READ PART 1 HERE: Pursuing UK Master's Degree
Before this, I thought that the online application process for overseas universities would be very complicated. But once you have read the instruction, I would say most of them are pretty straightforward. If you are not sure about a particular requirement, they would usually have a help button explaining what is needed.
Before this, I thought that the online application process for overseas universities would be very complicated. But once you have read the instruction, I would say most of them are pretty straightforward. If you are not sure about a particular requirement, they would usually have a help button explaining what is needed.
Each and every university has a different system of the online application process; but as a general guide, I will be using University of Birmingham as an example and here are the things that one commonly has to do:
- Search for your Course on the Course Finder
University of Birmingham's course finder on the official website. Personally, I think this search bar is very useful because you may get overwhelmed by a university's website; Undergraduate Degree, Taught Postgraduate Degree, Research Postgraduate Degree and the list goes on.There is just too many information on the website that the search bar will definitely help you break through the clutter and go straight to the page that you needed to go. - Check the Entry RequirementsOf course, check if you are qualified before applying.You may be able to apply for postgraduate degree even if you do not have an undergraduate degree as long as you have relevant work experiences in the field. Check with the university if it is possible to do so.
- Click Apply Now and Register as a New User
University of Birmingham's online application portal You will be taken to their postgraduate admissions portal and asked to create an account just for the online application submission. - Complete the FormOnce you are done with the registration, start to fill in the form with your personal details, permanent address, educational background and so on.This should be straightforward as well.
- Have your Supporting Documents ReadyThis would require a little bit of energy and time because you will need to rummage through your files as well as seek out your professors to obtain the needed documents and scan them to be uploaded to the application portal.
Referee Details Form. Do fill in accurately especially the referee's contact details as University of Birmingham reserve the right to contact the referee independently. Generally, you will need:
a) Your Foundation/Diploma and Bachelor Degree's transcripts
b) 2 Academic reference letters OR 1 Academic and 1 Employer reference letters*
c) English test result**
d) Personal statement***
You may also required to show your SPM Certificate (For Malaysian students) because I have been informed that the universities may want to evaluate your progression throughout your studies from high school up to degree.
*Reference Letter
*Reference Letter
Reference Letter is basically a recommendation letter whereby the referee (or person who writes the letter) would assess your qualities and capabilities and put them in words. The referees would be the ones who tell the reader how well you have performed throughout your educational journey and if they think you are a suitable candidate for the admission to higher education institutions.
Asking for a reference letter can be quite stressful because you would need to figure out who could vouch for you and write letters of recommendation that would eventually help you get into your university of choice.
I cannot stress this enough but everyone should be nice to their professors and lecturers (and even your employers!). Treat them with respect and never get on their nerves. Because someday you might need their help, whether it be for future employment or in my case, asking for reference letters.
I am lucky to have been taught by my parents to never, never disrespect my teachers and never be on their bad side no matter what. Now I am grateful because I have obtained not only one, but two lovely reference letters that described me in ways that I could not think of.
If you have trouble on this part, do check out this guide on How to Ask for a Reference Letter where you will basically learn about the process as well as the proper etiquette in getting your letter of recommendation.
**English test result
As per the requirement, you will need to scan and upload your English test result such as IELTS. More information can be found on my previous entry for the English Language Requirements.
***Personal statement
Personal statement is a word document that tells the reader why you are interested in the course that you have selected and what are the skills and qualities that you have to indicate that you are a great candidate for it.
This is where you describe your ambitions and goals in life. You should also demonstrate your enthusiasm for the subject and any relevant work experience or placements is an added bonus. It is like a resume for higher institution admissions and thus it should be taken seriously and given some time to draft before you write it.
Check out this UCAS website for more information on Personal Statements and their useful Personal Statement Worksheet to get you started.
After you are done, carefully proofread and triple-check everything before hitting the submit button.
Asking for a reference letter can be quite stressful because you would need to figure out who could vouch for you and write letters of recommendation that would eventually help you get into your university of choice.
I cannot stress this enough but everyone should be nice to their professors and lecturers (and even your employers!). Treat them with respect and never get on their nerves. Because someday you might need their help, whether it be for future employment or in my case, asking for reference letters.
I am lucky to have been taught by my parents to never, never disrespect my teachers and never be on their bad side no matter what. Now I am grateful because I have obtained not only one, but two lovely reference letters that described me in ways that I could not think of.
If you have trouble on this part, do check out this guide on How to Ask for a Reference Letter where you will basically learn about the process as well as the proper etiquette in getting your letter of recommendation.
**English test result
As per the requirement, you will need to scan and upload your English test result such as IELTS. More information can be found on my previous entry for the English Language Requirements.
***Personal statement
Personal statement is a word document that tells the reader why you are interested in the course that you have selected and what are the skills and qualities that you have to indicate that you are a great candidate for it.
This is where you describe your ambitions and goals in life. You should also demonstrate your enthusiasm for the subject and any relevant work experience or placements is an added bonus. It is like a resume for higher institution admissions and thus it should be taken seriously and given some time to draft before you write it.
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| UCAS Personal Statement Mindmap |
After you are done, carefully proofread and triple-check everything before hitting the submit button.
Some of the universities would not allow you to make amendments via the portal once you have submitted the applications online; so it is important that all of the information given are as accurate as possible.
Now relax, and wait patiently for the results (which could take up to 4 weeks or more).
Good luck!
Now relax, and wait patiently for the results (which could take up to 4 weeks or more).
Good luck!
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