How to apply (postgraduate)

This page only applies to MA/MRes Social Policy, MRes Social Work and PhD programmes. See also:

Applying to Online MA programmes in Public Management

Applying to the MA Social Work (UCAS)

Applying to campus-based MA/MRes Social Policy (inc. Comparative, CASPPER), MRes Social Work, and PhD programmes

Application forms

All applicants are expected to use the online application system. Paper applications can only be considered in exceptional circumstances.

Go to the University of York Online Postgraduate Application System.
Scroll down the page until you find your degree programme. Click 'Apply'.
On the next page, select a start date then click 'Start application' to create an account.
Your work on the application form can be saved so you can do this in stages.
We strongly advise you not to submit your application before it is complete (form and supporting documents); the system will NOT allow you to return to the form to upload documents once the application is submitted.
You will receive an automated email confirming that your application has been received.

Application process

When your application is received, the Postgraduate Admissions team logs it and assigns you a reference or student number. PG Admissions tells you that the application has arrived and then sends it to the Department for a decision.
The programme director checks the application and makes a recommendation to PG Admissions. In the case of research programmes, the application must be assessed by at least two members of the academic staff, and a potential supervisor must be identified before a decision is made.
PG Admissions processes the offer (or rejection) letters. They will also process a CAS (Certificates of Acceptance for Study) if required.
Once you receive the offer you should respond, by declining or accepting.
Offers usually have conditions (for example English proficiency or academic certificates) which must be met before the start of the programme. When all the conditions are satisfied, PG Admissions will change the offer to unconditional. Again, you should respond to this updated offer.
Closer to the beginning of the programme students who have accepted unconditional offers receive information on how to enrol.

Documentation needed for Masters applications

Application form
Supporting documents (academic certificates/transcripts, references and any other documents required by the university - for example English language certificate or evidence of financial support)
Personal statement

Documentation needed for research applications

Application form
Supporting documents (see above)
Research proposal

NOTE: Applicants who are likely to be offered a place are interviewed whenever possible.

About the references

We need two academic references.
If it is not possible for you to get them, you can provide a professional reference, as long as your referee is someone who can comment on your academic skills.
If your referees have official email addresses (.edu, .gov, .ac.uk) they can email their references to the university. Otherwise, reference letters must be provided on official (headed) paper and come in a sealed envelope.
It is your responsibility, as applicant, to ensure that the references are received.

Timeframes

Standard masters applications that are received complete can usually be decided within two weeks.
Standard research applications that are received complete are usually decided in 4-6 weeks.
Note that decision times will be much longer in special cases or if documents are missing.

Social Policy and Social Work