Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happens if there is a problem with my application?
A: Sometimes there can be a problem which holds up your application - if you have applied on line, this is usually something like a missing reference or missing transcripts when your application arrives at the School - the School will send you an e-mail to advise you of the problem and it is then up to you to ensure that the missing item(s) are sent through to the Admissions Office as soon as possible.

Q: I am an overseas student and I am not sure what English qualifications I need - how can I find out?
A: The University's Centre for English Language Education (CELE) web page has information which will help - as a guide, all taught courses and research in the School of Geography currently require IELTS Band 6.5 (with at least band 6.0 in all elements) or TOEFL 600/250 (with at least 4.5 in TWE). Even if English has been your medium of education in your country, it is still helpful if you can include some demonstration of competence in the language within your application: for example: a certified document or transcript from your university which verifies your ability to cope with English during postgraduate study.

Q: I have a confirmed offer of a place on a postgraduate course - how do I find our what funding is available?
A: Please use our Funding for Postgraduate Study web link as your first point in your funding search. Limited studentships are available annually - details of these will be posted through on the School's front page.

Q: I have been offered a PG Diploma place instead of a Masters place - what is the difference?
A: The offer of a Diploma rather than a Masters place is a purely administrative matter, reflecting the nature of your previous degree. The initial taught course elements for the MA/MSc and Diploma are exactly the same and take nine months. Students enrolled on to the Diploma course are upgraded to the MA/MSc course at the end of the nine months, subject to satisfactory performance, and then go on to produce a dissertation to qualify for the Masters degree (which takes a further three months). We have found this to be a very effective way of allowing students onto the course who will almost certainly ultimately do well, but who do not entirely meet the direct MSc/MA entry requirements. The Diploma to MA/MSc route takes exactly the same time and costs the same in fees as would the 'normal' MA/MSc route.

Q: The taught Masters Environmental Management is offered as a MSc or an MA - what difference does this make?
A: All the core modules studied are identical. The choice of a MSc or MA registration will depend on whether science-based optional modules are selected.