Your application
This webpage is designed for international applicants as a series of frequently asked questions about your application to the University of Sheffield. The questions are divided by topics which you can see above.
If you cannot find the answer to your question here please use Ask Sheffield, a database of frequently asked questions and details of how to contact us directly.
Courses
| What are your entry requirements? | The University of Sheffield has high entry requirements as we are an international leader in teaching and research and places are competitive. Entry requirements from your country |
| What is the course content and modules that I will study? | Detail about the course you will be studying can be found on the departmental websites and by contacting them directly. Department information |
| Who can help me with my application? | We can help you with your application. Use the ‘Your country’ web-pages to select specific information about your country. Our contact details are there and you can also find information about our local representatives in your country that will be able to help you. Information on your country |
| Can I study part-time? | International students who are from outside the EU will not usually be able to study part-time. In order to get a visa and gain entry clearance to study in the UK, you will have to be enrolled on a full-time course. Individual circumstances vary, so there may be exceptions. Part-time programmes |
| Can I register for a PhD by distance learning? | It is possible to study towards a PhD degree whilst undertaking the majority of the programme of research away from the University at an approved location. There are two schemes dependent upon the student's candidature and also their fee status:
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| When do your courses start? | Most postgraduate taught courses start at the end of September and only have one admission per year. For PhD research you can start at any time during the year. You can state your preferred start-date on the application. This will however be subject to departmental approval. |
Documents
| What documents do you need for my application? | Typically, we need the following documents with your completed application:
Information on supporting documents required to make a decision on your application |
| Have you received my supporting documents? | After submitting your online application, you will receive an acknowledgement email within two working days, giving you your application and choice numbers. You can attach supporting documents to your online application, either when you apply or by logging back into the form using your email address and password. You can log into your application at any time and add additional documents, even after it has been submitted. You will then be able to trace the progress of your application online by logging back into the system. Online Postgraduate Application Form |
| What is a transcript and do I have to send it in? | A transcript is a statement of the modules studied and grades attained to date on your programme of study. It can be issued before the completion of your course to demonstrate your performance record before you receive your final degree results, as well as after you graduate. It usually contains the following information:
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| Do I need to send you my exam results? | Yes. We require an official/certified copy (this is a photocopy stamped by the issuing university to prove its authenticity) of your final transcript, as proof of your undergraduate degree result. You should upload these documents to your online application. If you are not able to attach particular documents to your online application, you can send them to us by post: The postal address is: Admissions Service The University of Sheffield Level 2, Arts Tower Western Bank Sheffield S10 2TN UK Please ensure that you write the application and choice number on all documents that you send to us. |
| Do I need to bring original documents with me to registration? | Yes, we will need to see your original documents before you are allowed to register. Admissions staff will be available at registration to verify your qualifications. |
| How should I send my supporting documents to you? | You can attach supporting documents to your online application, either when you apply or by logging back into the form using your email address and password. You can log into your application at any time and add additional documents, even after it has been submitted. Online Postgraduate Application Form If you are not able to attach particular documents to your online application, you can send them to us by post: Admissions Service The University of Sheffield, Level 2, Arts Tower Western Bank Sheffield S10 2TN United Kingdom Please remember to write your name and application number on all correspondence that you send in support of your application. |
| How should I submit my references? | You can upload your references to your online application for most courses. Alternatively it may be necessary for your referees to upload your references themselves via our Referee Portal. |
Deadlines
| When do I have to apply by? | For most courses, there is no specific deadline for postgraduate applications. As our taught Masters courses start in the autumn (end of September), we recommend that you apply early in the year (January/February). You should be aware of the course start-dates and give yourself plenty of time in which to apply. You should also allow time to make any financial, travel and accommodation arrangements, if you are offered a place. There are some courses with deadlines. These include: MMedSci Clinical Communication Studies MSc Occupational Psychology MClinDent in Periodontics MMedSci in Restorative Dentistry MMedSci in Dental Implantology |
| Can I apply before I have my final results? | You do not need to wait for your final examinations before you make your application to Sheffield. In fact, we encourage applications from students who are academically strong, but have not yet taken their final examinations. Departments are happy to offer you a place on condition that you achieve a certain percentage in your final examinations or subject to satisfactory references. This way, a place is reserved for you until you get your results. |
| How do I defer my offer? | To request a deferral of entry to the next admission the following year, you should contact the academic department. Deferrals are not automatically given and you may be asked to apply again for the following academic year. If you don’t defer, your place will be released and you will have to submit a fresh application. Your application and documents will be destroyed. Contact details for the academic departments can be found in the information for each course. Courses available |
Decisions
| How long does it take for a decision to be made on my application? | It normally takes academic departments around 4 weeks to make decisions on applications. Please also allow time for your offer letter to reach you in the post. It is not uncommon for offer letters sent to overseas addresses to take 4 or more weeks to reach their destination. Information on how long it takes for a decision to be made |
| Will I be interviewed? | If you have applied for a taught master programme, it is unlikely that you will be interviewed – decisions are usually made solely on the basis of information provided in your application. If you are applying for PhD research, some departments may interview you as part of the decision-making process. This may be a telephone interview. |
| What does a conditional offer mean? | A conditional offer means that there are requirements that you will need to meet before you can start the course. The conditions will be stated on your offer letter. Once you have met these conditions (e.g. achieving a certain IELTS English Language score or a minimum score in your current studies), you should upload documents proving this to your application. When you have met all the conditions of your offer, we will send you a new, unconditional offer letter. |
Unsuccessful application
| My application to Sheffield was unsuccessful. Can I find out why? | If you require feedback, you should contact the academic department directly in writing. This can be done by email. Contact details for the academic departments can be found in the information for each course. Courses available |
ATAS
| What is ATAS? | ATAS is the Academic Technology Approval Scheme. From 1st November 2007 non-EU/EEA students coming to the UK for some Taught Masters programmes and some research areas will have to get an ATAS clearance certificate BEFORE applying for a student visa. The areas affected will generally be science and engineering and will be identified by JACS codes. More information on ATAS |
English
| I took my IELTS or TOEFL two or more years ago. Does it still count? | No. You will have to take another IELTS or evidence of another English Language qualification. |
| What English language qualifications do you accept? | English language qualifications we accept |
| Can I study English at Sheffield before I start my course? | Yes. We have an English Language Teaching Centre (ELTC) which offers many different English language courses that you can take. We would recommend that you attend, even if you have the required level for entry. English Language Teaching Centre website. |
| I studied at an English speaking university. Do I still need IELTS? | Applicants with a first degree taught in English will not generally be required to provide other evidence of English Language proficiency. |
Postgraduate research
| What is the difference between a PhD with Integrated Masters and a normal PhD? | The PhD with Integrated Masters combines a taught Masters programme followed by PhD training and research. |
| I have been offered an MPhil but I want PhD. How do I change this? | All students starting a PhD are registered initially on a MPhil. This is a university regulation. If your sponsor requires your offer letter to state PhD, please contact the International Office. Use the ‘Your country’ web-pages to select your country. Our contact details are there. Information on your country |