When's the best time to submit your master's application? Take a look at our top tips.
Congratulations! You’ve decided to take advantage of the many benefits of online study with one of the UK’s leading specialist universities. Now that you’ve found the perfect course, you’ll no doubt be wondering when is the best time to submit your master’s application? Our top tips below tell you all you need to know about when and how to apply.
Check the course deadline
If you’re thinking about enrolling on one of our online, part-time courses, the first thing to do is check the next application deadline. You’ll find this listed under ‘Course details’ on each of our course pages. The good news is that we offer three start dates throughout the year for each of our 100% online courses. This gives you three different opportunities to begin your studies in January, May or September, whichever is most convenient.
Give yourself plenty of time to prepare
It takes up a considerable amount of your time to prepare a successful master’s application, not least pulling together all the necessary documentation (e.g., references, education and test results) and crafting a personal statement. If your course requires a portfolio, essay component or an interview, or if you're applying for funding, chances are you’ll need even more time before you’re ready to press ‘send’ on your application.
Speak to the University before you apply
One of the advantages of beginning your application preparation early on is that you will have the time to speak to our course adviser team. They’ll be able to give you advice and pointers on what to include in your application and/or what aspects of your previous experience and creative portfolio will be most beneficial to highlight.
Plus, if there are any gaps in your application requirements, you’ll receive an early warning and still have plenty of time to sort things out. For example, taking the English language test to provide proof of your language proficiency if you’re not a native speaker.
Your application will be completely online
Given that you’ll be taught online, it probably won’t come as too much of a surprise to learn that our application process is completely online. This, however, does make it a simpler process. For example, you can use our chat function to ask our course adviser team any questions you have, you are able to scan original copies of your documents and upload them and can also save your application progress at any time and pick it up again later on.
Submit your application as soon as possible
As you can appreciate, there’s often intense competition for admission. By submitting your application early, you have a greater chance of being successful, particularly if there’s a limited number of places. You’ll also make it easier for your application to stand out from the potential crowd of last-minute submissions.
Meet your classmates before the course starts
One of the most exciting reasons to apply early is the opportunity to network and meet other students who’ll be studying online with you. Our social channels are a great way to find future classmates, allowing you to feel a part of our community before you’ve enrolled on your programme. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Avoid a last-minute panic and reduce your stress
There’s nothing worse than the panic and stress that comes with the possibility of missing a deadline. Giving yourself sufficient time to both prepare and submit your master’s application means you can get it out of the way and focus on enjoying some of your spare time that’ll soon be taken up with postgraduate study. Think of it as one less thing to worry about!
Next steps
Arts University Bournemouth Online currently offers three 100% online master’s courses: the MA Film Practice; MA Interior Design; and MA Landscape Architecture Studies. If you have any questions about your application, you can talk to our Course Adviser team by emailing info@studyonline.aub.ac.uk, calling us on +44 01202 122 883 or filling in the form below.