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Postgraduate
  1. Queen Mary University of London
  2. Postgraduate
  3. Associate Study

Apply for associate study

It is possible to study at Queen Mary without enrolling on a full degree programme. You will be classed as an associate (or "visiting") student for the time you are here. This page takes you through how you can apply and outlines the information and documents you will need.  

Please note that Study Abroad applications are dealt with separately.  You can find further information on the Study Abroad section of the website.

Programme structure

Associate study is available throughout the year, but registration will usually begin on the first working day of the month. Some study may be aligned to module or cohort start date.

You can apply to study for up to 12 months. Credit may be awarded for some postgraduate taught associate study options.

Entry requirements

You must be currently enrolled on a postgraduate degree programme at another university. The level of associate study you plan to undertake at Queen Mary must be the same as the postgraduate degree programme you are enrolled on (for example to apply for taught postgraduate associate study you must be enrolled on a taught postgraduate degree programme).

A minimum of an undergraduate degree with lower second class (or equivalent) is normally required for all postgraduate taught students and postgraduate research study of more than 6 months.

If your first language is not English, you must provide evidence of your English language proficiency. The evidence required depends on the programme of study and length of visit.

  • For all credit-bearing associate study of any length, you must meet the standard English Language requirements for the relevant academic School, which can be found under the relevant level of study (postgraduate taught or postgraduate research) on our English Language Requirements webpage. 
  • For non-credit bearing associate study and postgraduate research associate study of more than 6 months (or for any length non-credit bearing Research Associate students that require a Student Route Visa), you must meet a minimum requirement of IELTS 5.5 overall with no less than 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking (or the equivalent in a Queen Mary approved test). Tests must have been taken within 2 years of your proposed start date.
  • For non-credit bearing postgraduate research associate study for less than 6 months duration (and who do not require a Student Route visa), applicants may self-certify that they have a sufficient level of English Language before entering and undertaking any academic study or activities. This must be supported by a statement from the directly responsible academic supervisor within Queen Mary.

If you are currently in the UK on a Student Route visa sponsored by another UK university, you will be required to provide:

  • a letter from your current institution confirming that they are happy for this arrangement and that they will continue to be responsible for the student’s compliance while you are studying at QMUL

If your studies require ATAS, you will also need to have a new ATAS certificate before you can enrol for your studies at QMUL.

Fees and associated costs

Please see our University Fee Regulations.

Postgraduate Taught associate study:

Fees will vary depending on the number of modules you intend to take.   Please contact your chosen School/Institute for further details.

Postgraduate Research associate study:

Depending on your area of research, one of the following fee bandings will apply:

  • £0 per month
  • £100 per month
  • £400 per month 

You will be notified which fee banding applies to you at point of offer. 

Applying for associate study

Terms and Conditions

College Charter states that our work shall be carried out in a spirit of tolerance, freedom of opinion, mutual concern and community service, and undertakes to avoid discrimination against any person on the grounds of religion, race, sex or politics. The university has a policy statement on Equal Opportunities in Employment, which we are actively implementing. Anti-harassment procedures have been agreed, aimed at eliminating incidents of racial or sexual harassment.

We welcome applications from students with additional requirements, and continue to invest money in improving facilities and accessibility. A Guide for Students with Disabilities is available from the Disability Co-ordinator and further information about our provision for students is available at: www.dds.qmul.ac.uk

All applications are considered on academic merit but, in order that we can offer you appropriate advice about services and facilities, it is important that you provide information about your particular needs at the application stage. Please use the section on the application form to give details of any illness, disability or learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, as well as outlining the support you feel you will need to successfully complete your course of study. When an offer is made, the College's Disability Co-ordinator may contact you to discuss your needs in more detail.

If you would like to visit the university before submitting an application, please contact the Disability Co-ordinator in the Welfare and Counselling Service. There are many organisations who are happy to advise students preparing for Higher Education but a good place to start is SKILL:

The National Bureau for Students with Disabilities
336 Brixton Road,
London SW9 7AA
+44 (0)20 7274 0565 

General terms and conditions for prospective students

In accordance with UK government consumer law advice for providers and students Queen Mary publishes general terms and conditions for prospective students. When we make offers of admission, they are subject to the relevant terms and conditions.

Our terms and conditions can be found here.

You can download and read our Admissions Policy and all related policies on our Policy Zone.

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