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About these notes

  • These notes relate to applications for those coming to the University to undertake research.
  • Details should be entered in English, for example ‘Instituto Politécnico Nacional’ would be ‘National Polytechnic Institute’ and ‘ciencias biomédicas’ would be ‘biomedical sciences’.
  • Dates should be entered in DD/MM/YYYY format, for example 24 January 2021 would be 24/01/2021.

Before you start the form

You will need the following to complete the information requested in the ATAS application:

  • Your conditional offer letter;
  • Completed Statement of Research (HR58) from your Department;
  • Details of previous study and employment;
  • Details of any published papers;
  • Details of previous ATAS applications;
  • Full names and contact details of (at least) two referees; and
  • Information about how you will be funded (in other words, from a grant or by the University).

You will be asked a few questions before you start the form itself.

Check if you need an ATAS certificate

Click Check .

If the result is that "Your answers indicate that you will require an ATAS certificate to study or research in the UK", cli ck Create an account or Sign in as appropriate.

Once you have created an account or signed in, click Apply for an ATAS certificate .

Click Continue to Checklist .

Click Start application

If you indicated that you are a Researcher for the "Are you a taught/research student or are you a researcher?" question, please see the following suggested responses.

Please click here if you indicated that you are a Taught student carrying out research  for the "Are you a taught/research student or are you a researcher?" questions.

Your spouse is your husband, wife or civil partner.

This section relates to studies you have already completed from your first/undergraduate degree onwards. Do not include any current studies . If there are long gaps in your education history, for example if you took a break from studying, you should indicate this on the form. Complete a separate section for each course of study. There is a different part of the form for studies at colleges or other institutions.

Complete this section if you have completed any study after school (aged 18+), including formal professional training, which was not at a university.

You must complete a separate section for each academic or professional paper you have published.

Include all employment (paid and long-term unpaid) except temporary jobs you have held during undergraduate/ postgraduate vacation time. If there are any long gaps in your employment history, for example if you were unemployed or a full-time parent, you should indicate this on the form.

  • Give details of 2 referees who have known you for at least 3 years.
  • At least one of the referees must be from the academic sector.
  • If you have work experience, you should include a referee from your employment.
  • Though the guidance on the form says at least one of them should be “from your country of origin” (which means the country where you were born), this is not essential if you have not lived in that country for some time; for example, if you have lived in the UK for a number of years, you may wish to give the details of 2 UK-based referees.
  • Family members are not accepted as referees.

This section refers to your financial sponsor , not your immigration sponsor.  If you are grant-funded, you should enter the details of your funding body. If your salary/funding is paid directly from University of Cambridge Departmental account, please enter your Department’s details.

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personal statement of intent for atas

  • Entering and staying in the UK
  • Visas and entry clearance
  • Student visas

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

Apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate, to study certain subjects in the UK.

The Academic Technology Approval Scheme ( ATAS ) applies to all international students and researchers (apart from exempt nationalities) who are subject to UK immigration control and are intending to study or research at postgraduate level in certain sensitive subjects.

The subjects and research areas are those where knowledge could be used in programmes to develop Advanced Conventional Military Technology (ACMT), weapons of mass destruction ( WMDs ) or their means of delivery. Researchers and students in these sensitive subjects must apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme ( ATAS ) certificate before they can study or start research in the UK.

Students and researchers who are nationals of EU countries, the European Economic Area ( EEA ), Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland or the United States of America do not need an ATAS certificate.

Researchers and students of all other nationalities must apply for an ATAS certificate. You must apply if you are undertaking a postgraduate course or research in certain sensitive subjects in the UK. If you are applying to study an undergraduate course with an integrated masters year you may also need ATAS clearance.

  • find out if you need an ATAS certificate
  • read the guidance on how to apply for an ATAS certificate

The entry clearance officer ( ECO ) will ask to see your ATAS certificate as part of your application for permission to enter the UK. A caseworker will also need to see your ATAS certificate as part of an application for permission to stay in the UK.

