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Applying for a Master's degree

A step-by-step guide to the application process.

If you're considering applying for a Master's degree, you will need to check that you meet the Master's degree requirements. Applications for September entry open in October and you don't need to wait until you finish your studies to apply.

Applicants and offer-holders information and updates concerning coronavirus >>

The application process for a Master's Degree

Applications for September 2025 entry will open on 10 October 2024. You can apply before you complete your studies – make sure you include your latest transcripts with your supporting documents.

Follow the steps below to ensure the application process goes as smoothly as possible.

1. Check the academic and English language requirements >>

2. Prepare your supporting documents >>

3. Check if you need to pay an application fee

4. Apply online >>

The final decision on your application is made by the Alliance MBS Master's Admissions Office and a member of the team will contact you directly.

If you are made an offer, find out how to accept your place >>

Staged admissions process

As there is a high demand for our courses, we operate a staged admissions process with selection deadlines throughout the year. Due to the large number of high-quality applications we receive, we give preference to students from high-ranking institutions and with grades above our minimum entry requirements.

Please ensure that you submit all supporting documentation with your application before the application deadline to avoid delays in processing.

Please note: the final application deadline for the 2025/26 academic year is 1 July 2025.

Stage

Application received by:

Application update by:

1

7 December 2024

21 February 2025

2

2 March 2025

1 May 2025

3

4 May 2025

5 June 2025

4

1 July 2025

25 July 2025

Due to the competition for places on our programmes, we are not always able to provide you with a final decision on your application by the deadline date. In some instances, it may be necessary for us to roll your application forward to the next deadline date for further consideration. 

Please note:  Due to the high demand for our courses, we are unable to guarantee that all applicants who meet our minimum entry requirements will receive an offer as unfortunately, we do not have enough spaces available on our programmes for all eligible students.

All places are subject to availability and if you apply at one of the later stages, some courses may already be reaching capacity. We recommend that you apply early in the cycle to avoid disappointment.

Applications received in our final stage, or after our application deadline, will be considered at the discretion of the Admissions Team if places are still available. If you apply after the final application deadline, there is no guarantee your application will be processed.

Apply before finishing your undergraduate degree

We can accept your application before you complete your studies. You need to submit your latest transcripts with your online application, together with the other supporting documents.

If you are applying for a finance-related course, you must include a list of your final year units.

Application fee

The following courses require a non-refundable application fee of £60. If you are applying for a programme that requires an application fee, you should be prompted to pay this within the application portal before you can submit your application. You cannot submit your application without paying the application fee first.

Applications submitted by agents will require the agent to pay the application fee on behalf of the student. We cannot provide a link for the student to pay this separately.

If the programme you are applying for is not listed below, an application fee is not required.

  • MSc Accounting
  • MSc Accounting and Finance
  • MSc Business Analytics: Operational Research and Risk Analysis
  • MSc Digital Marketing
  • MSc Finance
  • MSc International Business and Management
  • MSc Marketing
  • MSc Management

You must pay an application fee for each programme that you wish to be considered for. Please read the information regarding our staged admissions process and deadlines carefully. All places are subject to availability and application fees are non-refundable.

If you have applied for a British Chevening Scholarship or Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP) Scholarship, or are eligible for the Manchester Master's Bursary Scheme, you do not need to pay the application fee. However, you must submit evidence of your scholarship application.

Read more about Master's degree bursaries >>