Direct answer
The University of Leicester postgraduate application process for 2026/27 requires you to choose a course, gather supporting documents, apply directly online, and complete the application form. You must provide academic qualifications, transcripts, a personal statement or research proposal, references, and proof of English language competency if your first language is not English. Applications for most campus-based and distance learning courses are made through the university’s own online system, while PGCE applicants use UCASTT and Doctor of Clinical Psychology applicants use the Clearing House. Transfer requests from another university are considered individually against specific criteria including entry requirements, available places, and visa status.
How to apply for a postgraduate course
The University of Leicester outlines a four-step process for postgraduate applications. First, you must browse postgraduate courses to ensure you are comfortable with the course content and entry requirements. You can use the contact information on the course page to find out more or visit the department website. Second, you gather your supporting documents before completing the application form. Third, you apply directly to the university using the ‘Apply Now’ link at the bottom of each course page. Fourth, you complete the application form by registering as a new user or logging in with existing details, following the onscreen instructions, uploading documents, and clicking the submit button.
Required supporting documents
You will need to provide several documents in support of your application. The official page lists academic qualifications and transcripts, a personal statement or research proposal, and references. For references, you can provide either the references themselves or the name and contact details of people the university can request references from. At least one referee must be an academic referee. If your first language is not English, you must also provide proof of English language competency. The university states that the more documentation you are able to provide, the quicker the decision-making process will be. You can upload electronic versions of your supporting documentation.
Application routes for specific courses
Most campus-based courses and all distance learning courses use the university’s direct online application system. However, some programmes have different application routes. Applications for the Doctor of Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) must be made to the Clearing House for Postgraduate Courses in Clinical Psychology. PGCE applicants should apply through UCASTT. Distance learning courses are noted as having a different application process, though the page confirms you can apply online for all distance learning courses using the ‘Apply Now’ link.
After you submit your application
Once you have submitted your application, you will not be able to make any changes. You will receive an email to confirm that the university has received your application. The page directs you to review the terms and conditions of your offer. If you are unable to apply online, you can contact the Postgraduate Admissions Office by phone at +44 (0)116 252 5381 or by email at [email protected] for further advice.
Transferring from another university
If you want to transfer from a different university to a course at the University of Leicester, you must make an application. You should contact [email protected] if you are interested in a transfer. All transfer requests are considered individually and evaluated against specific criteria. These criteria include the entry requirements for the course in question, the academic year the request relates to, available entry points on the course, available places on the course, visa status for international students, and the modules and marks achieved at the former institution and their alignment with the Leicester syllabus. You may also wish to consider whether any study you have already completed can be taken towards a course through the university’s Policy on Accreditation of Prior Learning. Any requests for accreditation of prior learning are considered on a case-by-case basis. You should also ensure you have considered your student finance arrangements.
What the official page does not specify
The general postgraduate applications page does not list China-specific academic entry requirements such as minimum percentage scores or degree classification equivalences. It directs applicants to browse individual course pages to check entry requirements. The page also does not state universal application deadlines for all postgraduate courses for 2026/27. You must check the specific course page for deadline information. The page does not provide details on visa application processes beyond noting that visa status is a criterion for transfer requests.
FAQ
How do I start a postgraduate application at the University of Leicester?
You begin by browsing the postgraduate courses on the university website to find one that matches your interests and to check the entry requirements. Once you have chosen a course, you use the ‘Apply Now’ link at the bottom of the course page to access the online application system.
What documents do I need to apply as an international student?
You need to provide academic qualifications and transcripts, a personal statement or research proposal, and references. At least one referee must be an academic referee. If your first language is not English, you must also provide proof of English language competency. You can upload electronic versions of these documents.
Can I save my application and return to it later?
Yes. The university states that you can save your part-completed application and return to it later. You must make sure you click the submit button to complete your application. Once submitted, you cannot make any changes.
What happens if I want to transfer from my current university to Leicester?
You must make an application and contact [email protected]. Transfer requests are considered individually against criteria including the course entry requirements, available places, the academic year, visa status for international students, and how your completed modules align with the Leicester syllabus.
Where can I find the specific entry requirements for Chinese students?
The general postgraduate applications page does not list country-specific requirements. You need to check the individual course page for the programme you are interested in to find the entry requirements that apply to your qualifications.
Official sources
For broader context on UK university admissions, you can read about other institutions such as the University of Bath 2026 admission, fees and rankings, the University of Sussex 2026 guide on admission requirements, fees and rankings, and Durham University’s 2026 guide on admission, the collegiate system and rankings. For information on diploma applications, see this 2026 guide.