University of Reading Postgraduate Admissions: How to Apply

Apply for a UK Scholarship with Expert Guidance -Contact Us Today

Planning to study for a master's degree in the UK? The University of Reading postgraduate admissions process involves choosing the right course, checking requirements, preparing documents and submitting an online application.

This guide explains the University of Reading master's application process step by step, including documents, deadlines, offers, deposits, CAS and funding for international students.

Who Can Apply for Postgraduate Study?

The University of Reading normally expects postgraduate taught applicants to have a good undergraduate honours degree or an equivalent qualification from outside the UK. However, requirements can vary depending on the course.

Some programmes may also consider applicants with other qualifications and relevant work experience. Always check the specific course before starting your application.

For Bangladeshi students, Reading provides country-specific guidance on qualifications. Its current guidance states that a four-year bachelor's degree from selected public and private universities may be considered for master's and MPhil entry, with the required grade depending on the qualification and institution.

This means you should not assume that one qualification rule applies to every master's course.

Find a Suitable Master's Course

Your first step should be choosing a course that matches your academic background and career plans.

Reading offers postgraduate study across different subject areas. Once you find a course you are interested in, check its individual course page carefully.

Look at:

• Course content and modules

• Study duration

• Start date

• Academic entry requirements

• English language requirements

• Any additional requirements

• Application deadlines, if applicable

• Tuition fees and available funding

The course page is particularly important because University of Reading master's entry requirements can differ between programmes.

If you are unsure which course matches your previous degree, compare the course requirements with your academic background before submitting an application.

Check the Academic Entry Requirements

Academic requirements are one of the most important parts of the University of Reading postgraduate application process.

For postgraduate taught courses, Reading normally requires a good undergraduate honours degree or an equivalent international qualification. Some programmes have additional requirements, which are listed on the relevant course page.

International applicants can also use Reading's country-specific information to understand how their qualifications may be assessed.

For example, Reading's current Bangladesh guidance includes specific information about acceptable bachelor's qualifications for postgraduate study.

Before applying, make sure you have:

• Completed the required undergraduate qualification

• Achieved the required grade

• Studied an appropriate subject where required

• Met any additional course conditions

Meeting the minimum requirement does not remove the need to provide complete and accurate supporting documents.

Check English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language, you will normally need to demonstrate your English ability.

Reading states that English requirements vary by course. Its normal IELTS requirements include either an overall 7.0 with no individual element below 6.0, or 6.5 overall with no individual element below 5.5, depending on the programme. The university also accepts a range of alternative English language qualifications.

Your course page should be your main reference because the exact requirement can be different.

If you do not yet meet the required level, Reading also offers pre-sessional English programmes for students who need additional preparation before their main degree.

When Should You Apply?

One useful point about the University of Reading postgraduate admissions process is that many master's programmes do not have a formal application closing date.

However, some courses do have deadlines. If a programme has a deadline, Reading says it will be shown on the course page.

Even where there is no formal closing date, places can become full. Reading therefore recommends applying as early as possible, particularly for international students.

For September entry, Reading currently recommends:

Applications may still be considered after these dates, but applying earlier gives you more time to meet offer conditions, arrange accommodation and organise funding.

For international students, early application is especially useful because the admission, funding and visa process can involve several separate steps.

Start with the Parent Guide

For a wider overview of the University's application journey, see University of Reading Admissions: Your Essential Guide.

Documents Required for a Master's Application

Preparing your documents before starting the application can make the process much easier.

Reading currently asks master's applicants to electronically upload or provide information for several important documents.

These include:

• Full academic transcripts for all degree programmes studied

• Certified English translations if your transcripts are not in English

• English language evidence, such as IELTS or TOEFL, where required

• Two academic or professional references

• Statement of purpose

• Passport copy for international students

Your statement of purpose should explain your academic background, interest in master's study, relevant work experience and skills.

References are handled electronically. After submitting your application, your nominated referees are invited by email to provide their references. Reading advises applicants to remind referees to check their junk or spam folders.

Make sure your documents are clear and accurate before uploading them. Do not send original transcript copies by post when the university specifically asks for electronic PDF uploads.

