviction or prosecutions pending (required for certain regulated programmes)
  • Qualifications and award dates
  • Evidence of English language attainment (if English is not your native language)
  • Employment details, including employment history
  • Funding details
  • Referees (contact details for two referees)
  • Personal statement (500 word maximum).

You don’t need to finish in one go — your progress is saved along the way. Use the Application Checklist in the Online Application System to track your progress.

Application deadlines

  • For most programmes, apply at least two weeks before the semester starts
  • Some courses (e.g. PGCE) have specific deadlines — check the course information
  • Places may be limited, so it’s best to apply early.

Entry requirements

  • Entry requirements vary by course
  • If you don’t have formal qualifications, experience may be considered through Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)
  • Referees: two contacts required
  • Personal statement: maximum 500 words explaining your motivation
  • Confirmation: consent to Data Protection Statement.

Step 1 – Getting set up

  • Apply directly via the online course page
  • Create a login and PIN in the secure Online Application System.

Step 2 – Choosing your application type and term

Choose your application type:

  • Postgrad Home & EU – for applicants from Northern Ireland, Great Britain or the Republic of Ireland
  • Postgrad International / Non-EU – for international students outside the EU (except ROI).

Choose your admission term:

  • Academic Year 2026–2027 – for September 2026 start
  • Academic Year 2025–2026 – for January 2026 start.

Step 3 – Selecting your programme

  • Find your programme in the alphabetised list, broken down by award type
  • Choose the correct award type:
    • Masters (MA, MSc): Full programme including dissertation or final project (180 credits)
    • Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip): Same taught content as Masters, no dissertation (120 credits)
    • Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert): Shortest taught award, no dissertation (60 credits)
  • Choose the month you would like to start — some programmes have multiple start dates
  • Select ‘Year 1’ as your point of entry.

Step 4 – Completing your application

Your application helps us prepare for your admission. You’ll need to complete:

  • Personal information: contact details, address, country, disabilities, criminal convictions (for regulated programmes)
  • Education and employment history
  • English language confirmation: evidence required if English is not your native language
  • Funding details: include source and, if employer-funded, confirmation of funding

Step 6 – Offer making

Once reviewed, you will receive one of the following:

  • Unconditional offer: You’ve met all entry requirements — accept and begin enrolment
  • Conditional offer: Offer subject to meeting specific conditions (e.g. exam results)
  • Decline: No offer made at this time

Step 7 – Replying to your offer

  • Accept your place as soon as possible
  • Follow the instructions in your offer email
  • Begin registration and enrolment after acceptance

Contact us

For any questions, please contact us using this contact form.