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School of Geography    /    Postgraduate    /    Masters applicants    /    How to apply

How to apply

1
 
 

Choose your masters programme

The first step is to search through the different masters programmes in Geography that we offer at Queen Mary to find one whose general focus and constituent modules offer a close fit with your research interests.    

 
2
 

Review entry requirements

After you have chosen a masters programme, read the entry requirements for your chosen programme to find out if you fulfil the minimum entry requirements, including English Language Requirements, if relevant. If you cannot find the information you need, contact us. 

 
3
 

Check tuition fees and funding opportunities

When making your application for masters study it is important that you consider the availability of finances to cover both the tuition fees and your living costs.  Check the tuition fees for your chosen masters programme here. 

If you are unsure as to your fee status please see the international student pages. Most international students will be charged the overseas fee for their programmes. However there are some exceptions where non-UK students are liable to be classified as 'home' students for fee purposes.

Information on funding opportunities for masters students can be found here.

 
4
 

Complete the application form

Applications are made online. Please ensure you use the postgraduate application form for non-Medicine/Dentistry students. The form is largely self-explanatory.

All applicants are asked to include a brief Statement of Interest (about 300 to 500 words) outlining the main academic areas covered in their first degree, how these might relate to the issues examined on their chosen MA/MSc programme, and their main reasons for choosing the masters programme at Queen Mary.

Candidates must include a full academic transcript (a record of courses taken and grades achieved) and two referees reports with their application. Failure to do so will result in a delay in the application being processed.

Applications may be submitted online, or to: Admissions and Recruitment Office, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, United Kingdom

 
5

Track progress / raise any further questions 

Please liaise with the relevant contact listed under the ‘Contact us’ tab for your particular programme for any questions regarding your application.

The application process can take up to 4-8 weeks depending on the time of year. Please do ensure that your application form is as complete as possible to speed up the process. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


Our standard requirement for our masters programmes is a 2:1 from a UK university or the international equivalent. Although many successful applicants will have a first degree in geography or a closely allied subject in social sciences, humanities, or natural and environmental sciences, we will also welcome applications from students with other academic backgrounds.


Although a 2:1 from a UK university or the international equivalent is our standard entry requirement, in exceptional circumstances we do occasionally accept applications from applicants holding a 2:2 undergraduate degree. These will be carefully considered by the masters admissions tutor, on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the applicant's academic and professional background and achievements, relevant work experience or particularly good references.  


All applicants must show they meet a minimum English language standard. The English language levels vary between programmes, and you can read full details here. If you have not achieved the required English language level yet, you may be eligible to take a Pre-sessional English course, or continue to take English language tests in your country to reach the level needed. More information.


All our masters programmes start in September. It is not possible to start at any other point. Click here for term dates. Induction to the School takes place during Welcome Week. 


A full-time student can expect to attend around 8–10 hours a week teaching, and undertake private study such that the total number of hours studied is approximately 35–40 a week.


All our masters programmes are offered on a part-time basis. As a part-time student you would take the same classes as the full-time students, but you would take only half the amount of modules at any one time. You would probably take one or two modules a term, which would mean coming in for around four hours a week. These four hours may or may not be all on the same day depending on which modules you take. Overseas students should note that it is extremely rare for the government to award a student visa for part-time study, unless you are already working in Britain with a work permit.


No, all our programmes are taught during usual working hours.


We would prefer to see two academic references. If it is several years since you graduated from your first degree we will understand if this will not be possible, and will accept one academic and one non-academic reference.


Steps to Postgraduate Study provides information for students who are making decisions about postgraduate study. From visas to accommodation and funding, this website brings all this information together in one place to help you make your decision about postgraduate study.


If you have specific queries relating to the applications process that is not addressed here, please contact the Postgraduate Studies Manager. For questions on the academic content of any programme please contact the relevant Programme Coordinator. 

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