If you’re an experienced practitioner looking for a professional edge, then our course is the first step you need to work up to a master’s degree.
You have the opportunity to take a shortened study programme at level 7 that will give you a stimulating and engaging learning experience, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to be an innovator in your field.
We make it easier for you to reach your academic potential because flexibility and choice sit at the heart of our programme, so you can fit your studies around your busy life.
Why Choose University of Cumbria
Choose bespoke modules to suit your individual needs, create your own programme title and select whether you want to study full or part-time, at one of our campuses or from your own home.
Whatever your area of professional practice, our multidisciplinary modules enable you to evidence your learning in relation to your workplace.
As a result of this flexibility, your day-to-day working practice will benefit straight away from your academic learning.
- We're amongst the UK's leading universities health and social care departments
- Choose to study at our Carlisle or Lancaster campuses or complete the course entirely by distance learning
- Study on a modular basis and so you don’t need to commit to the full course – learning at your own, comfortable pace
- Range of modules to choose from to suit your interests and employment needs
- Taught by experienced practitioners and academics, who have extensive experience of working in the NHS and a range of other occupations
- Close support and guidance throughout your studies from a personal tutor
- Tutors carry out national and international research, are members of national advisory bodies and publish papers in their areas of expertise - which will enhance your learning
- Interactive online classrooms give you the opportunity to debate and discuss real life scenarios and experiences with fellow students, so you'll never feel like you're studying in isolation
- We’ve extensive experience as CPD distance learning providers and have a well-established online study skills package for you to use
- Bring your previous university credit with you – whether from us or another institution. We have generous allowances for the accreditation of prior learning (APL)
- Add a specific title to your degree to reflect the subject area you’ve focussed on (student defined pathway)
You can study gradually at a pace to suit you, starting with a single module and building towards your Post Graduate Certificate (60 credits). If you wish to study further, you can advance onto a Post Graduate Diploma (120 credits) and then a full Masters degree (180 credits).
Our aim is to see you become the best practitioner you can be and so we endeavour to give you the freedom and choice to study in a way that fits with your interests and lifestyle, even module-by-module, with support right along the way.
Course outline
Course summary
You'll choose the modules that are most relevant to your work, gaining 60 credits overall. Taking this option will require you to complete a proposal form indicating the proposed title, providing evidence that at least 60% of the credit for the award is specifically focused upon the indicated subject area.
You will be required to attend one of the induction days prior to starting the first module of your course (distance learning students excepted). If you have studied at the University of Cumbria in the past two years, the requirement to attend the induction day may be waived. The closing date for applications is 5 working days prior to the module start date or, if this is your first module, 5 working days prior to the induction date.
Modules
Compulsory Modules
PgCert Practice Development: Acute and Critical Care
- Acute and Critical Care: Foundations for Practice
- Critical Care: Contemporary Issues
- Acute Care: Assessment and Management of the Acutely Ill Adult
- Advanced Pathophysiology and Disease in Practice
- Evidence Based Practice
PgCert Practice Development: Emergency Care
- Emergency Care: Care of Minor Illness and Trauma
- Emergency Care: Management of Acute Illness and Major Trauma
- Consultation and Physical Examination: Health Assessment Skills
PgCert Practice Development: Diabetes Management
- Diabetes: Management of Type 1
- Diabetes: Management of Type 2
- Management of Insulin Initiation
- Evidence Based Practice
PgCert Practice Development: Palliative Care
- Palliative Care Practice
- Pain and Symptom Management in Palliative Care Practice
- Evidence Based Practice
Optional modules
(subject to availability and demand)
- Action Learning: Principles and Application of in the Workplace
- Active Ageing
- Acute and Critical Care: Foundations for Practice
- Acute Care: Assessment and Management of the Acutely Ill Adult
