Frequently asked questions
| Section One | Applying for a Course |
| Section Two | Financial Information |
| Section Three | Term Dates |
| Section Four | Accommodation |
| Section Five | General Information |
Section One: Applying for a Course
What are the entry requirements?
How can I obtain an application
form?
What do
I need to enclose with my application form?
Can I send in my application form even
though I have not received the references from my referees?
What if I completed my degree some years ago and am not able to obtain an
academic reference?
Is
there a closing date for the receipt of applications?
When will I
know the outcome of my application?
I
have been asked to take an English Language Proficiency Test. Do I have to take
the test?
What are the entry requirements?
Each application is considered on its merits and is given full consideration by admissions staff. The usual minimum entrance requirement is a good second class honours degree from a UK university, a recognised equivalent from an accredited overseas institution or an equivalent professional qualification. Entry to some courses requires a degree from a particular discipline or discipline area. So as to ensure that students are properly prepared for study, and so as to maximise the benefit gained from the course, admissions staff will also take close account of the areas and nature of previous academic and other achievements.
How can I obtain an application form?
You can apply online in the 'How to apply' section of any of the courses or request forms by email pgenquire@soi.city.ac.uk
What do I need to enclose with my application form?
You should include the following:
An application form
Two references in sealed and signed envelopes
A transcript for your first degree
English language result (where appropriate)
Can I send in my application form even though I have not received the references from my referees?
Your application will only be processed once we have received the references, so we recommend you wait to send in your form until you have received them.
What if I completed my degree some years ago, and am not able to obtain an academic reference?
If you completed your degree more than seven years ago, we understand if you cannot obtain an academic reference. Instead, you should supply two employer references showing how your work experience makes you suitable for the course.
Is there a closing date for the receipt of applications?
The closing date for full time courses is usually 31 July and for part time courses 15 August. If you wish to apply after this date, please contact the Postgraduate Team by emailing pgenquire@soi.city.ac.uk or telephone +44 (0)20 7040 0248 to check whether there are any places still available. We recommend applying as early as possible, as competition for places is very high.
When will I know the outcome of my application?
Upon receipt of your complete application you can expect to receive a response within four weeks, however this can be longer during the busier periods of people applying. A complete application is one which includes both references and english language test results (where appropriate).
I have been asked to take an English Language Proficiency Test. Do I really need to take the test?
If your degree was studied in English, rather than your native language, it might not be necessary to take a test. We will, however, require written evidence from your university to confirm that your studies were in English.
The minimum test scores that we accept for postgraduate study are: TOEFL score of 100 (internet-based) 600 (paper-based) or 250 (computer-based version), and IELTS 6.5. Find out more information.
Section Two: Financial Information
I want to study full-time, where can I find out about possible sources of funding?Can I pay fees in instalments?
How do my sponsors pay for my course?
Can I apply for a Career Development Loan?
When do I have to pay my fees?
Is the deposit extra to the tuition fees?
Are there any scholarships or funding?
Visit our comprehensive Scholarships and Funding page , which lists full details about scholarships, bursaries, awards, Career Development Loans, bank loans, working while studying, benefits, City student and alumni reductions, information for international students.
Can I pay fees in instalments?
If the payment is more than £500, you are automatically entered onto the instalment scheme. You would normally pay the first instalment on registering or before the last working day of October, the second on the last working day of January, and the third on the last working day of March. Students with enquiries should phone +44 (0)20 7040 3025.
How do my sponsors pay for my course?
Please print the SP1 sponsor form from the City Finance website.
When do I have to pay my fees?
If you were paying your fees in full, you would pay at Registration. If the payment is more than £500, you are automatically entered onto the instalment scheme. You would pay the first instalment on registering or before the last working day of October, the second on the last working day of January, and the third on the last working day of March.
Is the deposit extra to the tuition fees?
A non-refundable deposit of £500 (Home students) or £2500 (Overseas students) is requested for some courses. This amount is deducted from the course fees when you register.
Section Three: Term Dates 2007-2008
| Semester 1 | Induction and registration | 17 September 2007 - 21 September 2007 |
| Teaching | 24 September 2007 - 14 December 2007 | |
| Vacation | 17 December 2007 - 1 January 2008 | |
| Revision / reflection | 2 January 2008 - 4 January 2008 | |
| Assessment | 7 January 2008 - 18 January 2008 | |
| Semester 2 | Teaching | 21 January 2008 - 25 April 2008 |
| Vacation | 17 March 2008 - 28 March 2008 | |
| Revision / reflection | 28 April 2008 - 2 May 2008 | |
| Assessment | 5 May 2008 - 30 May 2008 |
Registration and induction sessions normally take place during the two week period prior to the start of term. If you are offered a place on one of our courses, please ensure that you will be able to attend the University during this period. Precise dates of these sessions will be sent out with joining packs during August.
Section Four: Accommodation
See http://www.city.ac.uk/accommodation/
Postgraduates are advised to apply as early as possible as places in halls are very limited. There is an application form at the above web site.
The enquiry line for the accommodation and welfare service is +44 (0) 20 7040 8033.
Section Five: General Information
Can I study for the MSc through distance-learning?Can I study for a Diploma rather than an MSc?
Can I study the MSc through distance-learning?
It depends upon which course you select.
The answer is YES if you intend studying one of the two Geographic Information courses. The MGI team have built considerable expertise in distance learning and have won awards for their approach. MGI graduates have successfully studied at home and at work across the world. Whilst the other courses do not have a distance mode, all modules taught in our masters course are supported using CitySpace (an online learning environment). This enables students on any of the courses to study flexibly and, for many, it means a reduction in the number of attendance hours spent at the University. Most courses have a 'flexible' mode which minimises attendance at the University.
Can I study for a Diploma rather than an MSc?
Students cannot apply to study a Diploma. However, once a student has gained 120 credits (equivalent to the taught part of the Masters course) they are eligible to take the Diploma and to choose not to submit their dissertation.
<Disclaimer: the information given is believed to be correct at the time of writing. However, the University reserves the right to make changes in regulations, syllabuses, fees etc.>