To study for a postgraduate degree you will need to meet Royal Holloway’s general entrance requirements, as well as those set by the department to which you’ve applied.
For a Postgraduate diploma
The entry requirement depends on the programme. Refer to the individual course details for specific requirements.
For a Masters degree
We usually ask for a UK second class honours degree or equivalent overseas qualification and, in some cases, you’ll need additional professional experience.
For some courses, we ask for a UK 2:1 degree or an equivalent, but we will also consider a ‘high’ UK 2:2, where your final award is 57% or more (or equivalent). Relevant professional experience will also be considered.
Pre-Masters Programme
The Royal Holloway Pre-Masters Programme, delivered by Study Group, opens up plenty of opportunities for progression to a range of postgraduate degrees at Royal Holloway. Tailored for international students, the programme takes place over two terms and is designed to give you all the skills you will need to successfully study your postgraduate degree at Royal Holloway.
Online Accelerated Pre-Masters Programme
The Royal Holloway Online Accelerated Pre-Masters Programme, delivered by Study Group, is your route to a range of business-related master’s degrees at Royal Holloway. This programme is available from anywhere in the world and is perfect for students who want to develop their English language and academic skills prior to starting their master’s degree in the UK.
Master's Foundation Programme
The Master’s Foundation Programme is available as a two or three-term programme, with progression* to a wide range of Master’s degrees at Royal Holloway. The course is taught at ONCAMPUS London, based at Birkbeck, in the heart of the University of London. The programme is a focused pathway designed to prepare international students for postgraduate study in the UK.
To find out more about the programme, including entry requirements, programme structure and progression to Royal Holloway, please click here.
* Students will have the opportunity to progress to Royal Holloway if they achieve the minimum requirements on the Master's Foundation Programme. Requirements may differ depending on the programme students wish to apply for.
Additional requirements
Subject knowledge
You don’t always need to have previously studied in your chosen subject, for your first degree. Some courses act as conversion programmes, giving you an intensive introduction to the subject in one year.
However, certain courses require very specific subject knowledge. Here you need an undergraduate degree in the particular subject you're studying.
Check the relevant department website for specific requirements.
English language skills
If your first language is not English, you’ll need to demonstrate your English language skills through a recognised qualification.
To reach the required level you can attend a pre-sessional English language course.
If you studied your undergraduate degree in an English-speaking country, or in English, you may not need to take another test.
Find out what’s needed by contacting us using our application query form.
International students
We welcome all applications from international students. Do make sure your qualifications are equivalent to the entry requirements for your chosen postgraduate course.
See the entry requirements for your country.
