Experience - Reading Alumni

I applied to the following universities: Queens Belfast- Accepted Teesside University- Accepted University of Reading- Accepted University of Greenwich - Accepted University Of Leeds- Rejected. The Reason may be that I applied for a Food Marketing course, which was more of a business and marketing field and not food science. I was sent an email asking if I wanted to change my master's to business from science, which I wasn't ready for. The University of Reading has a solid academic reputation, particularly in fields like agriculture, food security, development, and environmental studies, which is why I chose it. My academic interests and professional objectives were aligned with the course format, and the university enjoys international recognition. My choice was also greatly influenced by the lovely campus and encouraging study atmosphere. I applied for the September intake as it was the only main intake for my course. I applied during the period of July, which was late. I had emailed the university and pushed my application for sept intake. It took two weeks for my approval from the university. I received a proper email and updates from the university. The follow-up from the university was the ultimate key during the application....Read More

My decision was mainly based on the research project and supervisory team that I was going to work with. The University of Reading is one of the best in terms of weather, climate, and environmental science research in the world, and it works closely with ECMWF and the Met Office, two world leaders in the weather and climate science domain. This particular Doctoral Training Program (DTP), known as AFESP, was offering me a great platform to grow my career in this field with a fully funded scholarship and a great team of experts to work with. I had previous work experience of 8 years, along with many publications. Since my education was in CBSE English medium, I didn't have to provide any additional English proficiency proofs for my PhD application. The application process consisted of submitting a detailed application form, as per my research project (AFESP) structure, CV, and list of publications. There were multiple rounds of interviews before I was selected. Finally, I had to obtain an ATAS certificate since I was going to register in the Computer Science Department. For Undergraduate and postgraduate studies, there would be IELTS/TOEFL requirements, which I am not very sure of. Please refer to the official Website for more details....Read More

Loved that the university cared a huge deal about the climate action and sustainability Lots of opportunities for scholarships My application was accepted based on my HSC English marks. Didn't have to give any ofher test...Read More

I received confirmed admission from Queen Mary University and the University of Reading. I accepted the University of Reading because it was offering me a course of my choice. I wanted to do an LLM in Human Rights Law and the School of Law at the University of Reading was well suited for the same. The University of Reading was also ranked in the top 10 in the UK. I opted for the University of Reading for my master's because the university was offering me the course of my choosing. The admission process was fairly simple because the The university’s website had all the necessary information on it. The eligibility criteria were well explained alongside any other necessary information for filling out the application. I went for the September intake, as it is considered a preferred time by most universities in the UK. I was well within the timeline for applying and getting the necessary paperwork done at my end to start my course in late september. I was constantly in touch with the admission department to help me through the entire process. Once I got the confirmed acceptance letter, I was also given additional information from my department and the university regarding the process that I need to undergo once I reach the university in September....Read More

I had chosen the UK based on the suggestions that I had received from some of my seniors and friends who did their master's and PhDs in the UK. The University of Reading was my preference because of the availability of scholarships and also academically, my interests best aligned with the objectives of the course . Though the University's ranking is not one of the best compared to its other counterparts, every college is unique. Reading is exceptional in some of the courses. Its meteorology and food sciences departments are some of the best across the UK and the world. In the Department of Politics and International Relations , the university stood as one of the best in total publications and research funding. This could be one of the attractive areas for students who are looking towards a master's in the UK. The course has provided a diverse playing field within schools and also empowered its students to choose modules across the department. Using this opportunity, I chose modules from the Department of Economics and Agriculture. For example, Addressing poverty and inequality through social policy was being offered at the Department of Agriculture. My interest in Poverty and interrelated social problems, particularly in the global south, enabled me to choose according to my interests. Besides this, as I highlighted before, the department gave focus to technological capacities as well. For example, I chose quantitative research methods and economic appraisal modules, which helped me to learn Stata with rigorous quantitative research methods to use in the research. When one talks about campus life, I think Reading stands out exceptionally in several areas. With its focus on green climate and sustainability, the university has initiated several steps towards zero carbon within the premises of the university and college accommodations. Lastly, the college space provides diverse opportunities to students across the globe....Read More

I applied to University of Reading, Lancaster University, University of Aberdeen, University of Bristols, University of York, University of Newcastle and Stirling University and University of Oxford.  I got rejection only from one which was Oxford probably because of their intense selection criteria, high application rates, and my profile not matching them.  The reason for selecting this university was simple. I got Felix Scholarship which is a fully funded scholarship to study in UK. This scholarship is given in SOAS London, University of Reading and University of Oxford. As I was rejected from Oxford but still got offer letter from University of Reading, I got entry there.  For selection criteria in terms of exam, there was only IELTS. They mentioned to have 6.5 bands minimum in every section of the exam to secure admission. Apart from that, the reason for selection was also influenced by the University reputation. It is a research intensive university which comes in 4th rank for Environmental courses. I got in through September intake. There is January intake as well but most of the students come in September intake. Another reason for this is most of the scholarships are given for September intake courses only. Like felix scholarship. Among all the universities I applied, university of reading was the first to give me offer letter. I liked the university because their email felt a lot personal and i felt that it is crafted just for me. As far as I remember it took 3-4 months to get offer letter from the university....Read More

Universities i Applied in : University of Reading - Confirmed and studied University of Nottingham - Confirmed  University of Aston - Confirmed Queens Mary College of London - Accepted University of Newcastle - Accepted  University of Edinburgh - Rejected (Reason given was my bachelors was in different field) University of Glasgow - Rejected (Application was full) I saw the course and it has  advance computing along with data analysis. So the subjects were not really only data science but also related to computing. Second reason was I am a Felix scholarship student and was offered fully funded scholarship and so I decided to do my masters from here to avoid loans or financial issues. Also this is a university with was first Reading College in Oxford University, so this was also one reason I applied through their portal and in a week I received an email that they have forwarded an email to the references with the link. They had to either write a reference letter or could attach it in the link. Once both of them had submitted, I received a confirmation email from them and then an accepted letter was sent within 3 days. IELTS is the requirement with 6.5 as required score, but I believe even if you have scored less and selected they give you the option of taking English course or we can give the exam again and confirm our seat. It was very smooth and the admission team was always there to help for any queries. I applied to September 2023 intake as there were many scholarships available for this intake. I was not planning to do masters without any scholarship. I atleast needed a scholarship which will cover my tuition fees. I started preparing quite early. The SOP, LOR took me around two months and application process with confirmation took me another 15 days, however I had to wait for the scholarship results and so it took more 2 months and within next 15 days everything was sorted for me. I would say overall due to scholarship it took me 2 months more but without that the process would have been done in 3 months  ...Read More

Close to London which is the financial capital of England, the Course was being offered for more than 20+ years, a Reputable university....Read More

Aspects that drove me to accepting the offer of admission was the central location of the university. I also was drawn to the fact that the university was strong and well known for the LLB Law program I was attending....Read More

Great campus people are really supportive and helpful. Really willing to help you settle and support you throughout the process. This university seems to really value and support its students....Read More