Finding a UK Graduate Course

Getting started

Your first step should be to find the right program. The Marshall course search function is a great place to start and includes most UK degrees. After you have made a short-list of programs, explore the fellowships that support them. Also consider fellowships where you can apply directly without seeking Yale's endorsement. After speaking with an adviser, it’s time to get started on your application. 

Tip: Check out recorded webinars and live info sessions to learn more! Read interview reports from previous applicants to get a sense of the process.

Terminology

Academic terminology in the UK differs from American usage. Any degree beginning with an "M" is a master's: MPhil, MSc, MA, MSt. Other degrees such as LLMs don’t have an equivalent in the US system and students should review requirements for these with special attention. Most programs are one or two years, and there is an important difference between “taught” and “research” degrees. Taught degrees are structured around classes (more like undergrad) while research degrees require independent work (more like a PhD).

Note: Oxford and some other universities refer to PhDs as DPhils. Note that doctorates in the UK tend to be shorter than in the US and are analogous to the thesis-writing years of an American program (no coursework, no teaching, just writing). You must apply to a DPhil with a defined research proposal and a prospective supervisor for your research.

Finding the right fit

Find the strongest programs in your field or see where scholars you engage with are currently teaching. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the peer-reviewed rating of the research strengths of UK universities. Consult the REF via the Times summary organized by subject. Note that “GPA” is a metric for average research quality while the “research power” accounts for volume.

You can also consult Marshall's Choosing a University, The Complete University Guide, and The Guardian University Guide. For programs in Ireland, see this helpful list. Always remember to take rankings with a grain of salt. Explore program structure, assessments, electives, and modules offered in addition to the presence of professors, research centers, reading groups, and resources like archives. All these factors will help you find a good fit. 

If you're thinking about graduate school, there's no better source of advice than faculty mentors. After doing initial research, talk to professors about who is doing interesting work in your field and which programs best suit your background, interests, and long-term goals.

Tip: If you apply to Oxford or Cambridge, you will list a college preference. These are roughly equivalent to Yale’s colleges (they have IMs, social events) but are much more varied and include graduate students (in what’s called the Middle Common Room or MCR) and faculty (Senior Common Room or SCR). Review college websites to find a match.