Sheffield Hallam University

When studying a postgraduate degree at Sheffield Hallam University, students work at the cutting-edge of their field using the latest techniques, ideas, practices and insights to address contemporary issues in their discipline, professional practice and the workplace.

Founded over 175 years ago, Sheffield Hallam University has the following colleges:

• Business, Technology and Engineering
• Health Wellbeing and Life Sciences
• Social Sciences and Arts

There are also 4 research institutes supporting several specialist research centres across a wide variety of different subjects and departments.

Students at Sheffield Hallam University benefit from the emphasis its study programmes place on industry experience and hands-on learning, and the university prides itself in creating graduates with the unique talent and skillsets required for problem-solving in the modern world. Of the more than 30,000 students at the university, just over 6,000 study at postgraduate level.

The university’s results in the 2024 Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) and Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) set it apart as an exceptional place to study a master’s or research degree, with an overall satisfaction rate of 85% for postgraduate taught courses and 83% for research courses.

Postgraduate

Sheffield Hallam University offers over 270 postgraduate courses across a wide range of subject areas. Many courses carry full professional accreditation, and prepare students for a number of career roles. Sheffield Business School is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), placing it within the top 6% of business schools globally.

The university organises several postgraduate open days throughout the year, where prospective students can find out what studying a master’s degree or research course could do for their career and future.

Sheffield Hallam University offers an expansive range of over 270 postgraduate study programmes. These cover a range of qualifications including postgraduate certificates, taught master’s degrees, and research degrees.

All courses at the university offer opportunities for applied  learning, enabling students to get plenty of practical and real-world experience. Students may be able to obtain work placements, work experience, or live consultancy projects with industry, all as part of their degree programme.

Teaching methods and curricula differ between programmes, but typically include a mix of classroom learning, tutorials, workshops, peer assessment and simulation alongside rigorous practical sessions.

All Sheffield Hallam University lecturers are experts in their field. Many still hold positions or undertake research in industry, which means students get the most up-to-date knowledge and teaching experience. Many academic staff hold an Inspirational Teachers Award, voted for by students, for their approach to teaching and the support they provide to help their students achieve.

Students must meet Sheffield Hallam University’s academic entry requirements in order to be accepted onto a postgraduate course.

A typical entry requirement for master’s degrees at the university is an undergraduate degree at level 2:2 or higher. In many cases, the undergraduate degree does not need to be related to the preferred postgraduate course, meaning students have the opportunity to bring their own unique insights into a new field of study, and can choose from a wider variety of course options.

The university may accept and convert relevant prior professional experience into course credits, allowing for some programmes to be completed more rapidly.

Some courses may require the submission of a small portfolio of work, or have additional admissions criteria.

There are many different pathways to admission. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the Sheffield Hallam admissions team for advice and guidance related to the application process.

English language

In most cases, international students must demonstrate their English language proficiency prior to being accepted on a course.

English language requirements vary between courses, but typically range between an overall IELTS score of 6.0 – 7.0, or an equivalent qualification.

Sheffield Hallam University is one of the largest health and social care educators in the UK, with 100% of its nursing, midwifery and allied health professions graduates in work or further study fifteen months after graduating (2021/22 HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey).

Working with some of the biggest sports organisations in the country, the university provides high quality sports and PE education to over 1,500 students. The university is also one of the largest providers of teacher training in the UK with over 600 partner schools, colleges and educational establishments.

In addition to the quality and volume of specialist course offerings at postgraduate level, 72% of Sheffield Hallam University research is ranked as ‘internationally excellent’ or ‘world-leading’ (Research Excellence Framework, 2021), which indicates the quality and consistency of the work produced in its many research centres.

The university excels at providing vocational qualifications which guide students into valued employment roles, as well as conducting innovative research and development work into many areas within academia and industry.

A postgraduate degree from Sheffield Hallam University can help to boost any graduate’s career potential. The university enjoys a particularly high graduate employment rate, with 97% of UK postgraduate taught students in work or further study 15 months after graduating (2021/2 HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey).

Sheffield Hallam University works hard to ensure that its students make strong connections with local and international employers, as well as providing them with the skills, knowledge, and work experience needed to succeed in their future careers.

Students have opportunities to take on work placements, internships, or work on live projects with businesses in their chosen field of study. For students taking accredited courses, they may be exempt from professional exams, helping them qualify more quickly.

