University of Westminster

About the University of Westminster

For more than 170 years the University of Westminster has been a place where dedicated and creative students have enjoyed a vibrant learning environment, graduating with the skills they need to succeed in their chosen career.

As an international centre for learning and research, we are committed to continuing those traditions. We are leading the world in research in architecture, art, and media and communications, while our research work in areas such as business, computing, law, life sciences and the environment, and planning, has been recognised as internationally excellent. A wide range of our courses have also received excellent quality ratings.

Each year a diverse mix of students of many backgrounds and abilities join the Westminster family. We have more than 20,000 students from over 150 nations (a quarter of whom are postgraduates), studying with us this year.

From our prime locations across three large campuses in London's West End, we are well connected to the UK's major centres of business, government, law and science. Our fourth campus in Harrow is a hub for the study of technology and the creative industries, with its own on-site student village.

And we are continuing to invest in learning facilities and the student environment. We have begun a major redevelopment of our students' facilities at our Harrow and Marylebone campuses, and a multi-million pound modernisation programme for our life sciences laboratories is also underway.

The University of Westminster has a long-standing reputation for innovation and creative development, and we showcase the work of our students and others at our P3 underground space at Marylebone Campus, and at the London Gallery West at Harrow Campus. Recently we opened a major new gallery space at our headquarters at 309 Regent Street, offering students and established artists the opportunity to exhibit work at this landmark location. The Regent Street building is also home to the UK's first public cinema, the venue for the country's first public moving picture show held by the Lumière brothers in 1896, and a major fundraising campaign is now underway to restore and modernise this site.

Studying for a postgraduate degree is a challenging but extremely rewarding experience. You will develop specialist knowledge, hone your professional skills, and enhance your career prospects. To help you achieve your aims, we offer a mature study environment and a broad range of courses that respond to and anticipate developments in professional life.

We have more than 900 teaching staff supported by a further 900 visiting subject specialists, delivering high-quality learning and research. Our libraries provide access to more than 380,000 titles, 25,000 e-journals, e-books, and hundreds of major commercial databases.

The team at our Career Development Centre can help you to find flexible work while you study, and whatever career you choose, they can help to develop your employability and offer advice on your path after graduation. Our extensive network of tutors, administrators, counsellors, health service, financial advisers and a chaplaincy is there to support you in every aspect of your life at Westminster, and our lively and active Students' Union offers a large number of student societies for a wide range of interests.

Westminster develops graduates who can succeed in an uncertain and increasingly international workplace. We hope to help you develop both the knowledge and the life skills you will need to succeed.

Living and studying in London

The University of Westminster's central London campuses are within easy reach of many famous landmarks and institutions including the Houses of Parliament, the BBC, the London Stock Exchange, the British Library and the British Museum. Alternatively, if you choose to study in Harrow, you can combine the advantage of a residential green site with easy accessibility to all that London has to offer.

The University is also ideally located to network with the city's business leaders and employers, so we can offer great placements and work opportunities for our students. And with the British Library, the University of London Library and the archives of many institutions and professional bodies all close at hand, there is a huge variety of reference books and information to help you with your studies.

An international experience

With one of the UK's largest international student populations, the University of Westminster has plenty of experience in giving you the help and support you need to make the most of your time with us. Before you arrive, you will receive a full information pack with details of your enrolment, healthcare and other information. You will be regarded as a priority for accommodation, but it is still important to apply early. We also provide a 'meet and greet' service for students landing at Heathrow and Gatwick airports on specific days towards the end of September. Our team will meet you at the airport, and arrange transport for you to travel with other international students to your Halls of Residence or private accommodation.

Once you are here, we can give you comprehensive help and assistance including a whole range of services and activities to help you settle in. The International Students' Welcome Programme gives you the chance to meet fellow new students and Westminster staff, find your way around the University and London, learn about our facilities and services, and meet current international students. For more information visit westminster.ac.uk/international

Meet us in your country

Members of the University frequently travel overseas to meet and interview potential students at exhibitions, schools, partner institutions, alumni receptions and other events. We also work with representatives around the world who can help you with your application on our behalf. Visit westminster.ac.uk/international to see our calendar of visits and a full list of the overseas representatives we work with.

English language courses and support

We run a number of English language courses, from stand-alone short courses (including IELTS preparation) to specific Masters preparation and pre-sessional courses, as well as courses on English for Academic Purposes (EAP) westminster.ac.uk/efl

Pre-sessional English course

If you have been offered a place on a Masters or research degree at Westminster, our Pre-sessional English course will help you to develop the language and study skills you will need. For more information visit westminster.ac.uk/efl

Study Abroad Programme

Students currently enrolled in any university in the world can choose to study abroad at the University of Westminster for either a summer, semester or full year and transfer the Westminster credits to your degree. You can also choose to combine this experience with a work placement, ensuring that your global skills set is enhanced even further. If you missed out on a study abroad experience at the undergraduate level. Once you are here, we can give you comprehensive help and assistance including a whole range of services and activities to help you settle in. The International Students' Welcome Programme gives you the chance to meet fellow new students and Westminster staff, find your way around the University and London, learn about our facilities and services, and meet current international students. For more information visit westminster.ac.uk/international