- Advanced Approaches to Evaluation
- Advanced Assessment and Management of Common Childhood Illnesses
- Advanced Assessment and Management of the Acutely Ill Child
- Advanced Clinical Practice in Magnetic Resonance
- Advanced Pathophysiology and Disease in Practice
- Advanced Professional Practice, Business and Enterprise
- Advanced Statistics
- Anxiety Depression and Transdiagnostic Practice
- Applied Occupational Therapy
- Applied Physiotherapy (Neuro-Musculoskeletal Practice)
- Applied Physiotherapy Practice (Acute Care Pathways)
- Applied Physiotherapy Practice (Complex and Enduring Conditions)
- Assessment of Musculoskeletal Injuries
- Asthma Management
- Asymptomatic Screening for Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV
- Being With Adversity
- Building Community Capacity
- Business and Enterprise Skills for Health and Social Care Professionals
- Business, Management and Commissioning in Public Health
- Case Management of Long Term Conditions
- CBT for Anxiety Disorders
- CBT for Depression
- Cervical Screening: Theory and Practice
- Changing Practice in Health and Social Care
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health: Development, Principles and Practice
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health: Theories and Interventions
- Clinical Anatomy and Physiology
- Clinical Judgement and Decision Making
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Common Childhood Conditions
- Consultation and Physical Examination: Health Assessment Skills
- Contemporary Criminology
- Contemporary Issues in Assessment and Planning in Advanced Social Work Practice
- Contemporary Issues in Effective Intervention in Advanced Social Work Practice
- Contemporary Issues in Evaluation and Review in Advanced Social Work Practice
- Contemporary Issues in Occupational Health
- Contemporary Physiotherapy Practice 2 – Acute Care Settings
- Contraception and Reproductive Sexual Health
- COPD: Diagnosis and Management
- Critical Care: Contemporary Issues
- Critically Reflective Practice in Nursing
- Critical Perspectives in Safeguarding and Child Protection
- Critical Perspectives in Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults
- Cultural and Sociological Aspects of Child and Adolescent Well Being
- Curriculum Design and Development
- Demonstrating Evidence and Analysis in Practice
- Developing an Approach to Supervision
- Developing Occupational Therapy Practice
- Diabetes: Management of Type 1
- Diabetes: Management of Type 2
- Digital Health: Use of Technology in Health and Social Care
- Digital Health: Work-based Project
- Emergency Care: Care of Minor Illness and Trauma
- Emergency Care: Management of Acute Illness and Major Trauma
- Enhancing Quality Through Stakeholder Engagement
- Ethical Decision Making for Healthcare Leadership
- Evaluation Methods, Principles and Practice
- Evidence Based Practice
- Examination of the Newborn
- Exercise Rehabilitation and Treatment
- Exercise Testing and Prescription
- Facilitating Health Behaviour Change
- Forensic, Psychology, Offending Behaviour and the Criminal Justice System
- Foundations of Approved Mental Health Professional Practice in a Specialist Mental Health Setting
- Foundations of Supervision
- Fundamentals of CBT
- General Medical Ultrasound
- Global Issues and Public Health
- Gynaecological Ultrasound
- Health in Transition
- Historical and Philosophical Issues in Psychology
- Human Sciences Relating to Medical Imaging
- Implementing Psychological Research Techniques
- Independent Pharmacist Prescribing
- Infant Nutrition: Critical Perspectives
- Innovations in Nursing Practice
- Interpersonal Violence and Abuse Studies
- Interprofessional Working
- Introduction to Nuclear Security Management and Legislation
- Introduction to Occupational Therapy
- Introduction to Teaching, Learning and Assessment
- Introduction to Working with Individuals on the Autism Spectrum
- Leadership
- Leadership in Global Public Health
- Leadership in Public Health
- Leadership Skills for Nuclear Security Management
- Leading Evidence Based Community Learning Disabilities Nursing
- Leading Evidence Based District Nursing
- Leading Evidence Based General Practice Nursing
- Leading Evidence Based Health Visiting
- Leading Evidence Based Occupational Health Nursing
- Leading Evidence Based School Nursing
- Leading Evidence Based Sexual Health Advising
- Legal and Ethical Aspects of Occupational Health
- Life Sciences and Occupational Therapy
- Long Term Condition Care and Management
- Management - Managing Information for Organisational Effectiveness
- Management - Managing Within a Strategic and Organisational Context
- Management and Leadership: Theory and Practice
- Management of Finance, Resources and Business Planning in Health and Social Care Settings
