Applying and study options

Types of courses

We offer a wide range of courses in the subject areas of Arts and Humanities, Sciences and Social Sciences.

• Undergraduate courses
• Postgraduate taught courses
• Postgraduate research degrees
• Online and distance learning courses
• International pathway courses

Visiting students

If you're already studying at another university, you can apply to spend time at York as a visiting student (from one semester to a full academic year).

Summer schools and short courses

If you're from a partner university you can join us at our summer schools and short courses (from one to sixteen weeks).

Try out a subject

Designed by York academics, our Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are free and open to everyone. Engage with university-level study, explore a new subject area or prepare for higher education.

For some subject areas, completing a MOOC may make you eligible for an alternative offer to study with us. Explore participating departments.

Free online taster courses

Applying and entry requirements

The application processes are different depending on the type of course you're applying to.

Undergraduate degrees

For undergraduate courses at York (such as BA, BSc and BEng) you should apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). You can apply independently or through an overseas agent.

How to apply to undergraduate courses

Undergraduate entry requirements

You should check our typical entry requirements and course-specific requirements. You may also be asked to provide evidence of your English language ability.

• Entry requirements for your country
• Undergraduate course-specific entry requirements
• Undergraduate English language requirements

International pathway course: Foundation Certificate

If it's stated in your country information, or you do not meet the typical entry requirements for your course, you will need to complete a foundation course before joining a Bachelors degree at York. The Foundation Certificate will prepare you for study on a Bachelors degree.

If you successfully complete the course to the required level you will be guaranteed a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. We also consider applicants from other foundation courses.

Postgraduate courses

You can apply online for taught postgraduate courses (MA, MSc, MPA, MRes, PG Diploma, PG Certificate and LLM) and research degrees (MPhil, PhD and MA/MSc by research). In most cases applications can be submitted throughout the year, however we recommend that you apply as early as possible due to competition for places.

How to apply to postgraduate courses

Postgraduate entry requirements

You can apply independently or through an overseas agent. You must meet our general entry requirements and course-specific requirements. You may also be asked to provide evidence of your English language ability.

• Entry requirements for your country
• Postgraduate course-specific entry requirements
• Postgraduate taught English language requirements
• Postgraduate research English language requirements

International pathway course: Pre-Masters

For some of our Masters courses, if you do not meet the entry requirements you can prepare via our Pre-Masters programme in our International Pathway College in York or London.

If you successfully complete the course to the required level you will be guaranteed a place on your chosen Masters degree at York.

Pre-sessional English courses

We also offer a range of pre-sessional English language courses which can be used for entry to undergraduate degree-level courses and Masters courses. These courses help you achieve the level of English language needed to meet the conditions of your offer and will help further develop your academic study skills. You can apply online once you accept your offer. These courses are popular, so apply early to avoid disappointment.