Application tips

We understand that working on an application for postgraduate study can be daunting, so we’ve compiled some general tips and advice to help. Please remember to also refer to the entry criteria and other key information included on our course pages, as some courses have very specific requirements or guidance.

Almost all postgraduate applications are managed online via our MyTAP application portal. You can find guidance on all stages of the application process on our website, and if you have any questions or experience any issues, please contact us or book a 1-1 online meeting with our admissions team. ​

Applications which are managed outside of MyTAP include: Child, community and educational psychology (M4), Refugee care (M35) and Social work (M23).

Before you begin your application

Before beginning your application, here are a few key things to consider:

• Please ensure that you meet the course entry criteria, as well as English language requirements. You can find more information on our course pages. ​If you’re unsure about your eligibility, please contact us.
• Check the upcoming application deadlines associated with your chosen course – these are scheduled throughout the year and vary by course.
• Join a free open event to learn more about the training and ask any questions – this will help to ensure you have all the information you need.
• Consider how you plan to fund your training – you can find course fees listed on all our course pages, and more guidance on student finances and financial support on our website.

Completing the application form

Application forms vary in length and complexity, but here are some pointers which apply to all:

• Make sure you set aside sufficient time to work on your application prior to our application deadlines. Where possible, we encourage you to apply for your chosen course as soon as possible, as places can be competitive and some courses will close their applications earlier than others or open a waiting list.
• Refer back to the course entry requirements and any other information you have about the course to ensure that your application fully reflects your academic, professional and personal strengths and potential as an applicant.
• Start gathering any supporting documents or evidence in advance, to ensure you’re clear on what’s required. These documents can be uploaded as part of your application form, or otherwise submitted to us on by the application deadline. We may not be able to process your application without them.
• If you’re still completing a course which is relevant to your eligibility as an applicant (e.g. pre-clinical or foundation training), then please indicate when you expect to complete and contact us to check what else might be needed (e.g. recent transcripts or a reference from your tutor).
• If you are asked to include a research proposal as part of your application, please note that we do not expect you to have a polished proposal already worked up. We are primarily interested in your ideas and research interests, so your submission can take a more general approach, referring to the thoughts, areas and approaches that you might bring to the programme.
• Make use of the “checklist” option in your application form, which allows you to see which areas you still need to edit or complete before you can submit.
• Thoroughly re-read all aspects of your application before submitting, checking for any misspellings or missing information.

Managing your references

Many of our courses require you to provide two references as part of the application process, and before you can be considered for interview. Your referees will be contacted 72 hours after your application form has been submitted. When arranging your references, here are some important points to bear in mind:

• Check whether there are any specific requirements for your course – for example, you may be asked to provide an academic and professional reference, a reference from a current employer, or more than two references.
• Referees should be able to comment on your academic or professional suitability for the course, but they should not be a family member or friend.
• If you have studied with us before, we require that one reference be from a previous Tavistock and Portman tutor, if possible.
• We recommend securing the approval of your referees in advance of completing your application form. While it is possible to change referees after submission, this can slow down the process.
• Double-check that you’ve spelled the names and contact details of your referees correctly – any mistakes will take time to identify and correct and could affect your chances of being offered a place on the course.

Writing a strong personal statement

Some of our courses require applicants to write and submit a personal statement as part of the application process. This helps to give us a sense of who you are as a person, why you are interested in the course, and what you hope to achieve in the longer term. Here are some tips to consider when writing your statement:

• Check the word/character limit, as well as any other prompts or guidance included in the application form.
• We recommend that you draft your statement outside of the MyTAP application form (e.g. in Microsoft Word or GoogleDocs), then copy and paste the text over once you’re finished. This will allow you to make use of spelling and grammar checks, and should make editing and reviewing easier.
• Double-check the course entry requirements, and ensure these are clearly addressed, especially if not covered elsewhere in your application.
• Your statement should follow a clear and logical structure, where each paragraph follows on from the one before, using clear and succinct language.
• Don’t be afraid to include personal experiences and reflections, where relevant, including personal strengths and vulnerabilities, or reflections on your cultural or social background, and how this has shaped you as a person.
• Make sure you are clear about why you are interested in your chosen course and/or profession, and what you would be able to bring to it, including any goals for future work or training. Show us your commitment and passion!
• Include past professional, voluntary and learning experiences – reflecting on what they were like, what you learned, and how they have prepared you for your chosen course. You may also include references to any previous experiences of personal therapy, and what this was like.
• You may also include reflections on what you might find difficult or challenging about the course, and how you’d like to develop personally, professionally and academically in the future. This helps to show your capacity for self-reflexivity.
• Carefully re-read your finished statement to check for any typos or repetitions. You may find it helpful to read your draft aloud, or to ask someone else to also read it for you, to ensure that it’s as clear and error-free as possible.