- Management of Insulin Initiation
- Managing a Magnetic Resonance Facility
- Managing Change and Risk as an Employee and Practitioner
- Managing External Relationships in Nuclear Security
- Mediation and Conflict Resolution: The Principles for Use in the Workplace
- Medicines: Therapeutics and Pharmacology
- Migration and Health
- Multi-Agency Working in Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults
- Multiprofessional Support of Learning and Assessment in Practice
- Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
- Negotiated Learning
- Normality for Child Bearing
- Obstetric Ultrasound
- Occupational Design
- Pain and Symptom Management in Palliative Care Practice
- Palliative Care Practice
- Perinatal Mental Health: Contemporary Aspects
- Personal Effectiveness in the Context of Leading Healthcare Organisations
- Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE Education)
- Perspectives on Mental Health and Exercise
- Physiotherapy Practice - Application and Evaluation
- Placement Shadowing Experience
- Pre-Hospital Care: Contemporary Issues
- Principles of Independent Prescribing Practice in the Context of Allied Health Professionals (Conversion for Supplementary Prescribers)
- Professional Values and Ethics
- Psychology of Violent Behaviour
- Public Health and Social Change
- Public Health in Practice
- Qualificatory Practice Unit for Coaching and Mentoring
- Qualificatory Practice Unit for the Practice Development: Acute and Critical Care Pathway
- Qualificatory Practice Unit for the Practice Development: Unscheduled Care Pathway
- Qualificatory Practice Unit 2: Best Interests Assessor (BIA)
- Qualitative Research Methodologies and Techniques
- Rehabilitation in Practice
- Research Skills and Methods
- Researching Academic Practice
- Respiratory Health Assessment
- Rhetoric and Reality of Child and Adolescent Development
- Scholarship and Research Methods
- Science and Instrumentation of Ultrasound
- Security of Radioactive Materials
- Security of Special Nuclear Materials
- Service Redesign in Integrated Care
- Settings in Forensic Psychology
- Social Work as a Vehicle for Cultural Transformation
- Soft Tissue Therapeutic Techniques
- Strategic Management Issues for Nuclear Security
- Strategic Planning and Management of Organisations
- Tackling Obesity
- The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and the Role of the Best Interest Assessor (BIA)
- The Need for Nuclear Security Management
- Theories of Contemporary Society
- The Reflective Practitioner
- The Supervisory Relationship in Context
- Understanding Individuals on the Autism Spectrum
- Understanding Therapeutic Diversity
- Values and Principles of Approved Mental Health Professional Practice
- Vascular Ultrasound
- Work Based Learning
- Working with Experts by Experience
- Working with Specialist Populations in Forensic Psychology Settings
- Youth and Community Work: Graduate Diploma
- Youth Work: Practice and Skills
- Youth Work: Theory and Ideology
Programme Specification
Assessment, Feedback, and Teaching and Learning methods
Full details are available in the programme specification.
Timetables
The teaching timetable should be available from the end of August. Access to the timetable is through the Student Hub – you will be able to access the Student Hub after you have completed online registration. The teaching day is 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday; please keep your other commitments open until confirmation of your teaching timetable, and bear in mind that many courses will offer placements or fieldwork which sometimes extends into the evenings and weekends.
Entry requirements
Have a question about our entry requirements?
Entry Requirements
See course specific entry requirements listed below.
Selection criteria
Admission criteria are outlined in the University Admissions Policy. Normally applicants will be required to hold an honours degree classification second-class honours, lower division or above in a related subject. For applicants who do not meet this requirement, non-standard entry criteria will apply. In such cases, applicants will be interviewed. This decision will be at the discretion of the programme leader. It is expected that such candidates will have evidence of successful study at level 6 (or equivalent) within the preceding 5 years.
Applications will be reviewed on an individual basis. Potential students will be offered advice by an academic tutor on the suitability of the award and their module choices, this will be dependent on factors such as currency of prior learning, and their personal and professional development needs. Students should be able to show the potential benefits of studying for the award and offer a rationale for their module choice.
