Postgraduate application FAQs

This webpage is designed for international applicants as a series of frequently asked questions about your application to the University of Sheffield.

Off

If you cannot find the answer to your question here, please feel free to contact us directly.

Courses

What are your entry requirements?

The University of Sheffield has high entry requirements as we are an international leader in teaching and research and places are competitive. Choose your country or region to find out specific entry requirements.

What is the course content and modules that I will study?

You can search for a course using our postgraduate taught course listings and PhD study pages. 

Postgraduate taught course listings

PhD study

Who can help me with my application?

We can help you with your application. Choose your country or region to select specific information about your country. Our contact details are there and you can also find information about our local representatives in your country that will be able to help you.

Can I study part-time?

International students will not usually be able to study part-time. In order to get a visa and gain entry clearance to study in the UK, you will have to be enrolled on a full-time course. Individual circumstances vary, so there may be exceptions.

Can I register for a PhD by distance learning?

There is an option to pursue part or all of your postgraduate research at a specified place away from the University.

Research away from the University

When do your courses start?

Most postgraduate taught courses start at the end of September and only have one admission per year.

For PhD research, although we advise students to start in September/October, it's often possible to start postgraduate research at any point in the year. You can state your preferred start date in your application, although this will need to be confirmed by the academic department.

You should leave yourself plenty of time between applying and your start date to make arrangements to come to Sheffield if we make you an offer, particularly if you're an International applicant and will need to arrange a student visa.

Key dates and deadlines for postgraduate courses

Documents

What documents do you need for my application?

Information about the documents you should include to support your application, and how to supply these, is provided in our supporting documents guidance:

Supporting documents

You can find examples of the documents you will be asked to supply on the above link. You will be able to trace the progress of your application online by logging back into the Postgraduate Online Application Form.

Deadlines

When do I have to apply by?

Key dates and deadlines for postgraduate courses.

Staged admissions for postgraduate applications

Our most popular courses receive many more applications than we have study places available. To manage the competition for places on these courses, we operate a staged admissions process, with application and decision deadlines throughout the year.

Staged admissions for postgraduate applications

How do I defer my offer?

If we've offered you a study place and you will be unable to attend at the start of your course, you may be able to defer your entry to the next admission point.

Deferring your postgraduate taught application

Deferring your PhD application

Decisions

How long does it take for a decision to be made on my application?

For postgraduate taught courses, see: After you apply - waiting for a decision

For postgraduate research courses, see: After you apply - waiting for a decision

Will I be interviewed?

If you have applied for a taught master programme, it is unlikely that you will be interviewed – decisions are usually made solely on the basis of information provided in your application. More information is available here.

If you are applying for PhD research, some departments may interview you as part of the decision-making process. This may be a telephone interview. More information is available here.

What does a conditional offer mean?

After you apply - offer types for postgraduate taught study

After you apply - offer types for postgraduate research study

Unsuccessful application

My application to Sheffield was unsuccessful. Can I find out why?

You can find out more about how to gain feedback on your postgraduate taught application here.

Information on how to gain feedback on PhD applications can be found here.

ATAS

What is ATAS?

The UK government's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) operate an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS). Most non-UK nationals planning to study certain science, engineering or technology disciplines in the UK need to acquire an ATAS certificate before they can apply for a visa.

More information about ATAS

English

What English language qualifications do you accept?

English language qualifications we accept.

Can I study English at Sheffield before I start my course?

Yes. We have an English Language Teaching Centre (ELTC) which offers many different English language courses that you can take.

I took my IELTS 2 or more years ago. Does it still count?

Tests measure English language ability at a single point in time. If you are presenting an English language ability test, it should have been completed no more than two years before the start date of your Sheffield course.

English language requirements for postgraduates

I studied at an English speaking university. Do I still need IELTS?

If you have completed a first degree taught in English in a majority native English speaking country, we will not normally require you to provide other evidence of English language ability.

English language requirements for postgraduates

Postgraduate research

What is the difference between a PhD with Integrated Masters and a normal PhD?

The PhD with Integrated Masters combines a taught Masters programme followed by PhD training and research.

Upcoming events for offer holders and enquirers

We're running a series of information sessions, student panels and virtual activities to help you understand what Sheffield has to offer.