Studying at Westminster

Taught Masters

Postgraduate Course Finder

The University of Westminster accepts applications through the national, online UK Postgraduate Application and Statistical Service (UKPASS) system. Once you have registered you can apply free of charge, and there is no application deadline for UKPASS, so you can make your course choices one at a time or all together; for more information and to apply, visit ukpass.ac.uk

You can also apply directly from the University website, either online via the individual course descriptions at westminster.ac.uk/courses, or by printing an application form from westminster.ac.uk/applicationform. Alternatively you can contact our Course Enquiries team, Tel: +44 (0)20 7915 5511, Email: course-enquiries@westminster.ac.uk. International students can get an application pack from one of our partners around the world; to find out more, visit westminster.ac.uk/study/international/meet-us-around-theworld

Entry requirements

Most courses have the following minimum standard entry requirements:

• a good first Honours degree from a recognised university, or qualification or experience deemed to be equivalent
• English language competency judged sufficient to undertake advanced level study, equivalent to an IELTS score of at least 6.5 (or as specified in the course criteria).

If your first qualification is from outside of the UK please look at westminster.ac.uk/international for information on our requirements from your country. Any specific entry requirements for a course are given in the course description.

Research degrees

Separate application and admission procedures apply for MPhil/PhD research degrees. Once you have checked that you meet the minimum entry requirements, you should request an application pack, from the Research Team, Academic Services, University of Westminster;
Tel: +44 (0)20 7911 5731, Email: researchadmissions@westminster.ac.uk

You should complete the application form and include:

• an outline project proposal
• two confidential academic references
• appropriate academic transcripts
• evidence of English qualifications, if applicable.

If you are suitably qualified and we can offer supervision in your chosen area, you will need to attend a formal interview; telephone interviews may be arranged if you are based abroad. The admissions timetable is available at westminster.ac.uk/study/rs

Gaining credit for what you have learned

Your previous study or experience, whether through paid work or in a voluntary capacity, may mean you can gain exemption from some modules. However, it is up to you to make a claim if you think you may be eligible. The process is rigorous, but guidance is available from the admissions tutor or course leader of your preferred course of study. Credit will only be awarded for learning that is current and that relates to the aims and content of the course for which you are applying.

Accommodation

After choosing your course, one of your biggest decisions will be where to live, and we aim to make that choice as easy as possible. Whether you decide to live in our halls of residence or in private housing, we can help you to find the right accommodation. For more details, virtual tours of our halls of residence and an online hall application form, visit westminster.ac.uk/study/student-accommodation

Halls of Residence

Postgraduate students based in central London can apply for a place in London halls, while Harrow-based students may apply for the on-site halls of residence. All halls are self-catering, usually with single study bedrooms. They have laundry facilities and shared kitchens with microwaves, cookers and fridge freezers. Bedrooms are generally arranged in groups of flats, most of which accommodate six students. Postgraduates in halls share flats with other postgraduates or with final year students. Other London halls offer a range of room types and prices, and are located very centrally or in areas with their own distinctive neighbourhood appeal. Wigram House is normally reserved for postgraduates only. If you are a full-time, full year postgraduate you can apply online for a place in halls of residence as soon as you have firmly accepted your offer of a place on a course. Around two thirds of those who apply receive an offer of a place, and if you accept the offer you will need to pay a deposit and your rent in advance.

Private accommodation

If you prefer a more independent lifestyle, there is a huge supply of rented housing in London at a wide range of prices. Rents depend on where you live but, as an example, the majority of students studying in central London commute from travel zones 2 or 3 (just outside the central area), where you can expect to pay from £90 per week for a room in a shared flat or house.

We can offer all students comprehensive advice on finding suitable private accommodation, and a good starting point is to attend one of our housing meetings in August and September. Here you can get a range of housing information and tips on successful flat hunting, as well as meeting other students to form groups to flat hunt together.

Fees, funding and scholarships

Studying at university is a long-term investment in your future, and one which can make a significant difference to career prospects and your earning power. But to be able to make the most of your time at Westminster, it's also important to work out how you will pay your fees, accommodation and day-to-day expenses while you are here.

Most taught Masters fees are charged by band, although there are some exceptions.

University of Westminster fees

Fees increase each year, normally in line with the rate of inflation. However, there are currently major changes expected to be made regarding fees and student finance for September 2012, and for the latest information please visit westminster.ac.uk/fees and direct.gov.uk/studentfinance

The University of Westminster has the most generous scholarship scheme of any British university. The value of the scheme for 2011 entry was close to £5m, including more than £2.5m in scholarships for our international students. We would hope to be able to continue provide similar levels of scholarship funding for 2012 and beyond. As soon as scholarship funding levels have been confirmed, we will publish details on our website, at westminster.ac.uk/scholarships; please check the site regularly for updates.

Once you have been offered a place (conditional or unconditional) on a postgraduate or PhD course you can apply for a scholarship, including alumni awards for Westminster graduates who wish to return to study at Masters level. Scholarships are competitive and have strict deadlines. The deadline for full-time UK and EU students is 2 April 2012, and for international students is 31 May 2012. For more information visit westminster.ac.uk/scholarships