University of Winchester

The University of Winchester is a renowned higher education institution in the UK, located in Hampshire in the South of England. On the fringe of the South Downs National Park, it’s a university with a 180-year heritage and a strong reputation for sustainability, social justice and innovative postgraduate study programmes. 

The university recently placed 96th in the Complete University Guide 2024 league table, as well as ranking 76th in the 2022 Whatuni Student Choice Awards. It offers students a forward-thinking curriculum across many different subjects, with courses available in the arts, business, digital technologies, education, humanities, law and medical disciplines, as well as science and social science. 

Winchester is one of the UK’s most historic cathedral cities, with a story that stretches back to Saxon times and beyond. Once the capital of what became the modern nation of England, students at Winchester are able to enjoy a relaxed city lifestyle that brings together a range of activities, sights and services while being just a stone’s throw from rolling hills and charming villages.  

The coast isn’t far, with Southampton, the Isle of Wight and the New Forest National Park lying to the south. London is less than 90 minutes away by train, making it a great base for students who want a laid back lifestyle while keeping access to everything the capital has to offer. 

Postgraduate students at the University of Winchester will find a distinctive, modern approach to education where a high quality conventional curriculum is combined with professional training, work experience opportunities and flexible learning options. 

Winchester is made up of the following faculties: 

• Faculty of Business and Digital Technology 
• Faculty of Education and the Arts 
• Faculty of Health and Wellbeing 
• Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences 
• Faculty of Law, Crime and Justice 
• Leadership and Governance 

There are a range of institutes, centres and academic departments contained within each faculty, and together form focused academic communities that offer unique study options and a supportive environment for taught or research success. 

The university is home to leading academics, producing notable research that positively impacts society. Students can benefit from close academic support from their supervisors and peers, along with robust student services who can provide guidance around a number of academic issues. 

In addition to full-time taught and research master’s degrees, students can explore a range of shorter courses as well as part-time and online learning options. 

The University of Winchester admits students onto its postgraduate programmes once they satisfy the relevant entry requirements for their chosen course. These admissions criteria may differ depending on the level of study and subject area of the course being applied to. 

For example, students applying to the MA in Cultural and Arts Management will need to have a second- or first-class undergraduate honours degree in a relevant subject area. Equivalent professional experience will also be considered in lieu of academic qualifications. Work experience or a professional project may be required for students without previous industry experience. 

Applicants for the MSc in Forensic Psychology will need to have a second- or first-class undergraduate honours degree in psychology or a closely related subject as well as GBC status with the British Psychological Society. Students without GBC will be considered on an individual basis. 

Applicants for the MRes in Sport and Exercise will typically need a second- or first-class undergraduate honours degree, or equivalent professional experience, in a relevant area. 

Entry requirements may change over time so students should check with the university before applying. 

Due to its clear focus on transferable skills, research excellence and contemporary teaching, postgraduate students at the University of Winchester are well placed to succeed after graduation.  

Prospective employers value a degree from Winchester, and the university’s broad links to business, industry, government and the wider research community means that students often have the chance to network and build up useful relationships before they finish their studies. 

The university has a well-rated careers service who provide access to a wide range of useful resources and events, as well as tailored advice and guidance. Students can benefit from one-to-one appointments with professional advisers to plan their career, as well as access to workshops on key employability skills such as interview preparation and CV writing. 

Careers support doesn’t stop at graduation at Winchester, as it’s available to alumni for their whole lifetime. With access to the university’s careers service, as well as exclusive alumni events, being part of the Winchester network is an invaluable resource for career progression. 

Accommodation

Postgraduate students at the University of Winchester can apply for a place in university-managed accommodation, giving them access to award winning living options in one of the UK’s most liveable cities. 

While there are relatively limited places in university halls and managed accommodation for postgraduate students, a specific proportion is held aside for them. Mature learners are placed together wherever possible. This means that students can live in a focused environment with like-minded peers. University accommodation is issued on a first come, first serve basis for postgraduates. 

Students can choose from self-catered and catered-accommodation options, available as rooms in a hall of residence, with easy access to campus, or housing in the city centre. Prices and contract lengths vary and can be found on the university website. 

For students who choose to live in private accommodation, the university’s accommodation team is on hand to help them find a suitable place to live and handle any relevant paperwork. Winchester is a beautiful, historic city with many student rental opportunities. 

The University of Winchester maintains a broad range of scholarships, bursaries and awards specifically for postgraduate students. These awards may provide payments towards tuition fees or as direct payments to students to use towards their living costs. 

Some of the available funding options include: 

• The Winchester Alumni Masters Scholarships, which offer a discount of 20% to tuition fees for students on a taught master’s course if they have already graduated from a degree at the university. Several course exceptions apply. 
• The Postgraduate Access Scholarship Scheme (PASS) also offers a 20% discount to tuition fees for taught master’s students, if they have been in receipt of disability benefits, been in care, been a carer, been in or immediately related to a member of the armed forces, or are receiving means-tested state benefits. It cannot be combined with other discounts such as the alumni master’s scholarship. 
• A number of scholar specific scholarships and bursaries, such as the Executive MBA 10th Anniversary Bursary which offers a 50% discount to tuition fees for successful applicants. The Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship offers a 25% discount to successful applicants with two years or more of management experience, and submission of an essay. 

A wide range of external awards and research funding opportunities can also be found through partner institutions and online search tools.