University of Reading

The easiest way to apply for master’s study on most courses at the University of Reading is through our online application service. The service allows you to complete your application form and attach electronic copies of academic transcripts, certificates, and any other supporting information. It also provides a tool for sending an email request to your referees, enabling them to send your supporting references directly to us. There is no specific deadline date for most programmes, and applications will be considered until the programme is full. However, we recommend that you apply as early as possible. International applicants also need to ensure that there is enough time to make any visa applications.

We pride ourselves on being a friendly, welcoming and supportive university. Your wellbeing as a student is our priority, and you can access personal and academic support whenever you need it. If you start your studies in September, you can take part in our Welcome at Reading celebration the week before teaching starts, attending sessions dedicated to postgraduate, mature, and international students. Don’t worry if you start at a different point in the year, as you’ll still receive our welcome guide and help to settle in. We also have a wide range of support services to help throughout your studies, including access to careers and placement support.

Career support is available throughout your studies, and for an additional 24 months after the end of your programme. Access one-to-one sessions with career consultants, workshops, events and digital resources, where you’ll be supported through your career planning, whether applying for jobs or graduate schemes, PhD study or exploring setting up your own business. This focus on employability contributes to the success of our master’s graduates: 95% of our taught postgraduates are in work or further study 15 months after the end of their course and, of those working full time, 96% are in graduate-level roles.

As a postgraduate student, the need for independent study and other demands on your time mean that where you live is really important. Our University accommodation is safe, secure, and no more than a 15-minute walk from Whiteknights campus. Our rent prices are all-inclusive, meaning that your utility bills, Wi-Fi, and basic contents insurance are included. You can choose from quieter lifestyle areas, single-sex flats, accommodation solely for mature students, couples and families, and a number of adapted rooms for students with disabilities and special requirements. As your safety and happiness in halls is our priority, all halls have dedicated security patrols and CCTV cameras, and our 24/7 Halls Hotline is there to deal with any issues or concerns quickly.

Our Student Financial Support Team and students’ union advisers can provide guidance to help you budget for your studies to ensure you have enough funds to cover all course-related, living and accommodation costs. The University of Reading offers an extensive range of scholarships to master’s students. Our Master’s Scholarships Scheme offers three funding opportunities: Centenary Scholarships, Subject Scholarships and Alumni Master’s Scholarships. To apply for a scholarship, you need to have an offer for your chosen course. Once you have an offer, you can apply through the me@reading applicant portal.

First created by Professor Ed Hawkins in 2018, the Climate Warming Stripes have made a global impact and clearly show the progressive heating of our planet in a single, striking image. The University features more than 50 research centres, many of which are recognised as international centres of excellence in areas including Agriculture, Biological and Physical Sciences, European Histories and Cultures, and Meteorology. We are ranked 172nd in the world and 25th in the UK (QS World University Rankings, 2025), and we have a world-class reputation for the quality of our teaching, research and links to business. Reading is also highly ranked among UK universities (ranked joint 26th out of 103 UK universities featured in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023 and 38th out of 131 in the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.).