Applying to study English
Postgraduate Studies: Advice for Applying
The School of Language & Literature offers study facilities for postgraduate degrees by instruction and research. If you opt for a degree by research, you will need to give us some idea of your area of interest in the form of a 300 word research outline. If that sounds daunting, it may be worth communicating (by letter, email or phone) with the member of staff whose research interests correspond to yours, and discussing your research interests. This can lead to a much sharper sense of purpose. Information about the research interests of staff in the School of Language & Literature can be found here:
The MLitt programmes in English Literary Studies, in English Sociolinguistics, in Irish and Scottish Studies and in English Linguistics for Advanced Teachers of English are 'taught' Masters, in which students receive formal teaching for two semesters and thereafter write a dissertation on any topic relevant to the course. Degrees available by research are the MLitt, MPhil, and PhD.
All applications require two references. These should be from two academics familiar with your work. It can speed up the processing of your application if you get your referees to write directly to the postgraduate officer (address supplied below). There is no closing date for applications but early applications are encouraged. Applications for funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Board are made through the University and must be submitted to the School by 1 April and by the School to the AHRB by 1 May. Candidates from outside the UK should take note of funding deadlines relevant to their own circumstances.
Application forms and a Postgraduate prospectus can be obtained at: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sras/postgraduate/apply, or by contacting the Postgraduate Registry at the address below.
The Postgraduate Registry
University of Aberdeen, King's College
Aberdeen AB24 3FX
Scotland, United Kingdom
telephone: +44 (0)1224 273506
fax:+44 (0)1224 272041
email: ptgoff@admin.abdn.ac.uk
Specific enquiries should be addressed to:
The Postgraduate Officer
School of Language & Literature
University of Aberdeen, King's College
Aberdeen AB24 2UB
Scotland, United Kingdom
telephone:+44 (0)1224 272625
fax:+44 (0)1224 272624
email: enlpgapp@abdn.ac.uk
Further information on Irish-Scottish Studies may be obtained from:
Dr. Shane Murphy
Irish-Scottish Studies
Department of English, University of Aberdeen
King's College, Aberdeen AB24 2UB
Scotland, United Kingdom
telephone: +44 (0)1224 272646
fax: +44 (0)1224 272624
email:sam@abdn.ac.uk
Further information on the University and the application process can be found at: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sras/
Downloadable Application forms can be found here.
Notes for American Students
We receive many applications from American students wishing to study in the United Kingdom and we do all we can to encourage them. Many of the undergraduates who come here on their Junior Year Abroad develop an affection for Aberdeen and return for postgraduate study. We do not expect a specific GPA from applicants, but pay more attention to the quality of their proposal and their references. Of course the Scottish system does differ in terminology and substance from the American, so if you need any help with the prospectus or application form please write to or email the postgraduate officer.
Further Details can be obtained by visiting S R A S (Student Recruitment & Admissions Service)
For full details on Undergraduate courses please visit the Postgraduate pages.