How to Apply Through Reading's Online Application System

The University of Reading master's application is submitted through the university's online application system.

A simple application process looks like this:

1. Choose your course
Find the master's programme that matches your academic and career plans.

2. Check the requirements
Review the course's academic, English language and other entry requirements.

3. Prepare your documents
Collect transcripts, references, your statement of purpose, English evidence and passport copy if you are an international applicant.

4. Complete the online application
Enter your personal, academic and other required information carefully.

5. Upload your supporting documents
Submit the documents requested for your course.

6. Submit the application
Check your information before submitting it.

7. Watch for confirmation
Reading says you will receive an automatic confirmation after submitting your application.

The university does not charge an application fee for master's programmes.

SGE Application Support

Applying from Bangladesh can involve several steps, especially when you are managing academic documents, references and English language evidence at the same time.

Shabuj Global Education (SGE) can help students review their course choice, check application documents and prepare for the next stages of the UK admission process.

Not sure which scholarship fits you? Get a Free Consultation with our UK Education Experts.

Application Fee

One useful advantage for master's applicants is that Reading currently states that there is no application fee for master's programmes.

This means you can focus your initial application planning on selecting the right programme and preparing a complete application rather than budgeting for a master's application charge.

However, other costs can apply later, including tuition fees, deposits and visa-related costs for international students.

How to Track Your Application

After submitting your application, you can monitor its progress through Me@Reading, the university's applicant portal.

Reading uses this portal to provide applicants with information about their programme and application. When a decision is made, the university will contact you by email.

If you receive an offer, the university will provide information about:

• Accepting your offer

• Paying a deposit, if applicable

• Conditions you need to meet

• Next steps before starting your course

Keep checking your email after applying so you do not miss an important request or update.

What Happens After You Receive an Offer?

Receiving an offer is not necessarily the final step.

You should carefully read your offer and identify whether it is conditional or unconditional. If conditions remain, you need to provide the required evidence before you can complete the admission process.

Reading recommends accepting your offer as soon as possible if you intend to study there because your place is not guaranteed until you have accepted it.

You may also need to arrange:

• Outstanding qualification documents

• English language conditions

• A tuition fee deposit

• Accommodation

• Funding

• Visa arrangements, if required

The exact steps depend on your course and circumstances.

Deposits and CAS for International Students

International students who need a UK Student visa should pay close attention to the post-offer process.

Reading states that a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued once an international student has accepted their offer, paid the required deposit where applicable, and met all offer conditions so that the offer becomes unconditional.

Deposits vary depending on the programme. Reading's current postgraduate deposit guidance states that many international postgraduate taught students are required to pay a £2,000 non-refundable deposit, although there are programme-specific differences. Your offer letter and the university's deposit information should therefore be checked before making payment.

Some students may also be subject to additional tuition-fee payment requirements before CAS issuance, depending on their circumstances and the university's current requirements.

Once the relevant requirements have been completed, Reading says CAS is automatically emailed to eligible students who need it.

Scholarships and Funding

Funding should be considered before you submit your application, not after receiving an offer.

Reading offers scholarships and bursaries for eligible postgraduate students. After receiving an offer, eligible students can apply through Me@Reading, where available scholarship opportunities will appear.

Scholarships can have separate eligibility requirements and deadlines, so check the specific award carefully. Reading also offers selected funding opportunities for international students.

For example, the university's Commonwealth Shared Scholarship information currently lists Bangladesh among the eligible countries for selected master's courses.

Important: Scholarship availability, eligibility and deadlines can change by academic year. Always check the current information before planning your funding.

Resource

For general English-language test information, TOEFL provides guidance about its test and preparation options. This can help applicants understand the type of English-language evidence they may need to consider alongside Reading's own course requirements.

Start Your Reading Application

The University of Reading postgraduate application process becomes easier when you prepare early. 

Choose your course carefully, check the specific entry requirements, organise your documents and submit your application with enough time for the remaining admission and visa steps.

For Bangladeshi students, SGE can provide guidance with course selection, document checking, application preparation and the next stages of the UK study journey.

Ready to start your UK journey? Fill out our form and let's begin your application.