Introduction

Application processes for postgraduate study vary between institution. Allow enough time to research your options, understand what each programme requires and prepare a well-structured application.

What does an application involve?

Most postgraduate applications include some or all of the following:

Personal statement explaining your motivation for further study and reasons for choosing the programme and institution.
CV highlighting your academic achievements and relevant experience.
Academic transcripts from previous study.
References, usually academic.
Application form, submitted via each institution’s application system.
Standardised test scores such as GRE or GMAT.

If you are applying to more than one programme or university, you will usually need to submit separate applications. Planning ahead helps you gather documents and access advice in good time.

Your personal statement should explain your motivation, demonstrate academic readiness and show why the specific programme is the right fit. If you are applying to more than one university, make sure your application is targeted and includes specific information relating both to the programme and institution.

It’s important to follow the specific guidelines you're given by the institution, but the questions below can provide a structure:

Why do you want to study this subject?

Draw on relevant academic experience, such as modules or topics you found compelling and areas you performed well. If applying to a new subject area, outline what has shaped your interest and what you have done to explore it.
Why have you chosen this specific course and institution?

Refer to modules, pathways, research areas or opportunities, such as placements or projects, that are relevant. Highlight departmental strengths or staff whose work aligns with your interests.
What makes you a strong candidate?

Provide specific examples from coursework, research projects or your dissertation. Highlight relevant skills such as research, analysis, writing, teamwork or time management. Mention prizes, scholarships or academic awards. Draw on work and extracurricular experience where it demonstrates skills relevant to postgraduate study.
How will further study support your goals?

Explain how the programme links to your academic interests or career aspirations. You do not need a detailed career plan, but awareness of potential pathways strengthens your application.

When applying for further study, ensure academic achievements are clearly presented on your CV.

This could include:

details of relevant modules, grades, coursework, projects and dissertation, particularly if a requirement of your programme
any academic prizes or awards you’ve received that highlight your academic achievements
skills and experience relevant to undertaking further study: data collection, critical analysis, delivering presentations, teamwork and project management all provide evidence of your capacity to learn, reflect, and acquire knowledge
engagement beyond your degree such as details of any events you have attended, or professional organisations you are member of, in addition to the requirements of your academic programme at LSE. This can further demonstrate your motivation.

Top tips

Applications for further study, particularly personal statements, take time to write. Seek feedback from tutors, peers and careers consultants to ensure you are effectively communicating your motivation and skills.
Start early. Personal statements take time and benefit from multiple drafts. Gather feedback from academic mentors, careers consultants and peers to ensure your skills and motivations are coming across in the way you are aiming for.
Follow all guidance on word count and formatting. This will differ from institution to institution. If no limit is given, aim for 1000 to 1500 words.
Use specific evidence throughout your personal statement and CV. This can take the form of specific awards and achievements and examples taken from your academic, work and extra-curricular experience.
Check spelling, grammar and clarity. Written communication is a key aspect of your application.
The personal statement and CV provide evidence of your written communication skills. Good spelling and grammar are essential. The documents you submit when applying for further study should demonstrate your capacity to use language in an informative, interesting and professional way.

Using AI in your applications for further study

Universities have different policies on the use of AI in applications for postgraduate study. Some institutions take a strict approach and prohibit the use of AI in personal statements and CVs. Applicants may be asked to confirm that their personal statement has not been copied from AI tools and institutions may use checks to detect similarity or AI-generated content.

Ensure that you are familiar with the policies of the institutions that you are applying for as part of your research. An application should reflect your own ideas, experience and voice.

Help and support

There is a range of support available to you as you prepare your applications:

Academic staff

Speak with your tutor, supervisor or other staff in your academic department and/or the academic department of interest. They can advise on your academic strengths, research interests and readiness for postgraduate study.

Current postgraduate students

Talking to postgraduate students – at LSE or your universities of interest – can help you understand what different programmes involve and what the learning environment is like.

LSE LIFE

LSE LIFE offers one-to-one writing support to develop the clarity, structure and coherence of your personal statement or research proposal.

LSE Careers

LSE Careers offer a range of support as you undertake applications for further study wherever you are applying, including:

One-to-one appointments to discuss your application strategy and provide feedback on personal statements and academic CVs.
Workshops aimed at students thinking about further study.

Prospective institutions

Universities publish detailed information on programme content, admissions criteria and funding options. Check the admissions guidance for each programme you are targeting and contact institutions directly with any questions.
There will be a range of opportunities to engage with current students and alumni via open days, information events, and digital platforms. Review the websites to learn more about these opportunities.