UK immigration law does not allow universities to permit international students or researchers to study or undertake research in an ATAS applicable course until the student or researcher has provided the university or research institute with the correct ATAS certificate.

If you’re a new student and need an ATAS certificate, you will need to get this before applying for permission to enter the UK.

When you have received your offer from your university you should apply 6 months before your course will start.

An ATAS certificate is valid for 6 months from the date it is issued, to enable applicants time to apply for their visa.

You should apply for your ATAS certificate as early as possible from when you have received a conditional offer to study at a UK Higher Education Institution ( HEI ).

Make sure your ATAS certificate will not expire before you apply for your UK visa.

Already in the UK on the student route (including Tier 4)

If you’re already in the UK on a student visa you will need an ATAS certificate for the HEI you are attending, and the course of study, including modules or proposed research. If any of these details change, you should check whether you need an ATAS certificate and apply for a new one as appropriate.

You should make a note of when your permission to enter into the UK is due to expire, to allow sufficient time to complete your ATAS and permission to stay applications before your current permission expires. We recommend applying at least 4 months before your current permission expires.

Already in the UK on a non-student visa

If you have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK, you do not need an ATAS certificate to study in the UK.

If you’re in the process of applying for asylum in the UK, you must apply for an ATAS certificate to study in the UK.

All other time-limited visas need an ATAS certificate if you are studying for an ATAS -relevant qualification in the UK.

Students and researchers applying to several universities

Each certificate is specific to the course, research area and institution. You should submit an application for each programme of study or research area where ATAS applies.

If you’re writing your thesis

You must apply for an ATAS certificate if you are applying solely to write up your thesis and your previous visa required ATAS

Student visitors

If you’re a student coming to the UK as a visitor, you will need to obtain an ATAS certificate before starting research in the UK. You do not need to do this before you apply for a UK visa

If you are starting your course overseas

You only need to obtain an ATAS certificate for when you plan to be studying in the UK. However be aware that you could be unsuccessful when you apply for an ATAS certificate to come to the UK part of the way through your course.

Transnational courses may be subject to UK Export Control Legislation. Read the guidance on export controls on academic research .

Academic researchers

If you’re an academic researcher applying on the Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility, Tier 5 International Agreement, and Government Authorised Exchange routes, you will need to apply for, and be granted, an ATAS certificate before applying for a UK visa or permission to stay. You do not need to have a final employment contract before you apply for an ATAS certificate. Your employer will advise whether you are to be employed under a standard occupational classification (SOC) that requires ATAS .

If you’re a researcher coming to the UK as a visitor, you need to obtain an ATAS certificate before beginning any relevant research activity in the UK. However you do not need to do so before you apply for a UK visa (where relevant).

If you need an ATAS certificate as a visitor, you do not have to obtain this before applying for a visa but you should obtain it before travelling to the UK. The HEI /research institute must check the ATAS certificate before allowing the research to start, and if this is not provided you will not be permitted on-site.

If you are a researcher already in the UK

You do not need to apply for an ATAS certificate if you:

  • are already conducting research in the UK
  • were a visitor conducting research in the UK before the requirement for ATAS certificates was introduced on 21 May 2021, and you are continuing this research

You need to apply for an ATAS certificate if you:

  • are already conducting research in the UK and you apply for a new visa or apply to extend your current visa
  • were a visitor conducting research in the UK before the requirement for ATAS certificates was introduced on 21 May 2021 and are returning to the UK to do research
  • hold an ATAS certificate for a UK course you have undertaken are making a new application for a Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility, Tier 5 International Agreement, or Tier 5 Government Authorised Exchange visa. You need it before you apply for a visa
  • change your field of research or change where you conduct your research

Researchers also undertaking a course of study

Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility, Tier 5 International Agreement, and Tier 5 Government Authorised Exchange visa holders may also undertake a course of study. You need to apply for 1 ATAS certificate but you should include both the research project and study activities in your application.

If your circumstances change after ATAS certificate is issued

The ATAS certificate must accurately reflect the HEI /research institute which employs/hosts your research, and the research project, job title and duration. If any of these details change you should check whether you require an ATAS certificate and apply for a new certificate if you need one.

