Phase 1: Preparation is Key

A successful application is built long before you click 'Submit'. The competitive nature of top-tier graduate programs means you must prepare your materials early and thoroughly.

1. Know Your Deadlines (Apply Early!)

1. Rolling Admissions: Most Master's programmes operate on a rolling admissions basis. This means applications are reviewed as they are received, and places are offered until the program is full. The best advice is to apply as soon as applications open, typically in October.
2. Funding Deadlines: Crucially, scholarship and funding deadlines are always much earlier—often between December and January. You must submit your complete course application by the funding deadline to be considered for internal scholarships.
3. Research Programmes (PhD/MPhil): These programs often have specific, early deadlines, especially if you seek institutional funding. Your application must be complete, including references and a final research proposal, by this date.

2. Prepare Your Documents

Gathering your supporting documents takes time. Contact your previous institutions and referees well in advance. Key documents typically include:

1. Academic Transcripts: Records of all previous university-level study.
2. Statement of Academic Purpose (Personal Statement): A compelling essay (often 1,000–1,500 words) detailing your academic interests, motivation for the chosen program, and career goals.
3. Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume: Highlighting relevant academic, professional, and research experience.
4. Academic References: You need two strong academic recommendations. Contact your referees early and give them all necessary information (like the specific program and deadline).
5. Research Proposal (for MPhil/PhD): This is the heart of a research application. It's a detailed outline (often around 1,500 words) of your planned research question, methodology, literature review, and anticipated contribution to the field.
6. English Language Test Scores: If required (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL).

Phase 2: Submitting Your Application

The application is submitted entirely online through the university's dedicated Graduate Applicant Portal.

1. Complete the Online Form

1. Account Creation: You will first create an online account where you manage your application. Use a reliable email address you check regularly.
2. Application Fee: There is an application assessment fee that must be paid online to submit your application. This fee is non-refundable.
3. Programme Choices: You can usually list up to two program choices. Programs are considered in the order you rank them. If you receive an offer for your first choice, your second choice will not be considered.
4. Nominate Referees: You must enter the contact details of your referees in the online system. The system then automatically emails your referees with instructions on how to submit their reference directly. Your application is only considered complete once both references are received.

2. The Interview (Primarily for Research Programs)

While most taught Master's programs do not require an interview, applicants for MPhil/PhD research programs are often shortlisted for one.

1. Purpose: The interview helps the department assess the feasibility of your research proposal, your commitment to doctoral study, and your overall fit with the department's research culture and supervision capacity.
2. Preparation: Be ready to discuss your research proposal in detail and articulate why the specific institution and department are the best fit for your work.

Phase 3: Tracking and Decision Outcomes

After submission, your application is processed, checked for completeness, and passed to the academic selectors in the relevant department.

1. Tracking Your Status

1. Graduate Applicant Portal (GAP): This is your main resource. You can log in to the GAP to track the status of your application, see which documents are outstanding, and wait for the final decision.
2. Processing Time: While the official aim is often around eight weeks for taught Master's programs, processing times can be longer during peak periods or for complex research applications.

2. The Decision

The decision you receive will fall into one of the following categories:

1. Unconditional Offer: You have met all entry requirements (including final degree results and English test scores). Your place is confirmed, subject only to providing official documentation for verification.
2. Conditional Offer: You are accepted, but you still need to meet certain requirements before starting the program. This commonly includes:
3. Achieving a specific final degree classification (e.g., a 2:1 or equivalent).
4. Submitting an official English language test score.
5. Attending a compulsory Summer School or introductory course.
6. Waiting List: Your application is strong, but a final decision is deferred until later in the admissions cycle to compare it with the full applicant pool.
7. Reserve List: Your application is highly competitive, but all places in the program are currently full. You may receive an offer if a place becomes available later in the year.
8. Unsuccessful: The department is unable to offer you a place, often due to the intense level of competition.

3. The Offer Holder Stage

If you receive an offer, you must formally accept or decline the offer by the stated deadline. If you accept a conditional offer, the next steps involve:

1. Meeting Conditions: Working to achieve the required grades or submitting the necessary test scores.
2. Paying a Deposit: Some offers may require a non-refundable tuition fee deposit to secure your place.
3. Official Documentation: Submitting original or officially certified copies of your final transcripts and degree certificates to finalize your admission.

Successful navigation of the graduate application process relies on organisation, attention to detail, and submitting your strongest materials well before the deadlines, especially if you are seeking funding.

References

1. https://www.lse.ac.uk/study-at-lse/Graduate/Applying-for-Graduate-research-programme
2. https://www.lse.ac.uk/study-at-lse/Graduate/Offer-holders