Choosing a UK university course
Selecting the master's courses that are right for you is a critical step in your Chevening journey. Here’s everything you need to know to make informed choices.
On your Chevening Scholarship application form you will be need to submit three UK master’s degree choices in order of preference. It is up to you whether you apply for your courses before or after submitting your Chevening application. What’s important is that you don’t miss any UK university deadlines and that you secure an unconditional offer from at least one of your course choices by the offer deadline stated on the application timeline.
How to choose your courses
It’s up to you to research and choose the courses that align with your career goals. The guidelines below will support you to find the right fit:
- Research tools: Use the UCAS Postgraduate website and individual UK university websites for detailed information about courses, entry requirements, and deadlines.
- Backup options: Choose three similar courses at three different universities for more flexibility. Alternatively, select different courses at the same university. Ensure that course content is similar, even if the titles differ.
- Eligible courses: Use the Chevening course finder to ensure your choices qualify for a Chevening Scholarship.
Course requirements
Courses must be:
- Full-time.
- Start in the autumn term (usually September/October).
- Taught master’s courses (not research-focused MRes programmes).
- Leading to a master’s degree qualification.
- Based in the UK.
Courses cannot be:
- Part-time or distance learning.
- Less than nine months or more than 12 months in duration.
- PhD or DPhil.
- Taught with more than one month of study outside the UK.
User our course finder to browse eligible courses across the UK.
Frequently asked questions
Choosing three courses gives you backup options if your first choice doesn’t work out and helps application assessors better understand your career goals.
You need to apply directly to each of your chosen universities through their websites. Each university may have a different application process, typically requiring:
- A letter of motivation or personal statement.
- English language test results.
- Proof of previous qualifications.
- Academic and professional references.
Read further information about preparing your UK university application.
Application deadlines vary, so check each course’s website for specific dates. You don’t need to apply to your universities before completing your Chevening application, but you must secure an unconditional offer from at least one course by the offer deadline stated on the application timeline.
An unconditional offer from a UK university is a guaranteed place on a course without any further requirements.
To finalise your Chevening Scholarship, you need proof of an unconditional offer from one of your chosen courses. You must upload your unconditional offer letter to the online application system by the deadline stated on the application timeline. The only acceptable condition is financial (e.g., paying a deposit). You must ensure you meet all other university requirements before the Chevening deadline.
Generally, you cannot change your course choices after submitting your application. In exceptional circumstances, changes may be allowed at the interview stage.
Choosing a course at a Chevening Partner university does not affect the amount of funding you receive. You can select any eligible course at any UK university.
Pre-sessional courses to meet your university’s English language requirement or other conditions are not permitted and will result in losing your Chevening Scholarship for that course.
Some courses, such as law, maths, and science, may have required introductory elements called ‘pre-sessional’ courses. If this applies, inform your Chevening Programme Officer.
Do not enrol in optional pre-sessional courses before your official start date, even if self-funded. You must attend the pre-departure briefing at the British embassy or high commission in your home country.
Please note that processes cannot be expedited for early arrival in the UK, and no immigration advice will be given outside your official Chevening Scholarship dates.
Please note:MBA fee cap: There is a fee cap applied to MBA programmes that requires you to cover any additional cost over £22,000. London-based campuses: If your university has a London campus in addition to its main campus, you can only study at the London campus if your course is not offered at the main campus. If both campuses offer the same course, you should attend the main campus. Accuracy of courses: Ensure your courses meet Chevening’s funding criteria. We will verify course eligibility after the interview stage. Oxford University Diplomatic Studies Programme: The postgraduate diploma in Diplomatic Studies at Oxford University is the only postgraduate diploma you can take up on a Chevening Scholarship. All other courses must be a taught master’s degree. |
Selecting and applying for the right courses is a key part of your Chevening application. Follow the above steps to navigate the process smoothly. Good luck!
