University of Reading

The University of Reading is a prominent university in the UK, delivering education to thousands of students across nearly 140 postgraduate programmes. Since its founding over 95 years ago, the university has grown into a pioneering institution for research-driven learning and positive graduate outcomes. 

Students at Reading will benefit from learning at a university that ranks among the top 20 universities in the UK for 20 different subjects, according to the Complete University Guide 2023. The university placed 34th nationally overall in the 2024 Complete University Guide rankings, and was rated 30th in the country by students in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2022. 

The university has two campus sites across the town of Reading – Whiteknights, the main campus, and London Road, one of the original sites. They are a short walk from each other, and both offer easy access to the town centre in minutes. Each campus is rich with green space and parklands, as well as modern teaching and research buildings, sport and recreational facilities, and various student services and amenities. 

Reading is a vibrant medium sized town on the outskirts of London. With a great nightlife, plenty of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants, there’s no need for students to leave at all. Nonetheless, Reading is extremely well connected to the UK capital, with train lines including the brand-new Elizabeth line linking the town with convenient locations across London. 

Prospective postgraduate students applying to Reading can choose from a range of programmes, allowing them to pick a study option to suit their academic objectives and fit around other obligations. 

The university offers part- and full-time courses, ranging from shorter programmes such as postgraduate certificates and diplomas, to full taught master’s degrees. It also provides a range of postgraduate research opportunities, including MPhil, PhD and professional doctorate qualifications. 

Reading also provides postgraduate students with added flexibility through distance learning and online module options. This allows students to complete an entire qualification or individual parts of their course online, perfect for students who need to live in a certain area. 

The University of Reading is particularly strong in certain academic areas, having placed in the top 20 universities in the country across 20 different subject areas in the 2023 Complete University Guide rankings. For land and property management courses, for example, Reading was ranked number one in the UK. Overall, the university has risen to 34th in the UK in the rankings. 

Students applying for a postgraduate programme at the University of Reading will need to meet the required academic entry requirements before they can receive an offer of study. For some applicants, other admission criteria such as English language competency or a minimum of relevant professional experience may also apply. 

Applicants for the MSc in Accounting and Financial Management will need to show evidence of an undergraduate degree with a 2:1 grade or higher, or international equivalent. This degree can be in any subject. 

Applicants to the MA in Education will need to hold or have a predicated honours degree at a 2:1 grade level or higher, or international equivalent. This degree will normally be in education studies or a related subject, but other subject backgrounds may be considered in combination with relevant experience and a good application. 

Students applying for the LLM in Advanced Legal Studies will need an honours degree with a grade of 2:1 or more, or international equivalent. Experience across legal and non-legal backgrounds will be considered as part of an application. 

Entry requirements for courses at Reading may change over time, so it’s recommended that applicants check the university website for the most up to date information before making their application. 

The University of Reading supports the employability of its postgraduate students in several ways, working to ensure that they are able to build the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their academic or professional careers. 

The university’s highly rated careers service offers various resources that postgraduate students can make use of, both during and after their studies. They include: 

• Personalised appointments with experienced career consultants, providing help with CVs and interview practice 
• University-led careers fairs and employer events, allowing students to connect with relevant employers in their field 
• A wide range of online employability tools that students can access at any time, including application support 

Postgraduate students at Reading are closely supported by their tutors and other academic staff. Collaboration opportunities and personalised mentoring allow students to achieve their academic potential. 

The university also works to provide students with access to relevant work experience, internship and placement opportunities to help them build valuable experience and industry-ready skillsets during their studies. 

Accommodation

The University of Reading offers postgraduate students a broad range of accommodation options. They’ll be able to choose from catered or self-catered accommodation, as well as shared bathroom or en-suite living options, depending on their lifestyle, budget and personal preferences. 

All university-owned accommodation can be found on or close to the main Whiteknights campus, making it an ideal option for postgraduate students who value easy access to lectures, labs and students social events. 

Postgraduate students who accept an offer of study at Reading and apply for accommodation before the specified deadline for their academic year will be guaranteed accommodation in university halls. 

Postgraduate students can apply for places in any of the university’s halls. The university aims to group postgraduate and returning students together as much as possible, but there are also dedicated accommodation options for couples and families. 

It’s also possible to rent private accommodation in and around Reading. This bustling town sits on the edge of London and offers everything a student might need to enjoy their downtime between studying, while also providing excellent access to London and all the entertainment, culture and opportunity that comes with it. 

Postgraduate students at Reading are able to access and apply for a broad range of funding opportunities, designed to reduce barriers to entry and help outstanding students reach their academic potential. 

Available funding options include scholarships, bursaries and studentships, such as: 

• Centenary Scholarships, developed to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the university’s founding. 100 awards will be available to master’s students across any subject and various countries. 
• Subject specific scholarships, which are delivered through the university’s different schools and departments. For example, the Department of Computer Science offers 15 scholarships specifically to students on the MSc in Data Science and Advanced Computing. Award values and eligibility criteria can vary. 
• PhD Studentships, of which there are around 150 available each year to high-achieving applicants. These are offered through a variety of funding bodies and sources. Each studentship will be available to students of a certain subject and may vary in value. 

Students can find specific details for a funding opportunity on the relevant webpage on the university’s website. Eligibility criteria and funding availability can change over time, so students should check before making an application.