Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the questions we are often asked by prospective students. If the answer to your query is not adequately covered here, please contact the School via the main menu.
When Studying for an MA, Certificate, or Diploma
Q: When looking at options I sometimes come across a term that I don't fully understand or find confusing. How can I find out what it means?A: Look at our glossary of terms. If that does not help please contact us and ask. |
Q: I am an international student and I have questions relating to visas, immigration, living in the UK etc. Where can I find out more?A: there is a very helpful website here. If you still have questions, please contact us directly. |
Q: I did my first/second degree years ago and no longer have contact with any academic referees. Who should I ask for references?A: We understand that our students come from a variety of backgrounds, many after years in the workplace. Ask two people who can comment on aspects such as your work ethic, your ability to work independently, your intellectual curiosity and time-management. |
Q: My first/second degree wasn’t in a related subject. Can I still apply?A: We do consider all applications on an individual basis. Contact the relevant Graduate Director by email and explain your situation. It may be that that they ask to see a sample of writing on a relevant topic as part of your application package. |
Q: What funding is available for my postgraduate studies?A: There are studentships funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council block grant and by the University. You are advised to keep a careful eye on deadlines and to note that many schemes require you to have been offered a place on the course before applying for funding. |
Q: Can I study part-time?A: Yes. We have part-time postgraduates at both MA and PhD level. |
Q: What are the contact hours for MA students?A: Masters degrees are designed to cultivate individual research skills and represent a step between the supported learning experienced by undergraduates and the independent study undertaken by PhD students. Most full-time students on our programmes will have at least two classes per week (lasting between 90 minutes and two hours); part-time students, one class per week (lasting between 90 minutes and two hours). The rest of your learning is conducted through independent study, external to the classroom, which means that you can organise your work in a flexible way, to suit you. You will also have the opportunity to get involved in extra-curricular seminars and reading groups, which will deepen and extend your knowledge and understanding of the subject, but are not assessed as part of your formal learning process. |
Q: When should I apply for an MA?A: You can apply for MA study any time during the year, up to two weeks before the start of each new academic session (normally the third week in September). However, if you intend to apply for funding, you should pay close attention to publicised deadlines and make sure that your application has been received and can be processed in good time for you to be considered for an award. The ideal time to apply for any postgraduate course is between October and December of the year preceding your intended start date. If you are at all uncertain, contact the relevant Graduate Director for further advice. |
When Studying for a PhD or MPhil
Q: When should I apply for a PhD?A: You can apply for PhD study any time during the year, up to two weeks before the start of each new academic session (normally the third week in September). However, if you intend to apply for funding, you should pay close attention to publicised deadlines and make sure that your application has been received and can be processed in good time for you to be considered for an award. The ideal time to apply for any postgraduate course is between October and December of the year preceding your intended start date. If you are at all uncertain, contact the relevant Graduate Director for further advice. |
Q: Will I be able to choose my own PhD supervisor?A: If you would like to work with a particular member of staff, it may be a good idea to contact that person informally by email before completing your PhD application. He or she will be able to give you some idea of whether your research interests are broadly a good match. There is space on the application form for you to specify who you would ideally like to supervise your project, but we cannot guarantee that you will necessarily be assigned to that member of staff if your application is successful. In all cases, we will endeavour to find the best possible supervisor to meet your research needs. |