A dedicated careers service is available at Sheffield Hallam University to help students take further steps towards the career they want, or help them develop in the one they’re already in. The service boasts a 93% student satisfaction rating (Welcome Back to Sheffield Hallam Survey, 2023).

Student union

Hallam Students’ Union is led by eight student officers who are democratically elected annually. It represents the voice of the student community, and organises a lively programme of social events throughout the year.

Clubs and societies

One of the best parts of the Sheffield Hallam experience is the availability and diversity of the university’s extracurricular activities. It’s not only a great way to make new friends, but students also get the chance to develop existing talents and try something new.

There are more than 120 student societies at Sheffield Hallam. From debating and tea drinking to breakdancing and Harry Potter, as well as nearly 40 sports clubs, there’s something for everyone.

If students can’t find a society they like, then they can start their own.

City life

Sheffield is a great place to be a student, and is considered one the most affordable cities in the UK. The city is known for its independent culture in particular, which includes cafés, restaurants, shops and businesses.

The university is based in the heart of the city centre, just a few minutes from the train station, with easy travel to the rest of the country.

Accommodation

Postgraduate students can live in one of the university’s fully-furnished halls of residence. Where possible, students are housed with other postgraduate or mature students. Cost of living in Sheffield is low, and the university has some of the UK’s best-value accommodation.

All university accommodation is within walking distance to both campuses. Students are guaranteed accommodation if their application is received before August.

Students may opt to live in private sector accommodation, and the university offers a free service to help students find the right accommodation.

Facilities

The university is investing £250 million in new facilities over the next five years, and students have access to new, innovative, and flexible study and social spaces. The campus plan will make a positive difference to climate change, with three brand new net-zero buildings and green spaces due to be completed in winter 2024/2025.

Students learn in the same facilities they’ll find in future workplaces. The latest buildings include a STEM hub, a home for the Sheffield Institute of Education, an Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, and the National Centre of Excellence for Food Engineering.

The university also boasts food and drink outlets, a nursery, a print shop, sports and fitness facilities, and libraries open 24/7.

Sheffield Hallam students are supported throughout their studies, whatever their circumstances. Whether it’s financial advice, disability assistance, or academic help, the university’s student support service is there every step of the way.

The careers and employability service helps students further their career options and prospects, and also provides assistance with student fees and funding issues.

There are independent medical centres on each campus, where students can access medical help, support, and advice. Students also have access to a full range of disabled student support services, which includes extra assistance and resources, accessibility services and help accessing disabled students allowance.

Parents with children aged six months to five years can receive specialised childcare services via the on-campus nursery, giving them more time to dedicate towards studying without needing to pay for independent childcare.

Support for student carers and care leavers is also available, as well as students estranged from their families.

Prayer rooms and multifaith meeting spaces are available at both campuses and international support including orientation sessions, social events, and weekly English language tuition.

Sheffield Hallam University offers a range of scholarships and financial aid options for UK and international students.

If students have studied at the university before, they can also receive an alumni scholarship with a value of £1,000 - £2,000.

International scholarships are intended to subsidise postgraduate students’ tuition fees for full-time taught programmes, and are granted to students who demonstrate excellent academic performance and who are willing to be an ambassador for the university for the university during and after their studies.

Taught

Sheffield Hallam University offers a variety of postgraduate qualifications, including postgraduate certificates and a range of master’s degrees (MBA, MA and MSc).

Taught postgraduate students benefit from high-quality curricula with hands-on learning, plus a variety of innovative teaching technologies and methods.

Research

Sheffield Hallam University is ranked highly for its research, 72% of which has been ranked internationally excellent or world-leading by the Research Excellence Framework (2021).

Research at the university addresses real-world challenges that impact upon people’s lives. Students can be a part of that research and get involved in specialised projects. Examples have included using 3D printers to help babies breathe, and helping women and girls to find justice in India.

There are research opportunities across all three colleges, and in 14 research centres, so students can always find the appropriate place for their idea.

Distance learning

Sheffield Hallam University offers a selection of courses specifically for postgraduate students who want to complete their studies via distance learning. Spread across several subject areas, many are designed to fit around a student’s existing career and/or commitments.

Students are provided with an induction pack, which is included with each distance learning course. This helps to get their computer, laptop or tablet set up and ready to access the study resources they need.

The university offers full technical support to its students throughout their studies.