You've submitted your application for a postgraduate taught programme (like an MA or MSc) at the University of Bristol. Now what? The waiting period can be stressful, but this guide breaks down the process of application assessment, receiving your decision, and securing your place, covering everything up to enrolment.

Part 1: Application Assessment and Decision Time

Once your application is submitted, it goes through a careful assessment process by the relevant academic school.

1. Tracking Your Progress

The Applicant Portal is your most important tool during this phase.

1. Regularly log in: Use the username and password you created to check the status of your application. You can often see if your documents have been processed and if any additional information is needed.
2. Email communication: The University will notify you by email when a final decision has been made. Always check the email address you used in your application.

2. The Decision Timeline

The University of Bristol aims to provide a decision for most taught postgraduate programmes within a clear timeframe after receiving a complete application (meaning all required documents, including references and transcripts, are in).

3. Understanding the Decision

There are typically three outcomes:

1. Offer: This is either Conditional or Unconditional.
2. Unsuccessful: The University has decided not to offer you a place on the programme at this time.
3. Application Held: Sometimes, applications are put on hold. This usually means you meet the entry requirements, but the University is waiting to assess more applications or determine the final number of available places to ensure a fair and balanced intake. You will be notified if this happens.

Part 2: Receiving and Responding to Your Offer

Congratulations! If you receive an offer, you need to understand its terms and act quickly to secure your spot.

4. Conditional vs. Unconditional Offers

1. Conditional Offer: This means your place is guaranteed only if you meet the specific requirements listed in the offer letter. Common conditions include:
2. Achieving a specific final degree grade (e.g., a 2:1 Honours degree).
3. Meeting the required English language proficiency score (e.g., submitting an IELTS certificate).
4. Submitting final degree certificates and transcripts.
5. Unconditional Offer: This means you have already met all the academic and English language requirements. Your place is guaranteed once you formally accept.

5. Accepting Your Offer and Paying the Deposit

You must formally respond to your offer via the Applicant Portal.

1. Accepting: If you want to take the place, click 'Respond to Offer' and accept.
2. Deposit: For many taught programmes, particularly for international students, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit by a specified deadline. This deposit secures your place and is often deducted from your final tuition fee. Check your offer letter for the amount and deadline.
3. Uploading Evidence: If your offer is conditional, you must upload the evidence (like your final degree certificate or a new English test result) via the portal.

6. Deferring Your Start Date

If, for compelling reasons, you need to start your programme later, you may be able to request a deferral to the next academic year. Requests are subject to approval by the relevant academic school and usually require you to have accepted your offer (and sometimes, to have an unconditional status and paid the deposit).

Part 3: Essential Next Steps for International Students

For students who require a Student Visa to study in the UK, the process has two critical additional steps.

7. Meeting English Language Conditions (Pre-sessional Courses)

If the only condition on your offer is a shortfall in your English language score, you may be able to meet the requirement by taking a Pre-sessional English course offered by the University's Academic Language and Study Skills unit.

1. These intensive courses bridge the gap between your current score and the programme requirement.
2. The length of the pre-sessional course (e.g., 6 weeks, 10 weeks) depends on how close your current score is to the required score.

8. Applying for Your Student Visa (CAS)

Once you have met all the conditions of your offer, formally accepted your place, and paid any required deposit, the University will issue your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

1. The CAS is an electronic document containing a unique reference number.
2. It is mandatory for your UK Student Visa application. You cannot apply for your visa without a CAS.
3. The University will issue the CAS at the earliest possible date, often a few months before your course starts.

Part 4: Important University Policies

The University maintains clear policies to ensure fairness and transparency for all applicants:

1. Criminal Convictions: Applicants must declare any relevant criminal convictions. The University has a policy for considering these to ensure the safety and welfare of all students and staff.
2. Fraudulent Applications: The University has strict policies against fraudulent applications or documentation. All information is subject to verification.
3. Appeals and Complaints: If you believe there was a procedural error in the handling of your application, the University has formal appeal and complaint procedures you can follow.

By proactively managing your Applicant Portal, meeting your offer conditions, and taking care of your visa requirements (if applicable), you will be all set to join the vibrant academic community at the University of Bristol!

References

1. University of Bristol: After you apply - Application
2. University of Bristol: After you apply - Offer
3. University of Bristol: After you apply - Visa
4. University of Bristol: Pre-sessional English
5. University of Bristol: Admissions Policies