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How to apply

To apply for a programme, you will need to complete and submit an application form, which you can access via the specific programme pages.

If you are applying for admission to a postgraduate research programme, you are advised to discuss your proposed topic of research with the appropriate faculty, prior to making an application.

While there is no formal application deadline for the majority of our programmes, you are advised to apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Where a programme does have an application deadline, the date is detailed on the specific programme page.

The application process

Once submitted, your application will be forwarded to the relevant academic department for review. The length of time taken to reach a decision will vary, as each application is considered on its individual merits. Research applications will usually take longer to process than those for taught programmes, but in all cases we will aim to inform you of the outcome of your application within six weeks.

If your application is successful, your formal offer will be issued to you by email from the Admissions Office within the Academic Registry.

Admissions policy and selection

The University of Surrey offers a high-quality learning environment which supports students to achieve their full potential in their academic discipline and prepares them for professional life. It is University policy that all applicants are considered primarily on merit and their academic potential.

Applications will be considered on the basis of the following:

  • Prior academic achievement
  • Any expected results in formal examinations for which results are not yet known
  • A personal statement in support of the application
  • A referee’s assessment of a candidate’s academic abilities

Details of programme-specific entry criteria including the required level of English language competence can be found in each programme’s description.

Applicants who have non-standard qualifications, or who request that their work experience be taken into account as part of their application, may be considered on an individual basis, in line with the general aims and principles of our admissions policy and within the terms of the Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning (AP(E)L) policy contained
within the University regulations.

The University aims to admit students of the highest calibre, who have both the academic potential and motivation to succeed on the programme applied for, and we reserve the right to refuse admission to applicants who have not met academic entry thresholds, or for whom there is evidence that they cannot (or are likely to be unable to) meet the academic, professional (such as CRB checks) or vocational (as required from an audition) requirements.

Compliance with the general and programme entrance requirements does not in itself entitle any student to admission.

Registration with the University is subject to acceptance and observance of the University’s regulatory framework.

For further information see our full admissions policy.

Disabled and dyslexic students

It is University policy that all applicants are considered primarily on merit and their academic potential. However, it is essential for the University to know the nature of any impairments in advance, so that we may advise on what facilities and arrangements are available to you.

If you have a disability, dyslexia or medical condition (including long-term medical conditions, sensory impairment, mobility difficulties and mental health conditions) which may affect your ability to study your chosen programme, please let us know on your application form.

You are also advised to contact Additional Learning Support – please let them know the following:

  • The nature of your disability or medical condition and any implications this may have for your studies or daily living arrangements
  • If your situation requires support in your studies, accommodation or daily living
  • The individual arrangements you may require or that you have found helpful in the past

We may seek further advice from the Disability Co-ordinator as to how we can assist you. In exceptional cases, the University may require further advice from professionals, for example, an occupational therapist, that may inform risk assessments.

For further information, contact:
Disability Co-ordinator
Additional Learning Support

T: +44 (0)1483 689 766
E: als@surrey.ac.uk

www.surrey.ac.uk/library/als