International Postgraduate Application Guide
Applying to study a postgraduate taught course at University of the West of Scotland is a simple process through our online application system.
Before you begin your application, it is important to read our step-by-step guide for a smooth and stress-free process.
Confirmation of Acceptance to Study (CAS)
Check our dedicated webpage for important information regarding your Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS), including: application deadlines, payment deadlines and document submission deadlines:
CAS Information if you are applying to any UWS Scottish campus
Step 1: Choose a course
Decide which course you would like to study at UWS, making sure that it is the appropriate level of study for you.
Course Search
Find your course of interest from our career-focused undergraduate, postgraduate (taught) and post-experience options.
Step 2: Entry requirements
Make sure that your academic qualifications and English language levels meet the requirements for your chosen course. Please note that you must be able to provide original copies of your degree certificate(s) and academic transcript(s) plus official translations of these in English.
Please note that you may receive a conditional offer of study until you meet/are able to provide proof of academic / other qualifications and supporting documentation etc.
more about postgraduate entry requirements at UWS
If you are a student from either an EU or non-EU country, a country where English is not your main language, you will also be required to meet our English language requirements.
Step 3: Documents
Ensure that you have copies of all the documents required for your application. These include:
- Original copies of your degree certificate(s) and academic transcript(s) plus official translations of these documents in English
- English language proficiency test certificates
- A signed academic reference on headed paper
- CV
- Proof of funding (if required)
- Passport
- Visa/CAS statement (if held)
Step 4: Personal statement
As an international applicant applying to secure a place at University of the West of Scotland (UWS), we require a personal statement which outlines why you want to study at UWS.
We have provided a UWS International Applicant Personal Statement Form which lists the mandatory questions for you to answer in your personal statement.
Download UWS International Applicant Personal Statement Form
Please answer each question in your own words. Your answers will be used to help UWS assess your application and, where relevant, your eligibility for sponsorship for a student visa.
Before you start:
- Be specific. Avoid generic statements that could apply to any university or course.
- Make sure your answers are factually accurate and consistent with your application documents.
- You should be able to discuss your answers in a credibility interview, where relevant.
- Complete all five mandatory questions. In Question 3, complete the additional sections only if they apply to you.
- You must use your own written work/words and not text copied from the UWS website or text generated from AI.
If cannot download the UWS International Applicant Personal Statement Form, the questions are below. Please use your own document to complete and submit with your application:
Please include the following in your personal statement:
Personal Statement Questions
If you cannot download the UWS International Applicant Personal Statement Form, please create your own document and include the answers to the following questions:
Applicant details
- Applicant name
- Applicant ID
- Programme applied for
- Campus
- Academic year
- Country of residence
Questions
Question 1. Why do you want to study in the UK and at UWS? [Mandatory] Maximum word length: 150 words
Question 2. Why have you chosen this programme? [Mandatory] Maximum word length: 150 words
Question 3. How does this programme fit with your previous study and experience? [Mandatory] Maximum word length: 150 words
If you are applying for further study at the same academic level, including a further Master’s Degree, go to Question 3A below.
If you have had a study or employment gap of 5 years or more, go to Question 3B below.
Question 3A. Further study at the same level [Conditional]
If you are applying to study a further Master’s Degree or further study at the same academic level, explain why this is necessary and how it supports your future career plans. Maximum word length: 150 words, only if applicable.
Question 3B. Study or employment gap of 5 years or more [Conditional]
If you have had a study or employment gap of 5 years or more, explain the reason for the gap and why now is the right time to return to study. Maximum word length: 150 words, only if applicable.
Question 4. How will this programme support your career plans? [Mandatory] . Maximum word length: 150 words
Question 5. How will you fund your studies and living costs? [Mandatory] Maximum word length: 150 words
Step 5: Submit your application
Once you have prepared everything listed above, you can submit your application through our Online Application System.
Step 6: Scholarships and funding
UWS offer partial scholarships for international students so make sure you check your eligibility.
Step 7: Application processing
After you submit your application, we will send you an email confirming that we have received your application. You will also be given log-in details for the system so that you can track your application.
Step 8: Decision time
Once your application has been processed, we will contact you by email to confirm if it has been successful. This will include guidance on how to accept an offer and fee payment if required.
The Admissions team will make one of the following decisions:
- Unconditional offer: if you already meet the necessary entry requirements
- Conditional offer: if you have not met the necessary entry requirements, your offer will contain details of the conditions you are required to meet for an unconditional offer to be made
- Unsuccessful: if you are not considered to be suitably qualified
Step 9: Prepare for UWS
Once you have accepted your unconditional offer, it is important to prepare for life and study at UWS.
Admissions Procedure
The UWS Admissions Procedure has been developed to provide transparency in the admissions processes and practices of University of the West of Scotland, ensuring that a quality service is given to all applicants.
Our priority for admissions is to match prospective students with the programme of study that best meets their needs, whilst ensuring that our institutional strategic objectives are met. We are committed to ensuring that our approach to the admissions of students is transparent, fair, honest, consistent, accessible, personalised and timely.
Criminal Convictions
UWS is committed to fairness and transparency in its application process. As part of our responsibility towards students and staff, all applicants and enrolled students, should disclose relevant, unspent criminal convictions.
Last updated: 18/02/2026