11.4 The Application Process

Further information about the application process and required documents can be found at www.aber.ac.uk/en/postgrad/howtoapply/

Additional considerations relating specifically to full-time research in an external place of employment (PhD or MPhil) are outlined in Appendix 1.

1. The vast majority of applicants should apply for their postgraduate course (excluding PGCE – see 11.4.4) via our online portal. Supporting documents (e.g. transcripts, CV, personal statement, reference(s), research proposals) can be uploaded using this system.

2. Paper application forms are only currently used for the following courses:

• Short Courses in Information & Library Studies
• Professional Certificate in Education and Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PCET)
  
  

Copies of application forms for the above are available on request from the Postgraduate Admissions Office or can be accessed via www.aber.ac.uk/en/postgrad/howtoapply/. If applying by paper, applicants may submit their completed postgraduate application form and supporting documents by email, in person, or by post.

3. Members of AU Staff wishing to apply for postgraduate study may do so via the online portal. If applying for the Staff Scholarship Scheme, they must also submit the Staff Scholarship Scheme approval form, authorised by their Head of Department, at the point of application. Further information about the Staff Scholarship Scheme is available on the Human Resources website at: https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/hr/.

4. Applicants for PGCE courses should apply online via the UCAS Teacher Training website (https://www.ucas.com/teaching-in-wales) Please note that UCAS charge an application fee.

5. All intending postgraduate students, including members of staff, are required to apply via the Postgraduate Admissions Office. This should be done at least four weeks in advance of the intended start date, although applicants are encouraged to apply at the earliest opportunity. Applications received after this point will be processed at the discretion of the relevant academic department. Non-UK applicants who require a Student Visa are advised to ensure that their application is completed at least two months prior to the commencement of their course. Applicants for Postgraduate Research courses that are subject to ATAS are advised to apply four months in advance of the proposed start date.

6. PGCE candidates are advised to apply as early as possible as places are limited.

7. Upon successfully submitting an application via the online application portal, applicants will receive an automated acknowledgement to confirm receipt.

8. Staff in the Postgraduate Admissions Office will notify an applicant should vital materials be missing which prevent a decision from being made.