Application information
Making your application
Applications should be made online directly to the university - visit our website or contact enquirycentre@cumbria.ac.uk for details and guidance. There is no official closing date but we would encourage you to apply as early as possible, as many courses are competitive.
* Most part-time students are invoiced by module in each semester. Modular billing enables you to study at a rate you can afford, and over a period of time which suits you. Please note that some course fees may be subject to inflation.
What makes a good application?
We consider all aspects of your application, not simply your qualifications and grades. We look at your academic background and performance, relevant experience (particularly for professional courses where some voluntary or paid experience is required) and your reference. Above all, we look for motivation, commitment and potential - evidence that you can benefit from study at higher education level.
Make sure you include:
- Relevant qualifications/evidence of ability: check our website for the specific entry requirements required for each course. Tell us your previous academic results and your projected grades.
- A supportive reference, from an employer or your school or college.
- A good personal statement.
Explain clearly what attracts you to the course and tell us about your wider interests and experience. If you are applying for a course that incorporates professional training and placements, you should include any relevant experience or visits you have made in the workplace. Highlight your individual strengths and qualities, personal skills, capacity for teamwork, contribution to the community and your enterprise, originality and determination. Select some activities which bring out these qualities.
What next?
When we receive your application, we will send you an acknowledgement and if you are successful at this stage you will get either - an offer (with an invitation to visit the campus to which you have applied), or - an invitation to interview on a particular date. If we are not able to offer you a place on your chosen course we will usually try to offer you a place on a similar course and will contact you to discuss this. Alternatively, if we think you are suitable, but cannot offer you a place on your preferred campus because of the level of competition, we will offer you a place at another campus if one is available.
And if I accept?
The admissions team will contact you and send further information from February onwards about accommodation, and from May/June onwards about preparing to join the university. If you have any other queries, please telephone the admissions offices for information and advice on 0845 6061144.
Deferred entry
We welcome applications for deferred entry on some courses. If you have specific plans during your year out, indicate these on your personal statement as they may be relevant to your course and could enhance your application.
International students
Please see the international pages of our website for full details of our entry requirements (including English-language skills) as well as contacts for advice and support.
From 2009 the UK Border Agency introduced a Points-Based Immigration System (PBS) for students coming to the UK from outside the European Economic Area (EEA).
Students entering higher education will need to obtain a Confirmation of Acceptance (CAS) plus finance confirmation to obtain a Tier 4 student visa.
UK education providers are licensed by the UK Border Agency. When students apply for their visa (or entry clearance) they will need a valid Certificate of Acceptance of Studies from the university. Please note that a CAS is not a guarantee that a visa will be issued.
See the following websites for further details:
Tuition fees for UK students
Postgraduate tuition fees vary based on the intensity and length of the course. The links below provide details of the tuition fees the University charges for each programme.
If the programme you are interested in is not listed or you have further questions, please contact our Course Enquiry Centre.
For information about postgraduate programmes delivered in partnership with Robert Kennedy College, please visit their website.
Taught Degrees
Postgraduate Taught Fees 2019-20
Postgraduate Taught Fees 2020-21
Please note that fees for modules and programmes will increase due to inflation.
Paying your fees
You can pay your tuition fees online, directly to the university. You can pay in full or spread out the cost through a maximum of three instalments. To discuss instalments, email us at accountsreceivableteam@cumbria.ac.uk.
Tuition fee invoices are sent electronically to students university and personal email accounts.
Make a payment - without an invoice
Make a payment - with an invoice
Research Degrees (PhD)
Download the 2019-20 fees list (PDF)
Download the 2020-21 fees list (PDF)
Please note that fees will increase due to inflation.
Paying your fees
You can pay your tuition fees online, directly to the university. You can pay in full or spread out the cost through a maximum of three instalments. To discuss instalments, email us at accountsreceivableteam@cumbria.ac.uk.
Tuition fee invoices are sent electronically to students university and personal email accounts.