Researchers applying for ATAS can begin their employment or research 2 weeks before, or any time after the start date stated on their certificate.

Make a note of when your permission to enter into the UK is due to expire, and allow sufficient time to complete the ATAS and permission to stay application processes before your current permission expires. We recommend applying at least 4 months before your current permission expires.

Conducting research at more than 1 HEI /research institutes

An ATAS certificate is applicable to one HEI /research institute. If you are conducting research at more than 1 institute, you need to apply for an ATAS certificate for each, which including information on the research you will undertake at each HEI /research institute.

How long applications take

Student and researcher  ATAS  applications take at least 30 working days (6 full weeks) to process.

To ensure fairness and consistency we process applications in order of receipt. There is no ‘fast track’ service. You should submit your ATAS application as early as possible.

What you need to apply

To apply online you need:

  • information about your programme of study/research including the relevant CAH3 code, provided by the HEI / research institute
  • for student applications only, your conditional offer letter from your Higher Education Institution ( HEI )

You will also need to provide information on:

  • previous studies
  • previous and current employment (if applicable)
  • all published papers
  • optional modules you might take in a taught Masters (if unsure please include all possible modules)
  • your area of research and a description (for research degrees and researchers)
  • full names and contact details of 2 referees
  • how you will be sponsored whilst in the UK

You should apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme ( ATAS ) certificate online .

You should not make a duplicate application if your existing one is currently under process, as this can cause further delays to your current application..

Guidance on how to apply for an ATAS certificate

Follow the advice closely to ensure there are no delays to your application:

  • provide the full names of your referees, employers and sponsors (provide a first name and last name and do not provide initials instead of first names)
  • provide details for 2 referees you have ideally known for over 3 years, one of whom should be an academic referee
  • if you have not been employed, indicate ‘not applicable / never employed’
  • ensure the details of the passport you will use to enter the UK are provided in full and are accurate
  • provide (where applicable) research statements as specifically agreed with your HEI /employer and an adequate personal statement
  • if you are extending your research, ensure your application features the new length of your visit/employment. You should include the date you submit your ATAS extension application as the start date
  • ensure there are no long gaps in your employment / education history. If you were unemployed or, for example, a full-time parent, you should indicate this on the form
  • ensure you enter the correct CAH3 code for your course or research area before you submit your application as you will have to re-apply if you do not include this information
  • information you provide when you apply is printed on the certificate. When you have completed your application, please read through your entries carefully before you submit it

Find out more about how to apply .

Removal of site maintenance dates

Amendment to unavailability message timing

Offline maintenance message updated

ATAS online applications will be unavailable from 5pm on 25 January to 9am 26 January (GMT).

ATAS application processing times may take longer than usual between 22 December 2023 to 2 January 2024. Do not contact the enquiries team within 6 weeks of submitting your application.

Updated how long student and researcher ATAS applications take to process.

The ATAS application system will not be available between 5pm on Friday 7 July 2023 to Sunday 9 July 2023, due to scheduled technical maintenance.

The ATAS system will be offline between 5pm (British Summer Time) on Friday 16 June 2023 to 6pm on Sunday 18 June 2023 due to scheduled maintenance.

Update to 'How long applications take' section. Student and researcher ATAS applications take at least 20 working days to process. During April to September, it can take at least 30 working days to complete.

ATAS application processing times may take longer than usual between 23 December 2021 to 4 January 2022. Do not contact the enquiries team within 6 weeks of submitting your application.

September update added to "How long applications take" section.

Updated with additional information for researchers

Updated to reflect borders and immigration system changes

The ATAS online certificate service is not available from 5 to 9 October 2020

Updated to include Advanced Conventional Military Technology (ACMT) as a subject in scope for ATAS certification

ATAS is currently unavailable due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Application process update: ATAS applications can now take up to 30 days.

ATAS information updated for study/research for less than 6 months.

Added information on the ATAS certificate requirements for postgraduate students.

Note added on email messages to Chinese students.

