University of Westminster

The University of Westminster is a global institution, hosting one of the most diverse student communities found at UK universities. With over 19,000 students at undergraduate and postgraduate level, together representing more than 160 nations worldwide. This is the university where individuality is encouraged, diversity is celebrated and anything is possible.

The university offers student the chance to study at four different campuses, three of which are located in central London. As a result, students are immersed in the city’s exciting economic, cultural and social landscape, and can make the most of the university’s rich links to businesses in the region. With support around employability and professional skills, the sky is the limit when it comes to career advancement.

In addition, students can enjoy endless choice of social and cultural activities that this vibrant capital has to offer. From theatres, nightclubs and bars to shopping, restaurants and sport.

Postgraduate

Students looking to take up a postgraduate qualification at the University of Westminster have over 30 subject areas to choose from, including a mix of taught and research-based options. The courses are flexible with start dates in both September and January. There is also an option to choose between full-time and part-time study, and even distance learning for students who opt for a research-based qualification.

Students who attend the University of Westminster have access to specialist facilities for each subject area which are constantly seeing new investment and renovation.

Many postgraduate courses at the University of Westminster are accredited by professional and industrial bodies, and many programmes are recognised worldwide for their excellent quality. Students will develop practical ability and professional skills along with a deep academic understanding of their subject, helping them prepare for career success.

As members of a vibrant and supportive academic community, students will always find expert staff on hand to help, and passionate researchers and instructors who can help them take their studies to the next level among specialist facilities for teaching and independent study.

The qualifications and other skills required for a postgraduate degree at the University of Westminster will vary by course. Students can find the information for their chosen subject on the relevant course page on the university’s website.

Generally, students are expected to have achieved a 2:1 or better in an undergraduate degree from an established university, ideally in a subject related to the chosen postgraduate qualification. However, students will also be able to apply with other equivalent qualifications or relevant work experience.

All courses at the University of Westminster are taught in English, and students who are not native English speakers will be expected to provide evidence of a qualification proving their ability to understand the language to the necessary standard. This is usually through the completion of a test or certificate type that is recognised by the university’s admissions teams, details of which can be found on the university website.

The University of Westminster has an outstanding international reputation, with its foundations in the quality of education it provides. Students can expect the highest standards of teaching and research support across all the postgraduate qualifications.

Areas of strength for the university include:

• Architecture and cities – Considered to be one of the UK’s leading centres in architecture study, this department has produced several highly successful graduates through its outstanding taught qualifications.
• Business – Located within a global financial centre, Westminster Business School is research driven, internationally recognised and professionally oriented. Westminster graduates work in highly successful careers across accounting, management consultancy, retail and small business management.
• Law – The Westminster Law School is internationally reputed for worlds class research into law and legal practice. It is specialised in international law and human rights, commercial and financial law as well as child/family law and entertainment law.
• Media, arts and communication – A mix of practical and theory-based learning across this department has earned an excellent reputation within the industry, with many successful graduates going on to work in prominent roles.

All courses at the University of Westminster, whether taught or research-led, are driven by a desire to create the next wave of industry experts and world leaders. As such, there is a real focus on job prospects in every qualification, with practical and academic learning, along with networking opportunities throughout.

The university also has its own careers and employability service which works with over 3,000 employers, providing students with support through workshops, one-to-one careers advice and various skills-based events such as CV building and interview training.

There is also a dedicated work placement team who focus on finding the best placements and internships for students.

Student union

All students at University of Westminster are automatically enrolled in the university’s students’ union (UWSU). It’s run independently of the university and offers advice, guidance and representation across a variety of issues that make up campus life.

The UWSU is also responsible for running the university’s clubs and societies, as well as the student-managed media such as TV studio, magazine and radio station, with students able to work on these platforms to gain vital career experience.

The UWSU also has shops, a bar and a nightclub and it offers a varied programme of events throughout the academic year.

Clubs and societies

Students at the University of Westminster are encouraged to take up one of the many sports clubs and societies, where they can meet likeminded individuals and engage in hobbies to help them gain new skills.

Sport clubs include a mix of traditional options like athletics, cricket, hockey, football, rugby as well as more contemporary options such as rock climbing. There are a wide range of societies, from fun activities like musical theatre and anime, to support and networking groups like LGBTIQA+ and educational activities such as first aid.

Any students who don’t find a club or society that meets their interests will be supported in starting their own.

City life

Situated in the heart of London, the University of Westminster provides all the attractions of a vibrant, cosmopolitan capital right on students’ doorsteps. From world-famous historic landmarks to contemporary nightclubs and bars to famous shopping streets, and from amazing street food to fine dining restaurants.

The city is also home to some marvellous green spaces where students can unwind on their days off, perfect for a relaxing walk or a picnic on warmer days. And there are excellent transport links to take students to the coast or connect them to major cities around the UK with ease.

Accommodation

The university has halls of residence available exclusively for postgraduate students, situated close to the campuses and local transport links. Most rooms in these halls are en-suites with a single bed and shared living areas, although larger rooms are available.

The university has an accommodation team that can advise students who would prefer to look for private accommodation. This includes a list of recommended private landlords with various types of rooms, flats, or housing available throughout London.

Facilities

The University of Westminster continues to make significant investments into its facilities across its four campuses. Students will be able to make use of state-of-the-art technology relevant to their chosen field of study, along with learning spaces designed to replicate real-world working environments.

Standout facilities include a digital fabrication laboratory with a range of latest laser cutters and 3D printers, a Bloomberg Financial Market Suite, various TV and art studios, audio recording studios and more. The university also has 24-hour libraries that include extensive IT facilities.

Students who attend the University of Westminster will find a wide range of support services to help across all aspects of student life.

Services include:

• Counselling and mental health services
• Disability learning support
• Student wellbeing
• Personal tutors
• Learning, study and IT skills
• Careers and employability services

The University of Westminster offers a wide range of scholarships each year for home and international postgraduate students, whether they are studying full-time or part-time.

To find out which scholarships are available and the eligibility criteria, students should check the full list on the university’s website. Students are encouraged to apply early to ensure they have the best chance of being considered for any relevant scholarships.

Taught

Most courses are available for a one-year full-time course, but some can be studied part-time (both during the day or in evenings) over two years for students who require more flexibility.

Students enrolled on a taught qualification will also be offered regular guest lectures and networking event opportunities to help prepare them for their next steps and to ensure students get the most from their time at the university.

Research

The University of Westminster offers students the opportunity to enrol in a research degree and contribute to the exceptional, internationally recognised learning that the institution plays a significant role in. Research qualifications are available in a range of subjects including humanities, law, social sciences, applied management and more.

Students who choose a research degree will be assigned a supervisor who will support them throughout their time at the university, making sure that students are mentored and challenged to achieve their full potential.

Distance learning

University of Westminster also offers research-based qualifications that can be studied remotely by students who are unable to attend the campus to learn on-site. These include MPhil, PhD, and professional doctorate courses, and are ideally suited to international students who cannot relocate to London for the duration of their qualification.

For acceptance onto a distance learning course, students will need to pass the same entry requirements as on-campus students and be able to demonstrate that they have access to the necessary resources required in their area, including libraries and any laboratory facilities.