Admissions FAQs
- Is there a deadline for applications?
- Is there are a charge for applying?
- Can I study part-time?
- Can I apply for more than one MSc course?
- When do courses start?
- How should I submit my references?
- Can I submit two academic references?
- I have an overseas qualification – how do I know if it is equivalent to a 2:2 honours degree?
- Are my qualifications suitable?
- Is my work experience suitable?
- What supporting documents do I need to provide with my application?
- How do I apply for Distance Learning courses?
- I have a disability. Who can I discuss this with?
- Can I visit the School?
- Will I be interviewed?
- How long will it take for a decision on my application?
- Do I need to send original documents?
- Will you accept certified copies of certificates?
- When do you need these documents by?
- What is an ‘unconditional offer’?
- Will there be an introduction programme?
- What are the main reasons for an application to be unsuccessful?
- Does the School have a policy regarding consideration of accredited prior learning (APL)?
Is there a deadline for applications?
MSc: There is currently no official deadline - courses close as they become full. We recommend that you submit applications as early as possible to avoid disappointment. If you wish to submit an application later in the year, you should look at the course pages on our website regularly to check that the course is still open. Courses can close after an application has been received but before an application has been considered.
PhD: Registration for MPhil and PhD programmes takes place at three points in the academic year only, on the first day of each term. The entry points are normally in September, January and April.
Is there are a charge for applying?
Applications should be made using our online form which is free of charge. Paper application forms are available upon request and will normally incur an administration fee of £50.
If you have any questions regarding the completing the online application form, please check our online application FAQs.
Mode of study information for each course can be found on mode of study webpage. Overseas students studying on a Tier 4 Student visa are not permitted to study part-time.
Can I apply for more than one MSc course?
You may apply for up to four choices, courses should be listed in order of preference. If you are made an offer for a course, your application will not be passed to a subsequent choice. Later preferences will only be considered if you are unsuccessful or decline an earlier choice.
MSc courses have one intake in the September of each year.
Registration for MPhil and PhD programmes takes place at three points in the academic year only, on the first day of each term. The entry points are normally in September, January and April. .
How should I submit my references?
You will be asked to provide referee contact details when you complete your online application. Once you submit your application, an automated email will be sent to your referees with a form for them to complete. Alternatively download here a copy of the reference form for the referees to complete and email back to registry@lshtm.ac.uk.
Can I submit two academic references?
If you do not have any work experience (or do not think it is relevant), you may provide contact details of two academic referees instead of one academic and one employer.
I have an overseas qualification – how do I know if it is equivalent to a 2:2 honours degree?
Once you have submitted your application, the Admissions Team will assess your qualifications using the UK NARIC database. It is not possible to confirm the comparability of qualifications to prospective applicants, however if your qualification is not equivalent to a UK Bachelor 2.2 honours degree your application will still be considered as a ‘special case’. This means that if the Course Director wishes to make an offer it will need to be approved by the Dean of Studies.
Are my qualifications suitable?
If you are unsure if your qualifications are suitable (for example if you have a degree in Geology and want to apply for Public Health), you should contact the Course Director. Course Director contact details can be found on the course pages in the Study section of the website.
Is my work experience suitable?
You should direct this query to the Course Director. Course Director contact details can be found on the course pages in the Study section of the website.
What supporting documents do I need to provide with my application?
You will be asked to upload some mandatory documents before you can submit your online application. These are:
- A copy of the photograph page of your passport
- CV
- Transcripts of your previous studies (and official translations if applicable)
- Research Proposal (if you are applying for research studies)
Other documents you should submit if applicable are:
- English language test results
- Evidence of funding
- Evidence of your permanent residency
Your referees will be contacted directly.
How do I apply for Distance Learning courses?
You will need to contact the University of London directly as they administer the admissions process for our distance learning courses.
I have a disability. Who can I discuss this with?
The School welcomes applications from students with disabilities and offers assistance to accommodate needs that may arise. If you have a disability, including long term health conditions and dyslexia, you can contact the Student Welfare Adviser for confidential advice.
If you wish to visit the School of speak with a student, information on how to do so can be found on the "Visit Us" section of the website. Alternatively, please contact the Study Team.
Some course directors may wish to contact you to arrange an informal interview.
How long will it take for a decision on my application?
Providing we have your supporting documents you should have a decision within six to eight weeks for an MSc course and three months for research studies.
Do I need to send original documents?
If you are offered admission we will require original evidence of your qualifications, this should be either your original award certificate or original final transcript. If your certificate or transcript are not in English you must also provide original certified translations.
Original documents are required in line with UKVI requirements to minimise visa refusals. Original certificates and transcripts received by Registry will be kept and returned to you at registration unless otherwise requested. For overseas students requiring a Tier 4 Student visa we will return the documents by courier.
Will you accept certified copies of certificates?
No. Original documents are required in line with UKVI requirements to minimise visa refusals.
When do you need these documents by?
You should send your documents to Registry as soon as possible before the start of your studies. You will not be able to register for study at the School until all the required documents have been received.
Students who are applying for a Tier 4 Student visa will need to submit original documents well in advance of this date to ensure sufficient time is available to complete the visa process. Applicants requiring a CAS for a Tier 4 Student visa should send their financial evidence with the CAS request form.
What is an ‘unconditional offer’?
An unconditional offer means that you have met all the conditions of your offer. When we have received all the documents listed as conditions in your offer letter, such as English language test results or evidence of funding, your offer will be noted as unconditional. Students who are applying for a Tier 4 Student visa will need to submit all the documents listed on their offer letter before we can issue a CAS.
Will there be an introduction programme?
There will be an International Students Welcome in September. Dates are to be confirmed. All students, including those from the UK, are welcome to attend. Please check our International Students Welcome webpage for further details.
Information on your course specific induction programmes will be made available on the relevant course information page in the New Students section of the website over the summer.
What are the main reasons for an application to be unsuccessful?
Due to the high volume of applications received, the School is unable to provide individual feedback on why an application is unsuccessful, however a brief outline is provided in the decision letter. Read the main reasons why applications are unsuccessful.
Does the School have a policy regarding consideration of accredited prior learning (APL)?
Yes, please see the School's Accreditation of Prior LSHTM Learning Procedure for further information.
