Frequently Asked Questions
Each year around 100 PGT Students enrol with LEC. Here are some of the questions applicants asked during the application process and before deciding to choose Lancaster.
We have grouped questions into three separate FAQs:
Application and Admission
How long does a Taught Masters take to study?
A Full time Taught Masters takes one year to complete. On a part time basis it takes 2 years to complete.
Do you offer distance learning?
Lancaster University does not offer distance learning.
When can I start my Taught Masters?
We currently have one intake only for our Masters programmes in October. We do not have a January or Spring Term registration date.
Do you hold Open Days where I can visit the Lancaster Environment Centre to find out firsthand about your programmes?
We hold regular open days throughout the year. You can book at place at Taught Masters Open Days.
Do you have any agents in overseas countries that I could talk to about the programme in which I'm interested and my application?
The University has a number of agents and representatives based overseas who are very willing to advise on our programmes. They are fully trained and well informed about all our programmes. Please feel free to contact them directly for further information on study opportunities at Lancaster University, completing your application, visa information and issues regarding scholarships and financial support.
In countries where we do not have a representative office, further information can be obtained from the British Council.
Is there a deadline for Taught Masters applications?
We welcome applications all year round; however we recommend that you apply by July due to accommodation and visa deadlines. Please also be aware of any funding deadlines for funding you apply to and ensure you apply for a place at Lancaster University in good time if an offer is required for your funding application.
Can I apply for more than one Masters programme? and do I need to complete separate forms for each programme?
You can certainly apply for more than one programme if you think you qualify for admission in each case. We prefer you to apply for no more than two separate programmes. You can do this through the online applictaion system by applying for another programme. Please note on each application the programmes you have applied to.
English is not my first language - do I need to take an English Language test such as TOEFL or IELTS?
Information on English Language requirements are available from Postgraduate Applications: English Language.
Do I need to provide confidential references and transcripts with my application form?
If you apply online your referees will be contacted to obtain a reference. Your referees may also forward their references directly to the FST PG Admissions office. References can be provided on official notepaper with authorised signatories; referees do not need to use the University's reference forms. At least one referee needs to comment on your academic suitability for your chosen programme(s).
We also need to receive full transcripts for your degrees and language qualifications. If you have not already graduated, please upload partial transcripts.
Please ensure that these supporting documents are either uploaded as part of your application or are emailed to the FST PG Admissions office or posted to:
Postgraduate Admissions
Faculty of Science and Technology
Lancaster University
Lancaster
LA1 4YR
UK
Can I scan and send all supporting documentation via email?
Using our on-line application system you can upload your supporting documents as part of the application process.
How long will it take for a decision to be made on my application?
This will depend on the time of year and on whether you have provided all the necessary references and transcripts, but normally the FST PG Admissions office aim to reach an initial decision within 3 - 4 weeks of receipt of your application and supporting document. It certainly speeds up the decision-making process if you can ensure that we receive full transcripts and references quickly.
How long do I have to accept my offer?Faculty Admissions will normally provide you with a date to respond by. If you do not respond by this date and are still interested then your application will need to be re-activated. Therefore it is wise to accept the offer to keep your record active. If for some reason you are unable to join us for your studies then please let us know, there will be no penalty fee for accepting if you cannot attend Lancaster.
If your offer is conditional you will still be required to confirm whether you intend to accept the offer within 4-6 weeks. You will be sent reminders that you have conditions to meet. If you cannot supply the evidence for your condition you should inform the FST PG Admissions Office when these will become available (e.g. final degree transcript). As soon as you have met the condition of your offer you should provide us with the necessary documentation. This can be uploaded via the admissions portal directly into your application. Please note that for students requiring a VISA, a CAS number can only be provided once you hold an unconditional offer from the University.
Can I defer my offer if necessary?
Yes, if your circumstances change and you cannot take up a place, we are happy to defer your offer to the next academic year. We allow a maximum of two deferrals before you will need to re-apply.
Do you offer any preparatory Language programmes?
Information on English Language requirements are available from POstgraduate Applications: English Language.
Fees and Funding
What are the fees for a Taught Masters?
Information on tuition fees is available from Student Based Services.
What is the cost of living in Lancaster?
Information on living costs and budgeting are available from Studnet Based Services.
Do you have any scholarships or bursaries for which I could apply?
There are a number of LEC and Faculty of Science and Technology bursaries across our Masters courses. Decisions are made on academic ability. Please note we are unable to make decisions on financial grounds. Further information will be announced once the funding has been confirmed.
Other possible sources of funding can be found on the main university Postgraduate Funding site which you are advised to check.
Can I pay my fees by instalments?
It is possible for you to pay your fees in two instalments, in October and January.
Life in Lancaster
Will I be able to live on the Lancaster University campus if I am accepted to study?
Yes - accommodation can normally be guaranteed in our Graduate College if you are a single overseas student and apply for accommodation before 15th August, or if you are a single student from the UK and EU and apply before 1st August. You can only apply for accommodation once you have firmly accepted a place (ie paid a deposit). Accommodation details and application forms are issued from April onwards.
If you have a partner, and especially if you have children, unfortunately we cannot make this guarantee but the University's Housing Office is very helpful in finding off-campus housing.
I have a family. Can you make accommodation arrangements for me?
We do have some family flats and double rooms on campus, but if you have a partner, and especially if you have children, unfortunately we cannot guarantee you on-campus accommodation but the University's Housing Office is very helpful in finding off-campus housing.
Can you help me get a visa?
LEC cannot ensure that you are issued with a visa. However, the University's International Student Services can provide information on applying for visas or extending visas.
I am an overseas student. Can I obtain paid work whilst studying at Lancaster?
If you are an Overseas student (from outside the European Economic Area) you are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week during term time (provided you keep up to date with your studies), and full-time in vacations. 'Vacation' can mean the period between the end of studies and graduation, providing the student holds a current visa. More information.
If I am an overseas student, can I stay and work in the UK after I've graduated?
Nationals of countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA) require a work permit from the UK government to be able to work in the UK. There are various categories under which a work permit can be obtained:
1. Under the International Graduates Scheme you may stay in the UK to gain work experience for up to 12 months after completing your Masters or PhD if you are from a country outside the European Economic Area.
2. The Highly Sjilled Worker scheme is a points-based scheme for which any non-EU person may apply, including students. Points can be gained for:
Students should only apply for this scheme if they can show that they have the required number of points. There is a points calculator to help candidates to work out if they qualify.
3. Under the main work permit scheme, a company can apply for a work permit for a non-EEA national to do a specific job, however the company has to satisfy the government that there are no EEA nationals able to do the job. As there is a plentiful supply of EEA graduates there is little prospect of getting a work permit for a standard graduate job and students in this category normally return to their home countries to seek employment after graduating.