5 Ways to Make Your Masters Application Stand Out

#1 Tailor your application to the course

Unlike their undergraduate equivalents, Masters applications are made directly to the university rather than through a centralised system. This means you can (and should!) tailor each application to the programme in question. A copy-and-paste job will be glaringly obvious – and stand out for all the wrong reasons.

Your personal statement is the best place to explain what drew you to your chosen course in particular. Was it a specific module, set readings or even the work of an academic? You can read our blogs on how to write a winning personal statement (and how not to) for more inspiration!

It’s also worth tailoring your CV (if you’ll be writing one) to each individual application. Make sure you include only the most relevant experience and credentials for each course.

#2 Show you’ve thought about the future

Your application needs to explain not just why you’re capable of completing a Masters, but how you plan to use it in your career.

Networking with professionals in your field while you’re in the process of writing your application could be a good way to do this. What was their career trajectory, and how could this help inform your own plans? You could even discuss this networking experience in your personal statement.

#3 Showcase professional experience…

It goes without saying that you should make the most of any practical work experience you’ve got under your belt when applying for a Masters. If you had the opportunity to complete an internship or placement during your undergraduate degree, or you’ve already entered the workforce and are returning to education, this will be an obvious source of material for your personal statement and CV.

Even casual employment that you undertook alongside your undergraduate studies could bear fruit when it comes to writing a Masters application. Working as a student ambassador or content creator for your university could give you marketing, communication and leadership skills, for example. Administrative or library-based roles could improve your organisation and data analysis ability.

#4 … but remember that transferable skills can come from elsewhere

If you’re intending to go straight from undergraduate to postgraduate study, you may not have a long (or any) employment history – and you’d be far from alone! Universities understand this and will be on the lookout for alternative sources of experience.

Maybe your experience volunteering for a mental health helpline inspired your decision to study a conversion course in Psychology? Or you helped work on a conservation project which gave you skills that you’re now looking to develop with a Masters in Environmental Science?

Transferable skills can even come from hobbies or interests. Participating in a sport or playing a musical instrument could demonstrate resilience and discipline, for example.

#5 Speak to your careers service

If you have access to a careers service at university, don’t pass up on the opportunity to get personalised application advice. Not having an extensive employment history or the world’s most glittering academic transcript need not be a disadvantage if you can play to your strengths! A careers advisor can go through your application and check you’re making the most of your skills and experience.

It's not too late to apply for a Masters starting in 2023! You can browse last-minute courses using our dedicated search tool.

Want to know more about applying for a Masters? Read our detailed breakdown of postgraduate applications, or read our guides to personal statements, references, CVs and interviews.