Make a payment - without an invoice
Make a payment - with an invoice
Alumni Discount
If you are interested in continuing your studies past graduation, then we’re here to help you get started. We offer a discount on postgraduate fees to eligible graduates of the University of Cumbria.
For your first postgraduate award, you could receive as much as a 20% discount on taught courses, or 10% on research degrees. This is for awards of up to a maximum of 180 credits, and does not apply to PGCE students. International students will be entitled to the same absolute discount (not percentage) as home and EU students.
To receive this discount, you must have previously studied at the University of Cumbria as an undergraduate in the last 5 years and achieved an award of 120 credits minimum, as well as meet the relevant entry requirements for postgraduate study. Accreditation of Prior Learning charges are not included in this discount.
We want to reward our students who choose to continue with academia, so for more information on this discount or anything about postgraduate study, please contact the Enquiry Centre.
Financial support
There's a range of scholarships, bursaries, grants and other funding available to support you in getting your degree.
Student Loans
Postgraduate master's loan
If you’re starting a master’s degree, you could get a Postgraduate Master’s Loan to help with course fees and living costs. For Postgraduate Healthcare courses, there is a different package of support available. Please see the NHS Postgraduate Healthcare section below.
What you’ll get
| Academic year | Maximum Loan (£) |
|---|---|
| 2019/20 | £10,906 |
| 2020/21 | £11,222 |
Funding for postgraduate loans is different if you normally live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Moving somewhere to study does not count as normally living there.
NHS Postgraduate Healthcare courses
England domiciled students commencing study on designated pre-registration postgraduate healthcare courses will be entitled to apply for the standard package of support available to UG students, including tuition fee support, maintenance, long course loans and supplementary grants.
A tuition fee loan of up to £9,250 is available from the Student Loans Company. This can be used as part payment (e.g. MSc Physiotherapy) or full payment (e.g. MSc Occupational Therapy) of tuition fees.
Your student finance application is likely to take around 2 months to finalise so it is important to complete your application as soon as possible. We recommend completing your application by the end of May (new students) or June (continuing students) to avoid any delays in receiving your funding. Please note, you need to apply for the undergraduate student support package.
Maintenance loan
You can apply for a maintenance loan to assist with meeting living costs such as food, accommodation and travel expenses. These are normally paid in three instalments throughout the university year directly to your bank account.
Depending on household income, students may be able to apply for the following amounts:
| Living arrangements | 2019/20 | 2020/21 |
| Living at Home | Up to £7,529 |
Up to £7,747 |
| Living away from home (outside of London) | Up to £8,944 |
Up to £9,203 |
You can work out how much of a loan you are entitled to apply for using the Student Finance Calculator.
NHS Learning Support Fund
Students starting and continuing their course from September 2020 can apply for the NHS Learning Support Fund (NHS LSF) if they’re on one of the eligible pre-registration undergraduate or postgraduate courses. The list of eligible course can be found here.
The Learning Support Fund offer support for:
- a Training Grant for all eligible students of £5,000 per academic year
- Parental Support of £2,000 for students with at least one dependent child under 15 years, or under 17 years if registered with special educational needs (this used to be called Child Dependants Allowance)
- reimbursement of excess costs incurred on practice placement for travel and temporary accommodation costs (Travel and Dual Accommodation Expenses)
- students experiencing financial hardship (Exceptional Support Fund)
For further details and to apply, visit the NHSBSA web page here.
Note: there are differences in the way students from Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are funded for postgraduate courses. If you don’t live in England, information can be accessed here.
Postgraduate doctoral loan
If you’re studying a doctoral degree, you could get a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan to help with course fees and living costs.
| Start year | Maximum Loan (£) |
|---|---|
| 2019/20 | £25,700 |
| 2020/21 | £26,445 |
Repaying your loan
The earliest you start repaying your Postgraduate Master’s or Doctoral Loan is when your annual income is over £21,000 and it’s either:
- the first April after you leave your course
- April 4 years after the course started
Contact Student Finance England if your circumstances change or you leave your course early. You’ll have to pay back any overpayment straight away even if your income is less than £21,000.