Note added on Christmas availability.

updated detailed guide

updated notice

Easter announcement.

Service update: ATAS application website now up and running.

Service update notice added: The ATAS application website is down temporarily.

Added "Important: ATAS Service Update" section

Updated contact information

Removing downtime message as ATAS will not be affected by downtime after all.

Added a note to online application to notify of downtime on 4th May.

‘ATAS is currently accepting applications. Note that the existing service is scheduled to be replaced by a new online service shortly. Your application should not be affected by the change.’ replaced ‘The ATAS service is currently closed to new applications pending its re-launch on 15 April. Due to technical difficulties the site is re-opening one week later than originally scheduled. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Please ask your University to contact us on your behalf if your application will consequently require urgent attention after 15 April.’

The ATAS service is currently closed to new applications pending its re-launch on 15 April. Due to technical difficulties the site is re-opening one week later than originally scheduled. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Please ask your University to contact us on your behalf if your application will consequently require urgent attention after 15 April.

Added apply online information.

First published.

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University of Cambridge

Study at Cambridge

About the university, research at cambridge.

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What is ATAS?

If you're applying for a PhD or Masters-level course in certain science or technology subject areas and you'll be studying in the UK on a visa, you'll need to apply for ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance.

The following applicants are exempt:

  • those who have been granted indefinite leave to remain
  • nationals of the European Economic Area and Switzerland
  • nationals of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, USA, Singapore, Japan, South Korea.

If ATAS clearance is required, it will be a condition of your offer and you'll need to apply online. The application is free and managed by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Visit the FCDO ATAS website for further guidance.

Your ATAS Certificate

You'll find your ATAS research statement on your Self-Service account; this is the statement you must use in your application.

Once you've received ATAS clearance, you'll be issued a certificate. You must upload this certificate to your Self-Service account.

You may  not  commence your studies without a valid ATAS clearance certificate for the course to which you have been admitted. If you change course, you'll need to obtain new ATAS clearance.

An ATAS clearance certificate must be provided as a supporting document for a student visa application where it is required. You must obtain this clearance before making your visa application.

If you have more than one offer from different universities or institutions,  you will need to apply for separate ATAS clearance certificates  for each university or institution and programme of study.

Does my course require an ATAS?

Select your course from the drop-down list to check if an ATAS is required.

Important notes

  • You will not be able to obtain your visa until you have ATAS clearance.
  • An ATAS Certificate does not guarantee a visa will be granted.
  • It can take  20 working days  to obtain an ATAS certificate. Between April and September this can increase to 30 working days or more.
  • Apply for your ATAS as early as possible but no more than 6 months prior to the course start date. This is because an ATAS certificate is only valid for 6 months. Errors and omissions in your ATAS application may cause delays to the process so take care to complete the application accurately and in full.

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Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) for Academics/Researchers

Overview of the atas requirements and application process for international academics and research-only staff..

The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) applies to all international students and researchers (apart from exempt nationalities) who are subject to UK immigration control and are intending to study or research at postgraduate level in certain sensitive subjects.

The subjects and research areas are those where knowledge could be used in programmes to develop Advanced Conventional Military Technology (ACMT), weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) or their means of delivery. Researchers and students in these sensitive subjects must apply for an ATAS certificate before they can study or start research in the UK.

Please note that the guidance below relates to post-doctoral researchers, academic staff undertaking research (including those undertaking teaching and research) as well as visiting academic and research staff, not students . Please refer to the Student Immigration Service ATAS webpage for more information.

The ATAS requirement takes additional time in the recruitment process and can delay when a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) can be issued and when an appointed international researcher / academic can start. If you can respond quickly to requests from HR on this matter, it will reduce the delay.

  • Who needs to apply for an ATAS Certificate?

