You should apply directly to the graduate admissions offices of the institutions in which you are interested.
You should contact the individual universities to obtain application forms. Most universities have forms available for download on their websites.
Alternately, for many UK universities you can apply online through the British Council's Education UK online application service. The system is located on the homepage of Education UK, the British Council’s global education portal. To access it, go to the Education UK homepage, then choose the "How to Apply Online" option under the "Course Search" heading.
Entrance requirements vary by university. US-educated applicants will need to submit their US academic qualifications. UK universities normally do not require standardized admissions tests (though MBA students usually will need GMAT scores). If you have taken or are about to take the GRE, universities may ask to know the result.
Normally, UK universities expect a US applicant to have scored a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, though each applicant's suitability for a particular kind of study is assessed individually.
On UK university websites, you may see reference to the below UK undergraduate grade classifications:
While we cannot make official equivalencies, educators have determined that a first is roughly comparable to a high A average, a 2.1 to a low A average, and a 2.2 to a high B average.
In addition to grades, the university looks at such factors as the nature, level and relevance of studies already completed, other experience (e.g., professional work), and academic references (recommendations). Some departments may also ask you to provide samples of written work.
It is always a good idea to contact faculty members in the department in which you are interested and ask specifically what they would look for in a graduate applicant.
Once you have completed your applications you should send them directly to the graduate admissions offices of the institutions in which you are interested.
Most institutions do not charge an application fee.
There is no formal closing date for applications at most institutions, but we recommend you start to assemble information about study possibilities nine to 12 months in advance of your intended date of admission and apply early. Programs at popular institutions may be full by early March.
Programs normally start in September or October. The majority require students to start in the fall, though a few research and taught courses allow students to start in the middle of the year. You will need to contact the relevant academic department at the university where you want to go to see if you can start in the winter.
If you plan to apply for financial aid or a scholarship, read more about graduate funding options. Remember that many scholarships have very early deadlines – sometimes as much as a year in advance of your prospective start date – so start looking for funding as early as possible.
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