How Do You Apply for a Taught Master's in the UK? Using the University of Manchester as an Example: How to Apply, When Applications Open, Referees and English Requirements, the Graduate Visa Falling to 18 Months from 2027, and Notes for Domestic and International Applicants

Applying for a UK taught master's works differently from undergraduate entry: undergraduates apply through UCAS, while for master's programs it depends on the university. Using the University of Manchester as an example, this guide explains from official sources how to apply, when applications open, what to prepare, and the requirements for Chinese degrees and English, then covers the Graduate visa after you finish. Requirements vary widely between universities and courses; check each course page. For overall timing, see our application timeline.

1. How to apply: the University of Manchester as an example

• Apply directly to the university: Manchester states that once you have chosen a course, you complete its online application form; the page does not mention UCAS (Manchester: how to apply). UCAS has a postgraduate page for international students, but it does not state whether taught master's applications go directly to universities or through UCAS (UCAS postgraduate international students), so check each university's own instructions.
• Opening date: applications for Manchester's 2027/28 master's programmes open on 10 October 2026 (Manchester master's admissions).
• Deadlines: the website states that many master's courses do not have official closing dates, but some do, so check individual course pages.
• Referees: the website states that you may need two references, depending on the course.
• Research proposal: some courses ask for a research proposal, and the website advises checking the department website because instructions vary.
• Course length: the Manchester pages read for this guide do not state a standard length for full-time taught master's courses; check each course page.

2. Entry and English requirements

• English: Manchester states that English requirements are usually the equivalent of IELTS 6.0–7.5, depending on the course (Manchester postgraduate entry requirements).
• Chinese degrees: Manchester's China mainland page states that taught master's applicants with a bachelor's degree from a recognised good-quality Chinese university, with a minimum overall average of 80% or a minimum GPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0), will be considered for admission; the page also notes that entry requirements differ between courses (Manchester: China mainland).
• UK degrees: the pages read for this guide do not state a general requirement for UK degrees (such as a 2:1); check course pages.

3. After you graduate: the Graduate visa

The rules as stated on GOV.UK (GOV.UK Graduate visa):

• Length: 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026; 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027; 3 years for PhD graduates.
• Costs: an application fee of £937; the healthcare surcharge is usually £1,035 for each year.
• Conditions: you must apply before your Student visa (or Tier 4 (General) student visa) expires, and you must be in the UK when you apply; you will usually get a decision within 8 weeks.

This means master's graduates applying for the Graduate visa from 2027 onward get 18 months rather than the previous 2 years. Visa rules change; follow the latest GOV.UK guidance. This is policy information, not immigration or legal advice.

4. Steps in summary

1. Choose courses: check each course page for entry requirements, English scores, deadlines and whether a research proposal is needed.
2. Prepare documents: transcripts, degree evidence, a personal statement, possibly two referees, and English test results.
3. Apply early once applications open: at Manchester, 2027/28 applications open on 10 October 2026; for courses with closing dates, follow the date on the course page.
4. Plan for visas early: you need a Student visa to study, and if you want to stay and work after graduating, check how long the Graduate visa will be for your graduation date.

5. Notes for domestic and international applicants (including students in China)

• Domestic applicants: the application process and documents are as above; degree requirements are set on course pages, and you do not need a Student or Graduate visa.
• International applicants: besides academic and English requirements, plan your Student visa early; the Graduate visa must be applied for from within the UK before your Student visa expires, and lasts 18 months from 1 January 2027.
• Students in China: check your target university's China page for average requirements; Manchester lists 80% or GPA 3.0 (out of 4.0), with recognised institutions and course-specific requirements set out separately; English follows the course requirement, usually the equivalent of IELTS 6.0–7.5.

Frequently asked questions

Do you apply for a UK taught master's through UCAS?

It depends on the university. The University of Manchester states that once you have chosen a course you complete its online application form, and the page does not mention UCAS; the UCAS postgraduate page does not state whether taught master's applications are direct or through UCAS, so check each university's instructions.

When do University of Manchester master's applications open for 2027/28?

The University of Manchester states that applications for its 2027/28 master's programmes open on 10 October 2026. Many courses do not have official closing dates, but some do; check each course page.

What does the University of Manchester require for Chinese bachelor's degrees?

Manchester's China mainland page states that taught master's applicants with a bachelor's degree from a recognised good-quality Chinese university, with a minimum overall average of 80% or a minimum GPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0), will be considered, and that requirements differ between courses; English is usually the equivalent of IELTS 6.0–7.5.

How long is the UK Graduate visa now?

GOV.UK states that it is 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027, and 3 years for PhD graduates; the application fee is £937, the healthcare surcharge is usually £1,035 for each year, and you must apply from within the UK before your Student visa expires. This is policy information, not immigration or legal advice.

References

Manchester: how to apply; Manchester master's admissions; Manchester postgraduate entry requirements; Manchester: China mainland; UCAS postgraduate international students; GOV.UK Graduate visa. Pages read in November 2026; rules, fees and dates follow the latest official versions.