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Accept optional cookies Reject optional cookies Close main menu ×Applications for 2024 entry are open and you don't need to wait until you finish your current studies to apply.
What do you need to know before you start your application? What documents will you need to show us?
You can use our postgraduate application portal to apply for most of our programmes. View our course information pages for our complete list of programmes, where you will find full details.
You can not use our postgraduate application portal for the following programmes:
You can find information about the entry and English language requirements on the course information pages.
If you have studied outside the UK, we advise you to check our international qualifications list. Please get in touch with us for guidance if your country of study or qualification is not listed.
The English language requirements vary depending on the course and department.
Prepare your supporting informationWhen you have completed and submitted the application form, we will determine the documents that we need to assess your application based on your provided information. This will be available shortly after submission in the supporting document section of your application. For us to consider your application, you must upload the required documents (marked with a *) to your application. We will let you know by email if we need further documentation.
If your documents are not in English, you must provide an official English translation and your untranslated copy.
Information usually requiredYou will need to upload an official copy of your degree transcript to show that you meet or expect to meet the entry requirements. Your transcript needs to include the subjects you have studied, your marks for these and confirmation of your degree award. If you have not completed your studies, please provide an interim transcript. If you are studying outside the UK and your university’s grading scale is not detailed on your transcript, you will also need to provide this.
You should tell us why you are applying for the course, what you hope to gain from your studies and how it fits in with your plans. We recommend a maximum of 500 words.
We need one reference; ideally, one should be from someone who can comment on your suitability for academic study—for example, a tutor who has taught you during your previous studies. We may accept a professional reference if you cannot provide an academic reference.
Depending on where you have studied and your nationality, you may need to provide a recognised English language qualification. The English language requirements vary by course and are detailed in the entry requirements and on our English language page.
You may be eligible for a pre-sessional English language course if you do not meet the requirements. You will need to upload a copy of your English language certificate so we can assess your eligibility.
You should check the course entry requirements for instructions and guidelines for writing a research proposal.
You will need to submit a copy of your passport if you are an international student and need a student visa to study in the UK.
For some programmes, we need additional supporting information. If this is required, the documents will be listed in the supporting document section of your application, and if we need any further supporting information, we will let you know.
Application fees and tuition fee depositsFor most taught postgraduate applications, there is a non-refundable application fee of £40. We cannot consider applications until you pay this fee, as our online secure payment system advises. There is no application fee for postgraduate research applications.
You will need to pay a deposit for some of our courses to accept your offer and secure your place. We will let you know in the offer letter if a deposit is required, and we will give you a deadline date when this is due to be paid.
How to apply if you are a current Lancaster University student or alumnusIf you are a current student at Lancaster, you won't need to create an account. You can log in to the postgraduate application portal using your Lancaster University username and password.
Current Lancaster students are not required to pay an application fee; for more information, contact pgadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk.
If you have studied with us previously and don't have a live University account, you will need to create an account on our postgraduate application portal before starting your application.
For most of our postgraduate programmes, you will not need to provide a reference, a copy of your transcript, or a personal statement. If we do need any additional documents, we will let you know.
Please visit our staying for postgraduate study page for further information about our scholarships and guaranteed offer scheme.
How to apply if you are studying at one of our partner institutions and your degree is validated by Lancaster University
If you are studying at one of our partner institutions and don't have a Lancaster University IT account, you will need to create an account before starting your application.
You should log in to start your application if you have a Lancaster University IT account.
Applying for postgraduate research programmesYou can apply online by using our postgraduate application portal.
If you are applying for research master's or doctoral study, please ensure that a staff member at Lancaster University covers the specialist area you wish to study.
We recommend you look at the research section for your chosen study area. Please view our list of faculties and departments for further information.
Please let us know which potential supervisor you have identified in your research proposal so we can note this on your application.
Postgraduate applications should be made through our postgraduate application portal.