September
Admissions and application requirements
We are committed to students who are inspired to go forward with a bold spirit, a clear vision and subject-matter mastery to positively disrupt industries and organisations. We seamlessly integrate academic theory with real-world applications throughout our curriculum, equipping graduates with the in-demand skills today’s employers seek.
We are committed to eliminating barriers to quality education, ensuring graduate students can pursue a flexible and affordable university programme that equips them with the in-demand skills today’s employers seek.
Our online graduate programmes are open to applicants around the world. No application fees are required to apply.
See below for more information on the application process and requirements.
Start dates
The online graduate programmes offer three start dates per year.
January
May
Application deadlines
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so the sooner you apply, the sooner you can receive an admissions decision and begin planning your future.
| Start date | Early priority deadline | Priority deadline | Final deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
September 2025 | 9 June 2025 | 4 July 2025 | 1 August 2025 |
January 2026 | 13 October 2025 | 10 November 2025 | 8 December 2025 |
May 2026 | 17 February 2026 | 17 March 2026 | 20 April 2026 |
The first cohort for the MSc Data Science begins September 2025. All other programmes begin January 2026.
Entry requirements
To be eligible for admission into our online programmes, you must have a UK undergraduate degree or a recognised equivalent international qualification. International applicants can review qualifying entry requirements.
See below for specific entry requirements for your desired programme.
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The MSc Data Science online programme seeks applicants who are looking to build a career in data science. To meet the entry requirements, you must have a 2:2 Honours degree (UK or equivalent) in any discipline, provided that you have had exposure to quantitative methods such as statistics or mathematical modelling.
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The MSc Global Finance programme seeks applicants who are already part of the workforce yet eager to sharpen their financial expertise and stay competitive in a fast-evolving market.
To meet the entry requirements, you must have a 2:1 Honours degree (UK or equivalent) in finance, accounting, economics, a STEM subject or another business-related subject, with a minimum of two years’ professional work experience in any field.
That said, applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree and three or more years of relevant work experience are strongly encouraged to apply, and applicants without previous degree-level studies but with both five or more years of relevant work experience and existing professional qualifications will be considered.
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The MSc in Management and Business online programme appeals to applicants who are looking to advance in business and management. To be eligible for entry, you must have a 2:2 Honours degree (UK or equivalent) in any subject with marks consistently at 2:2 level throughout undergraduate studies. Non-standard applicants (those holding professional qualifications or relevant work experience) may also be considered on a case-by-case basis.
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To meet the entry requirements for the online MSc Marketing, applicants must have a minimum of a Lower Second Class Honours (2:2) UK Honours degree, or a recognised equivalent international qualification in any subject discipline including business and management related subjects. Undergraduate marks should be consistently at 2:2 level as well, with all marks at at least pass level.
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Applicants who hold a degree may hold one in any discipline (technical or non-technical), with preference given to those with at least a 2:2 Honours degree (UK or equivalent) in any subject, and a consistent 2:2-level performance throughout their undergraduate studies. Nevertheless, all degree holders are encouraged to apply.
Non-degree-holding applicants are welcome to apply and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. This includes anyone with professional qualifications or relevant work experience.
Should your experience or background be non-standard, the school may request an interview at their discretion before making a decision on your application.
Application requirements
Lancaster University reviews applications holistically. You will need to submit the following materials to be considered for admission:
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Complete the online application.
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You will need to submit transcripts from all postsecondary institutions you have attended. You may upload unofficial transcripts to the online application for the purposes of application review, but official transcripts are required upon enrolment.
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Submit your current CV or resumé, and be sure to list any relevant professional and academic experience, including volunteer work.
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Submit an essay of approximately 1-2 pages that explains why you are interested in applying to the programme.
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One reference is required prior to registration. Choose a referee who can explain how your experience and qualifications have prepared you for academic and professional success. If you do not have a copy, provide contact details for one referee and we will automatically email them upon application submission.
If you are still completing or recently completed a degree-level programme, an academic reference is preferred from a referee who has taught or supervised you directly. If you have been working for a few years, a professional referee is acceptable.
Please note that the contact email address of the referee should be a professional email address and not a personal one.
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We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification depending on your nationality and where you have studied previously.
Transcript evaluations
International applicants with degrees from institutions outside the United Kingdom are required to submit a copy of their transcripts. If the transcripts are not in English, they must be translated by a third-party agency.
English language proficiency
If English is not your first language, you will be required to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. English language qualifications may be considered. Learn more about the tests we accept.
Ready to make an impact?
If you’re looking to join a network of like-minded students and academics committed to creating lasting positive economic, cultural, societal and environmental change across the globe, Lancaster is the place for you.
Request more information about one of our online programmes – or start your application today.