When to Apply

In most cases, there is a very flexible approach to applications for postgraduate study, and the time by which you need to submit your application will vary according to the course you are interested in.

For postgraduate research degrees, there may be several possible start-dates available (1st October, 1st January, 1st April and 1st July) subject to approval by the appropriate academic school.

In terms of postgraduate taught degrees, in most cases they do not have formal deadlines but can continue admitting students until all places are full. There are some exceptions – for example the Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism Studies (with a closing date usually at the end of February) and taught courses at Cardiff Business School (for which applications should be made by the end of July). 

Where particular programmes have application deadlines, this will be noted on the appropriate School website and on the Course Finder database. If in doubt about when to apply for your chosen postgraduate programme, please contact the relevant academic school for advice.

Applying for Funding: If you are considering applying for some kind of studentship, you will usually need to have a firm offer of a place to study on a postgraduate programme before you will be considered for an award.  It is therefore important that you apply for your chosen scheme of study well in advance of the closing date for funding applications as set by the relevant funding body. Information on possible sources of funding can be found in our funding section.

As a general rule, we recommend submitting your application as soon as possible once you are happy with your choice of postgraduate programme.