If you’re considering a postgraduate taught (PGT) programme at King’s College London (KCL), knowing the application process in advance will help streamline your journey and maximise your chances of success. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to applying.

1. Explore Your Programmes and Attend Events

Before making an application, it’s important to:

1. Browse the course-finder on the KCL website to identify taught master’s programmes (MA, MSc, LLM, etc.) that match your interests and background.
2. Explore subject areas and programme types (full-time, part-time, online) to ensure you choose a suitable course format.
3. Attend relevant online or in-person events offered by KCL (such as webinars, open days, programme-specific talks) to get insights from faculty, current students and admissions.

Taking this first step helps you to understand the course content, requirements, and student experience — making your application stronger from the outset.

2. Understand Entry Requirements, Fees and Deadlines

Before applying, you need to check:

1. The academic entry requirements for your chosen programme (e.g., undergraduate degree classification, subject background, work experience if required).
2. The English language requirements (if your first language is not English). This includes minimum test scores and validity of results.
3. The tuition fees, funding opportunities, and living-cost estimates for that programme. Knowing this ahead helps you prepare financially.
4. The application deadlines and any early cut-offs for funding or scholarships. Many taught programmes will open from about October for entry the following September.

Making sure you meet or can meet these criteria is essential before submitting an application.

3. Submit Your Application via King’s Apply

The main application steps at KCL are:

1. Create an account or log in to the application portal: King’s Apply.
2. Complete the online application form for your chosen programme. Essentials you’ll usually submit:
3. Transcripts of previous qualifications (and English translations if necessary)
4. A reference (usually academic)
5. English language test results (if applicable)
6. A personal statement explaining your motivation and suitability
7. Any additional documents required for your specific programme (for example CV, writing sample)
8. Pay an application fee if required (note: payment of a fee does not guarantee you will receive an offer).
9. Once you receive an offer, you may need to pay a deposit to secure your place (often required for international fee-status applicants). Details will be in the offer letter.

4. After You Submit — Tracking and Decision

After submission, you should:

1. Monitor your application status via the King’s Apply portal. You will receive notifications and messages there.
2. Be prepared for the decision timeframe: For many postgraduate taught courses, KCL aims to make decisions within about 10 weeks, though this may vary by faculty and whether interviews are required.
3. If an interview is needed for your course, you will be contacted via your application portal or the email you used to apply.
4. Once you receive an offer (conditional or unconditional), follow all instructions in the offer letter — for example: submitting final transcripts, confirming attendance, accepting the offer, paying any deposit.

5. Tips to Strengthen Your Application

1. Submit your application as early as possible after the application window opens. Late submission may limit funding/placement availability.
2. Ensure your personal statement clearly articulates why you want to study the chosen programme, how your background prepares you for it, and what your future goals are.
3. Have your referee ready in advance so that your reference is submitted promptly.
4. Upload clear and legible scanned copies of all documents. If your document is not in English, submit certified translations.
5. Double-check that your uploaded files comply with portal requirements (file size, format).
6. If you require an English test or other outstanding documentation, indicate this in your application and upload as soon as you receive it. KCL may make a conditional offer pending these results.

Reference

1. https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/how-to-apply
2. https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/events
3. https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/how-to-apply/post-application
4. https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/how-to-apply/policies-and-guidance