Applying for Masters

I know this isn't technically a MS question but DS is applying to do a Masters. The application is on line, very straightforward, and he needs to attach a CV. It says they will let him know if successful in 4 weeks. It seems a bit too simple. If anyone has had experience of applying, do you think a CV means a proper letter of application, like a personal statement, reasons why he wants to do course etc.? Any advice welcome.
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  • agrinnall
    agrinnall Posts: 23,344
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    Probably not, if they wanted those things they would have asked for them. Can you post a link to the course so we can see for ourselves?
  • I would make sure he includes all his education on the cv, including marks or any additional extra curricular achievements, as well as including specific details of any relevant work experience. My MA application was that straightforward but it wasn't a course that has to limit the number of entrants - what type of subject is it? Some courses will accept all the students that meet the minimum requirements, I'm sure if they wanted transcripts, or personal statements they would definitely ask from them - I had to write a personal statement for my latest course application and there were very specific questions and word limits but it was to match research interests rather than a taught course.
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  • I did a MA several years ago, and am currently half way through another one. On both occasions I wrote a personal statement of why I wanted to do the course, I also looked at the course units and related my work experience/ qualifications to them. I would definitely write a personal statement giving reasons of why they want to do the course and as long as they have a suitable undergrad degree they should be fine.
  • silvercar
    silvercar Posts: 46,861
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    Some courses are relatively easy to get a place one, securing funding for 2015 may prove harder. From 2016 student loans will be accessible.
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  • Mrs_Soup
    Mrs_Soup Posts: 1,154
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    I would just provide what they ask for. I deal with applications to postgrad law programmes and in the actual law department we see very few of the applications- Admissions just make offers if they meet our entry criteria. It can be very easy to get a postgrad place if you have decent UG results (i.e. at least a 2.1) unless you want a very specialised course you can easily end up with several offers. Its getting the funds to pay for it that is much much harder.
  • ceewash
    ceewash Posts: 1,341
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    agrinnall wrote: »
    Probably not, if they wanted those things they would have asked for them. Can you post a link to the course so we can see for ourselves?

    Here is the course he wants to do

    http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/courses/arts/english/english-language-studies-ma

    At present he is on a BA course at Sheffield Hallam

    Any tips on funding would be useful.
  • ceewash
    ceewash Posts: 1,341
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    silvercar wrote: »
    Some courses are relatively easy to get a place one, securing funding for 2015 may prove harder. From 2016 student loans will be accessible.

    I didn't know about this. I thought we would have to foot the bill along with his part-time job. Do you have more information?
    Would he be better defering for a year?
  • Mrs_Soup
    Mrs_Soup Posts: 1,154
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    It was announced in the autumn statement that students under 30 doing a masters would be eligible for a loan (as with undergrad study) from 2016. If you son is of standard student age taking a year of and working to build up some extra funds then applying for 2016 might well be to his advantage. I suspect we will find a lot of Home applicants will defer for a year because of this.
  • Voyager2002
    Voyager2002 Posts: 15,244
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    I suggest that he just does as requested...Masters courses are cash cows for most universities, so they are unlikely to reject anyone who seems vaguely qualified.
  • agrinnall
    agrinnall Posts: 23,344
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    ceewash wrote: »
    Here is the course he wants to do

    http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/courses/arts/english/english-language-studies-ma

    At present he is on a BA course at Sheffield Hallam

    Any tips on funding would be useful.

    Well that very clearly states that a supporting statement is required and that you may wish to provide a CV. Surely that answers your original question?
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