How much you’ll repay
You’ll pay back 6% of your income over the minimum amount (‘threshold’). This is £21,000 a year, £1,750 a month or £404 a week.
Example
You earn £2,500 a month before tax. This is £750 over the monthly threshold. You’ll repay £45 (6% of this amount) each month.
If you already have a Postgraduate Master’s Loan then you’ll make a combined repayment of 6% covering both postgraduate loans. You’ll be charged interest from the day you get the first payment until your loan is repaid in full or cancelled.
You must repay any undergraduate student loans you have at the same time.
Repayment terms are different if you normally live in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
Scholarships and bursaries
Social Work bursary
MA Social Work students may be eligible for a grant up to £3,362.50 and a means tested maintenance grant up to £2,721. Full details are available on the NHSBSA website.
The number of people who can get a bursary is limited (or capped). This means that there is no guarantee that if you take up an offer of a place on the MA Social Work course, you will receive a bursary. The university will provide a shortlist of students to the NHSBSA who will then assess bursary applications.
Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries
Postgrad Solutions Ltd is offering 13 bursaries across a number of subject areas. The bursaries are worth £500 each and are open to students from anywhere in the world.
To apply for a Postgrad Solutions bursary, visit their website.
Alternative funding
For other courses not covered by either the Masters Loan or specialist funding, we advise you to do some research as early as possible into what funding is available to you.
Click on the links below for information on potentially available funding.
- Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)
- Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
- Economic and Social Research Council
- Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme (ELCAS) - If you currently serve (or have recently served) within the Armed Forces and wish to enhance your education, then you can receive help covering your funding through the Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme.
- Medical Research Council
- Natural Environment Research Council
- Science and Technology Facilities Council
- Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries - bursaries of £500 towards fees in various subjects.
- Family Action's Educational Grants Fund - £200 - £500 grants for families and individuals on low incomes.
- The Wellcome Trust - funding for biomedical research and medical humanities
- The Leverhulme Trust - scholarships for research and education
- Rotary Foundation Scholarships
- Fulbright Commission - US exchange programme
- IEFA - a searchable database of scholarship and bursary information
- Association of Commonwealth Universities - provides scholarships, grants, loans and assistantships open to commonwealth graduates who wish to undertake further study at a commonwealth university outside their own country
- American Association of University Women Educational Foundation - the largest source of funding exclusively for graduate women
- Scholarship search
Check out the websites below for more information about applying for postgraduate funding.
Accommodation
From only £10 per night, we provide the lowest cost student accommodation in the North West. Check out our accommodation page for a full price list and more details about the residences.
Read more
Heating, lighting, water and internet costs are included in your rent and full-time students don't pay council tax.
Paying your accommodation fees
At the beginning of term, you will receive an email confirming your accommodation, your accommodation fees and a quick payment link. Please ensure that you have your student ID available prior to entering the online payments site.
Tuition fees for EU students
Postgraduate tuition fees vary based on the intensity and length of the course. The links below provide details of the tuition fees the University charges for each programme.
If the programme you are interested in is not listed or you have further questions, please contact our Course Enquiry Centre.
For information about postgraduate programmes delivered in partnership with Robert Kennedy College, please visit their website.
Taught Degrees
Postgraduate Taught Fees 2019-20
Postgraduate Taught Fees 2020-21
Please note that fees for modules and programmes will increase due to inflation.
For information about postgraduate programmes delivered in partnership with Robert Kennedy College, please visit their website.
Paying your fees
You can pay your tuition fees online, directly to the university. You can pay in full or spread out the cost through a maximum of three instalments. To discuss instalments, email us at accountsreceivableteam@cumbria.ac.uk.
Tuition fee invoices are sent electronically to students university and personal email accounts.
Make a payment - without an invoice
Make a payment - with an invoice
Research Degrees (PhD)
Fees for 2018-19 academic year (PDF)
Download the 2019-20 fees list (PDF)
Download the 2020-21 fees list (PDF)
Please note that fees will increase due to inflation.
