Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions (FAQs). Please do read through these and you should find the answers to most questions. However, if you still cannot find what you are looking for then please click on, the ‘ASK A QUESTION’ link at the top right of this page to send the course team a message and we will respond as soon as possible.
Applications
When are the opening and closing dates for applications?
Applications open in December 2022 and close on 21 August 2023.
Late applications will not be considered. We encourage all applications to be submitted as early as possible, to avoid any possible technical difficulties with submission.
Are any places offered before the application deadline?
No, places will not be offered before the deadline. All applications submitted by the deadline will be considered.
I have question about my application, who should I contact?
For any queries or information about the admissions procedure, making an application or your application - please contact the admissions team (click on the link at the top right on this page)
When will I hear back about my application?
Candidates who proceed to the second stage of the application process will be interviewed by two Academics. Interviews are likely to take place in mid to late September 2023, with successful candidates being informed from early October 2023.
What references do I need to include in my application?
The criterion for acceptance includes letters of recommendation from two referees who can provide academic or professional references.
Only references officially evidencing the institutional affiliation of an academic referee will be accepted. Professional references should be from a person eligible using, where possible, a professional email address.
If you have been out of education for some time and you are not able to obtain an academic reference, please provide two professional references.
Eligibility
What are the entry requirements to the course?
Please see the ‘Entry Requirements’ tab above.
I am an International Student - do I have the relevant qualifications to be considered for the course?
Please check the equivalence guidelines for your country: International qualifications.
I do not meet the academic criteria - can I still apply for the course?
In addition to those with the standard entry requirement of a 2i or above in their first degree, we welcome applications from students with lower marks in the first degree than the standard requirement.
(Why) Do I need to do complete a language test?
Evidence of English language proficiency is a University requirement, and rigorously applied. Even those applicants who may have obtained previous degrees in English may be required to take a language test, as the University’s regulations are time dependent. It is imperative that applicants check in advance, and if necessary, arrange for appropriate testing, as they must comply before taking up any offer of admission. Any English language proficiency test needs to have been completed within the last 3 years.
The University's main graduate admissions office website has a language calculator, https://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/international/competence-english which you may find helpful at this stage of the application process.
The Admissions team will only make a formal assessment of whether or not an applicant will be required to provide additional evidence of their current English language proficiency after they receive an academic decision to accept your application from the department. It is best to check ahead of this in order to give yourself enough time to take a test if required.
Do I need a Visa, and if so, how do I obtain one?
Please see the information on Visas from the International Student Office at Cambridge here: https://www.iso.admin.cam.ac.uk/visa-advice-service
With the change in the rules after Brexit, am I, as a European citizen, considered an overseas, or a UK student?
The fee status of EU nationals for 2021 entry onwards will be International by default until the UK government announce further details and amendments of the current regulation. EU students should regularly check for updates at: http://www.eu.admin.cam.ac.uk/
Progression and Credits
Can I transfer credits from my current university?
We do not currently accept any transfer of credits from other universities.
Teaching delivery
Do I need to attend in person?
This is an in-person course and attendance is compulsory at each of the Residential periods in Cambridge. The programme is delivered via a combination of face-to-face teaching, delivery through a virtual learning environment [VLE] and self-directed learning. You will need to:
a. Attend, in person, all the Residential periods; and
b. Be eligible to study in the UK
Is it mandatory to attend the residentials in-person?
Yes, it is mandatory for all students to attend the residential teaching sessions. There is no provision to attend these sessions online.
Please see the Teaching & Assessment tab for provisional residential dates.
How will I be assessed?
Please refer to the Teaching & Assessment tab above.
What happens outside of the residential sessions?
The modules are delivered using a blended learning approach. Outside of the residential teaching, there will be online one-to-one tutorials with the Course Director, online group tutorials, and online one-to-one dissertation supervisions. You will be expected to engage for at least eight hours per week with online study materials which will include readings, videos, online forum discussions and self-assessment.
Can I undertake this course whilst working?
Yes. As a part time course, the MSt in English Language Assessment enables learners to maintain personal and professional commitments while also studying.
It is important to consider all aspects of your life before you decide to study on a course, having a clear idea of how you will accommodate studying into your current routine before you apply will enable you to get as much out of the course as possible.
We recognise that studying for a part-time Master’s degree is a serious undertaking, particularly when students are balancing work and family commitments.
College questions
What College will I join?
Students on the MSt in English Language Assessment will become members of either Fitzwilliam or Homerton College. Please do not approach colleges directly regarding membership, the course administration team will do this on your behalf. Further information will be provided should you be offered a place on the MSt.
Do I need to pay College fees?
The course fee includes College membership fees, however there may be small additional fees payable to a College for specific services provided; further information will be provided by your College directly once you have a confirmed place.
Fees and Funding
Are there any scholarships or funding attached to the course?
There is no specific funding attached to this course. Information regarding Professional and Career Development Loans can be found here - Sources of government funding and financial support.
For information on a loan from Student Finance England for course fees and a contribution towards living costs, please see https://www.ice.cam.ac.uk/info/student-loans
If you are an international student, you may be eligible for funding via sources in your home country.