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Please carefully read the information below about entry requirements and supporting documentation before you apply to ensure your application has the best chance for success.

How to apply

Applications for MSc programmes should be made directly to the University. Ideally you should aim to submit your application by May to ensure you receive your application results with enough time to organise the logistical aspects of your studies before the start of term. The application deadline for Overseas students is 31 July. While there is no deadline for Home/EU students, we strongly recommend that you also submit your application by 31 July as well.

All applications should be sent to the University's Postgraduate Admissions Office, using the online application form. If you have any queries about the application process, please contact: Postgraduate Admissions via tel: 44(0)24 7652 4585.

Entry requirements

• Upper-second class honours degree (2.i) or equivalent. Your undergraduate degree should be in any of the following subjects: Science (e.g. Chemistry, Physics), Social Sciences (e.g. History, Politics, Sociology), Natural Science (e.g. Geography, Environmental Science), Law, Health, Management, Business and Economics as well as Engineering; however, all serious applicants from other disciplines will be considered. Warwick's International Office provides guidelines for how overseas qualifications equate to British ones; this guidance is for information only and all applications and transcripts are considered on a case-by-case basis. However, this page will give you an idea of where your degree falls on the British scale. If you are unsure whether you meet the entry criteria or have questions about your eligibility, please contact us via hum.eng@warwick.ac.uk in the first instance.
• In certain instances we will also consider applicants with a degree result of 2:ii (or equivalent). This may be the case if an applicant has relevant professional experience (see below) in a subject relevant to the content of the course such as (but not restricted to) Engineering, Politics, International Relations or Political Science, International/Sustainable Development Studies, Sociology, Business, Geography.
• Professional experience considered in the above context can be in the following areas, although this list is not exhaustive: Humanitarian Sector, International/Sustainable Development, Social Enterprise, Professional Services or Administration/Public Sector.

• One academic reference. It is in your best interests to select a referee who know you and your study habits quite well, and it is strongly recommended that you discuss your study plans with them before submitting your application so that they can comment on your academic ability and goals accurately. When you apply, you will be able to supply your referee’s contact details, and we will request a reference from them directly. If you graduated more than two years ago, you may supply a professional referee instead if you are no longer in touch with your undergraduate tutors. Although we normally require only one strong reference, you are encouraged to supply details for two referees to ensure we receive a strong reference in good time.

• A strong statement of purpose. This should be 1-2 pages long and include:
  • Your motivation behind applying for this specific degree, and why Warwick?
  • How your educational background has prepared you for rigorous postgraduate study in this subject area
  • How obtaining this degree will fit into your future plans--what do you hope to get from studying on this course, and what are your expectations?
  • You may also wish to include details about your personal/work/voluntary experiences if they are related to the degree programme.

• English language fluency. Non-native speakers of English must have an IELTS score of 6.5, with no component scores below 6.0, or equivalent score on another acceptable test (see Admissions for more information). If your previous education was undertaken in the UK or another English speaking country, you may be exempt from this requirement.

Supporting Documents

In order to fulfil the above requirements, you must supply the following documents with your application:

• Transcripts of your academic achievement. You can upload electronic versions of your transcript. If you are made an offer you must also forward original or certified copies of your transcripts (official documents setting out details of subjects studied and grades obtained) to Postgraduate Admissions. If your official transcript is not in English, then an official certified translation should also be provided.
• References. If you apply online and provide e-mail addresses for your referees, they will receive a link to an online form that allows them to submit a reference electronically. Referees can send references directly to the Admissions Team, but hard copy references must be on the headed paper of their institution and bear the referee's original signature.
• Statement of purpose. Your statement can be typed directly onto the application form or attached as a separate document.
• Certificates of English language qualifications. Non-native speakers should forward original or certified copies of English language certificates to Postgraduate Admissions. Please note that the certificates must be dated within two years of your start date. If you have not yet taken your IELTS, it is possible to submit the rest of your application materials first and list the date on which your English test is scheduled, with a view to submitting your language certificate later.

Please note that scanned copies of documents will help us to review your application; however, if you receive an offer, in order to clear the conditions related to your offer you are also required to send versions of the same documents whose authenticity can be verified. The conditions relating to any offer you may be made will be itemised in an offer letter sent by the Admissions Office.