Paying your fees
You can pay your tuition fees online, directly to the university. You can pay in full or spread out the cost through a maximum of three instalments. To discuss instalments, email us at accountsreceivableteam@cumbria.ac.uk.
Tuition fee invoices are sent electronically to students university and personal email accounts.
Make a payment - without an invoice
Make a payment - with an invoice
Alumni discount
If you are interested in continuing your studies past graduation, then we’re here to help you get started. We offer a discount on postgraduate fees to eligible graduates of the University of Cumbria, or any of its legacy institutions.
For your first postgraduate award, you could receive as much as a 20% discount on taught courses, or 10% on research degrees. This is for awards of up to a maximum of 180 credits, and does not apply to PGCE students.
To receive this discount, you must have previously studied at the University of Cumbria as an undergraduate and achieved an award of 120 credits minimum, as well as meet the relevant entry requirements for postgraduate study. For research degrees, this will apply to any alumni that have graduated in the last 5 years. Accreditation of Prior Learning charges are not included in this discount.
We want to reward our students who choose to continue with academia, so for more information on this discount or anything about postgraduate study, please contact the Enquiry Centre.
Financial support
There's a range of scholarships, bursaries, grants and other funding available to support you in getting your degree.
Student Loans
Postgraduate master's loan
If you’re starting a master’s degree, you could get a Postgraduate Master’s Loan to help with course fees and living costs.
| Start date | Maximum Loan (£) |
|---|---|
| 2019/20 | £10,906 |
| 2020/21 | £11,222 |
Funding for postgraduate loans is different if you normally live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Moving somewhere to study does not count as normally living there.
Postgraduate doctoral loan
If you’re starting a doctoral degree on or after 1 August 2018, you could get a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan to help with course fees and living costs.
| Start year | Maximum Loan (£) |
|---|---|
| 2019/20 | £25,700 |
| 2020/21 | £26,445 |
Some courses, for example Social Work and some Health Professions Masters degrees do attract some funding. Contact us for more information.
Repaying your loan
The earliest you start repaying your Postgraduate Master’s or Doctoral Loan is when your annual income is over £21,000 and it’s either:
- the first April after you leave your course
- April 4 years after the course started
Contact Student Finance England if your circumstances change or you leave your course early. You’ll have to pay back any overpayment straight away even if your income is less than £21,000.
How much you’ll repay
You’ll pay back 6% of your income over the minimum amount (‘threshold’). This is £21,000 a year, £1,750 a month or £404 a week.
Example
You earn £2,500 a month before tax. This is £750 over the monthly threshold. You’ll repay £45 (6% of this amount) each month.
If you already have a Postgraduate Master’s Loan then you’ll make a combined repayment of 6% covering both postgraduate loans. You’ll be charged interest from the day you get the first payment until your loan is repaid in full or cancelled.
You must repay any undergraduate student loans you have at the same time.
Repayment terms are different if you normally live in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
Bursaries
Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries
Postgrad Solutions Ltd is offering 13 bursaries across a number of subject areas. The bursaries are worth £500 each and are open to students from anywhere in the world.
To apply for a Postgrad Solutions bursary, visit their website.
Alternative funding
For other courses not covered by either the Masters Loan or specialist funding, we advise you to do some research as early as possible into what funding is available to you.
Click on the links below for information on potentially available funding.
- Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)
- Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
- Economic and Social Research Council
- Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme (ELCAS) - If you currently serve (or have recently served) within the Armed Forces and wish to enhance your education, then you can receive help covering your funding through the Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme.
- Medical Research Council
- Natural Environment Research Council
- Science and Technology Facilities Council
- Professional and career development loans
- Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries - bursaries of £500 towards fees in various subjects.
- Family Action's Educational Grants Fund - £200 - £500 grants for families and individuals on low incomes.
- The Wellcome Trust - funding for biomedical research and medical humanities
- The Leverhulme Trust - scholarships for research and education
- Rotary Foundation Scholarships
- Fulbright Commission - US exchange programme
- IEFA - a searchable database of scholarship and bursary information
- Association of Commonwealth Universities - provides scholarships, grants, loans and assistantships open to commonwealth graduates who wish to undertake further study at a commonwealth university outside their own country
- American Association of University Women Educational Foundation - the largest source of funding exclusively for graduate women
- Scholarship search
Check out the websites below for more information about applying for postgraduate funding.
