International Postgraduate Research Application Guide
Applying to undertake a postgraduate research degree 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.
Step 1: Choose a subject
Decide which subject and level of study you would like to undertake at UWS. Please note that you are required to submit a research proposal as part of the research degree application process.
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 copies of your degree certificate(s) and academic transcript(s) in English.
Step 3: Documents
Ensure that you have copies of all the documents required for your application. These include:
- Degree certificate(s) in English
- Academic transcript(s) in English
- English language proficiency test certificates
- Two references, one of which must be academic
- CV
- Proof of funding (if required)
- Passport
- Visa/CAS statement (if held)
- ATAS certificate (if required)
Step 4: Research proposal
You are required to outline, in no more than 500 words, your preferred area of study and a proposal you wish to put forward for a research project. You may wish to indicate the general discipline and methodology which you would be interested in exploring, or to give a more detailed outline proposal, with reference to relevant research literature and information sources.
The research programme will be subject to further discussion with academic staff. Please indicate whether or not you have already discussed your proposal with the appropriate school.
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 a wide range of scholarships and early payment incentives for postgraduate research students.
Find out more about scholarships and funding opportunities at UWS
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 Policy
The UWS Admissions Policy 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.
Last updated: 10/01/2022