Applying to a postgraduate degree

[Blithereens]

I'm in the final months of an OU degree which I've done full-time equivalent, and have just applied to MA courses at Goldsmiths and Brunel. They are both in a creative discipline, and I have submitted a portfolio of work along with my personal statement and academic references. I know that any offer I might receive may be conditional on my achieving a certain classification.

Has anyone else got any experience with this? Any idea how long it takes to get a decision? Are they likely to interview for creative subjects, or will they just go from the portfolio? There's very little info available on the website, it's not like applying to undergrad through UCAS at all! Ooh err, I'm a bit out of my depth

I would just email them and ask, it's perfectly reasonable to want to know what happens next, especially if you have to think about arrangements for interviews etc.

That would be sensible, chem, wouldn't it? I have very bad anxiety around sending emails or making phonecalls like that. I feel that it will prompt them to look up my application and reply, 'LOL NO' in big flashing font

I really don't think there would be a problem emailing or phoning for information but you could be devious and get a friend to call saying they are thinking of applying and are wondering what the selection process involves.

Ooh, that's a good idea! I'll get DH to do it. Thanks!

Ring them and ask. It is highly likely that the admin team will be answering the question, and they will not be the ones making the decision anyway.

In most subjects, it is much less competitive to get a place at masters than at undergrad, as few people can afford to pay and there is a lack of student finance.

Good Luck

Well, I did contact them in the end and they said 3-4 weeks. It's been about 2.5 now.

I just had an email from one uni saying they have passed my application to a member of the faculty for consideration, which I guess means the Admissions office haven't dismissed it out of hand for being unqualified etc? Deafening silence from the other uni so far. Aargh, the waiting is killing me!

Well, I got an offer from Brunel (yay!) and tomorrow I have an interview for Goldsmiths, which is far and away my first choice. I've prepped like mad but I'm sick with nerves! Any good thoughts would be much appreciated

Well done! And Good luck at the interview. Try not to be too nervous. Think about what you hope to get out of the course and be ready to tell them this. This level of interview is as much about matching you to the course as checking your credentials. You may want to ask to see coursework or a dissertation, to get a feel for what is expected from you.

Good luck. Brunel is v good place and seems you have done well with your porfolio. In the Arts it is the portfolio that counts mostly. Keep up with the Art work.

Thank you all for the good thoughts!

I wanted to let you know I got an unconditional offer from Goldsmiths It was my first choice and I'm thrilled. Brunel looked great too but Goldsmiths is much closer, cheaper and has the curriculum I'm most excited about.

Yay, I'm so happy!

Oh how wonderful! I know someone who studied music there - for what it's worth - and had a fab time. Well done you.

Congratulations!