Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Our normal entrance requirements for taught postgraduate courses are:

• An Honours Degree from a UK Institute of Higher Education or International equivalent, or
• A Postgraduate Diploma, or Post-Experience Diploma recognised as being equivalent to an Honours Degree, or
• Accredited professional or vocational experience in relevant areas of practice

Accreditation of Prior Learning

If you do not have a first degree, you could still be eligible for postgraduate study. Contact us if you have qualifications/experiences that could be accredited through the University’s Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) or Accreditation of Experiential Learning (APEL) systems. If you don’t have any academic qualifications, but have been working and have lots of experience, then you may be still fulfilled our entry requirments through this APEL route. They are called APEL (or APL) courses, because they offer Accreditation for Prior (Experiential) Learning.

When to apply

Enrolment normally takes place in the middle of September. However, there’s no need to wait until then to start your postgraduate studies as many courses run from February at the start of the second semester. When you apply you will be notified of the appropriate time, place and date of enrolment.

To find out more, call us free on 0800 801 222.

You will typically need a first or second-class Honours Degree in order to pursue a Research Degree with us.

However, some of our postgraduate students also hold other qualifications, such as ‘graduateships’ of professional institutions.

You may also be considered for a Research Degree if you have experience that demonstrates the appropriate skills and knowledge at a standard equivalent to first degree level.

How and when to apply

Before enrolling, please contact the Faculty or School you wish to join to discuss your research proposal. They will advise whether they are able to supervise/accommodate your project.

Please then apply for admission as early as possible before the date of entry, even if you have not yet been awarded your first degree. Your completed application should be sent direct to the Faculty and accompanied with a written outline of your proposal.

To find out more, call us free on 0800 801 222.

If English is not your first language we will ask you to show that you are fluent enough to cope with the course. A minimum score of six in IELTS (the International English Language Testing System) or 550 (or 213 computer-based) in TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), or the equivalent is the normal requirement. Our faculties may decide in some cases to require higher IELTS or TOEFL scores or to accept other forms of evidence of competence in the use of English language.

To find out more, call us free on 0800 801 222.

We also offer English language courses for international students in the summer and during the academic year, which help students to improve their English language skills.

As long as you are academically suited to the postgraduate course you wish to follow, you will not be refused admission on the grounds of disabled student unless there are compelling reasons.

For example, we will view ‘disable student’ as including any physical or sensory impairment or health condition that could make it difficult for you to complete a course successfully – such as diabetes or epilepsy.

Please apply as early as possible and tell us on your postgraduate application form of any disability so that we can discuss your requirements with you and, wherever possible, provide the facilities and support you need.

For an information leaflet or to talk to us, please contact The Disabled Student Centre.

If you graduated from Staffordshire University, and plan to return to complete your postgraduate degree, you’ll automatically save 15% off your postgraduate course fees.