Accommodation
From only £10 per night, we provide the lowest cost student accommodation in the North West. Check out our accommodation page for a full price list and more details about the residences.
Read more
Heating, lighting, water and internet costs are included in your rent and full-time students don't pay council tax.
Paying your accommodation fees
At the beginning of term, you will receive an email confirming your accommodation, your accommodation fees and a quick payment link. Please ensure that you have your student ID available prior to entering the online payments site.
Tuition fees for international students
Postgraduate tuition fees vary based on the intensity and length of the course. The links below provide details of the tuition fees the University charges for each programme.
If the programme you are interested in is not listed or you have further questions, please contact our Course Enquiry Centre.
For information about postgraduate programmes delivered in partnership with Robert Kennedy College, please visit their website.
Taught Degrees
Postgraduate Taught Fees 2019-20
Postgraduate Taught Fees 2020-21
The tuition fees for the 2019/20 academic year will be confirmed soon.
Please note that fees for modules and programmes may increase due to inflation.
For information about postgraduate programmes delivered in partnership with Robert Kennedy College, please visit their website.
Paying your fees
You can pay your tuition fees online, directly to the university. You can pay in full or spread out the cost through a maximum of three instalments. To discuss instalments, email us at accountsreceivableteam@cumbria.ac.uk.
Tuition fee invoices are sent electronically to students university and personal email accounts.
Research Degrees (PhD)
Download the 2019-20 fees list (PDF)
Download the 2020-21 fees list (PDF)
Please note that fees will increase due to inflation.
Tuition fees for the 2019/20 academic year will be confirmed soon.
Paying your fees
You can pay your tuition fees online, directly to the university. You can pay in full or spread out the cost through a maximum of three instalments. To discuss instalments, email us at accountsreceivableteam@cumbria.ac.uk.
Tuition fee invoices are sent electronically to students university and personal email accounts.
Alumni Discount
If you are interested in continuing your studies past graduation, then we’re here to help you get started. We offer a discount on postgraduate fees to eligible graduates of the University of Cumbria, or any of its legacy institutions.
For your first postgraduate award, you could receive as much as a 20% discount on taught courses, or 10% on research degrees. This is for awards of up to a maximum of 180 credits, and does not apply to PGCE students. International students will be entitled to the same absolute discount (not percentage) as home and EU students.
To receive this discount, you must have previously studied at the University of Cumbria as an undergraduate and achieved an award of 120 credits minimum, as well as meet the relevant entry requirements for postgraduate study. For research degrees, this will apply to any alumni that have graduated in the last 5 years. Accreditation of Prior Learning charges are not included in this discount.
We want to reward our students who choose to continue with academia, so for more information on this discount or anything about postgraduate study, please contact the Enquiry Centre.
Accommodation
From only £10 per night, we provide the lowest cost student accommodation in the North West. Check out our accommodation page for a full price list and more details about the residences.
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Paying for your accommodation
If you choose to stay in univerisity accommodation you will be required to make a pre-payment of £250, and a pre-payment of £100 towards catering packages.
After you have made the pre-payment(s), and the contract has been returned, the balance of your contract will be due. Payment must be made by registration. Instalments are not available.
Please note that you do have the option to pay for the accommodation and catering in full with the contract.
Payment must be made in pounds sterling. You will be given the option online to convert your currency when making a payment.
If you’re having trouble paying online or have any questions, please contact your admissions officer who can give you advice about paying by bank transfer.
Additional costs
All students will need to purchase stationery, course books and personal equipment. Extra costs may also be applicable to cover field trips, membership fees etc.
Additional costsResources and facilities
As one of the UK's leading health departments, we can offer a high level of student support and a wide range of fantastic facilities to enhance your learning. Our expert academic and clinical practice staff are here to help you get the skills you need to advance your employment.