You (or your member of staff if you are recruiting them) will be required to apply for an ATAS certificate if all five of the following criteria are met:

  • Nationality - you are not a citizen of one of the following countries: EU/EEA countries, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland and the United States of America;
  • Visa Application Type - you will be entering the UK or extending your permission to stay under the Skilled Worker Visa (for employees), Temporary Work - Government Authorised Exchange Visa (used predominantly for visiting academics/researchers) or Standard/Academic Visitor Visa
  • Role Level - you will be carrying out research at PhD level or above
  • Role Type - your role is sponsored under one of these Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes
  • Subject Area - your subject area falls under one of these academic subject (CAH3) codes
  • I'm a visiting academic/researcher, do I need an ATAS certificate?

You will not be required to apply for an ATAS certificate if you are attending a conference, interview, meeting, workshop etc.

If you will be undertaking any of the following PhD level research activities in one of the sensitive subject areas and are not a citizen of one of the exempt countries, you will be required to apply for an ATAS certificate:

  • gathering information and facts for a specific project which directly relates to your employment overseas, or conducting independent research
  • sharing knowledge or advising on an international project that is being led from the UK, provided you are not carrying out research in the UK
  • taking part in formal exchange arrangements with UK counterparts (including doctors)
  • carrying out research for your own purposes if you are on sabbatical leave from your home institution

In this case, you will need to obtain an ATAS certificate before beginning any relevant research activity once you arrive in the UK, but will not need to do so before making a visa application (where you are required to do so).

It is strongly recommended that you obtain your ATAS certificate before travelling to the UK. The University is required to check your ATAS certificate before allowing any research to commence, and if this is not provided you cannot be permitted on-site.

If you would like to invite a PhD student to visit, please contact the relevant Doctoral College team who can advise you further:

  • Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences
  • Faculty of Engineering & Design
  • Faculty of Science
  • School of Management

For all other types of visitor, please refer to our Inviting Visitors to the University webpage for further guidance.

  • I'm already in the UK as a researcher, do I need an ATAS certificate?

You do not need to apply for an ATAS certificate if you are already conducting research in the UK or were a visitor conducting research in the UK before the requirement for ATAS certificates was introduced on 21 May 2021, and you are continuing this research.

You will need to apply for an ATAS certificate if you:

  • are already conducting research in the UK and you apply for a new visa or apply to extend your current visa
  • were a visitor conducting research in the UK before the requirement for ATAS certificates was introduced on 21 May 2021 and are returning to the UK to do research
  • hold an ATAS certificate for a UK course you have undertaken and are making a new application for a Skilled Worker Visa or Temporary Work - Government Authorised Exchange Visa. You need it before you apply for a visa
  • change your field of research or change where you conduct your research
  • I will be conducting research at Bath and another HEI/research institute, is it ok for me to have only one ATAS certificate?

No, you will require one ATAS certificate for each HEI/research institute.

  • As a line manager, will I be notified if my applicant needs an ATAS certificate?

Where an ATAS certificate is required for an applicant, this will be confirmed to you as the recruiting manager by HR. You will be asked to provide the following information in relation to the research area of the role as part of the recruitment/fixed-term contract extension process (if applicable).

  • Academic subject (CAH3) code
  • Subject/Area of Research
  • Research Statement (max. 2000 characters) - You will be asked to provide a brief summary of the applicant’s area of research. This should include information on the scope and application of the research, and the experimental tests and methods/techniques which might be used. You should include complex technical details where appropriate. The summary should be written in the third person and you should ensure this matches the description of the applicant's role as per the job description

The applicant will then use the information you provide above as part of their ATAS application.

  • As an applicant, will I be notified if I need an ATAS certificate?

As either a new starter or existing member of staff, you will be notified by the Staff Immigration Team if you are required to apply for an ATAS Certificate. They will advise you of your SOC code, academic subject (CAH3) code and provide you with the research statement from your line manager. These are some of the details you will need to submit as part of your ATAS application.

  • When should I apply?

You will be required to obtain an ATAS certificate before applying for either a Skilled Worker Visa or Temporary Work - Government Authorised Exchange Visa. As these are both sponsored routes, they will require a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by the University before making the visa application. The Staff Immigration Team will not issue you with a CoS until they have received formal confirmation from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) that your ATAS application has been approved.

The entry clearance officer will ask to see your ATAS certificate as part of your application for permission to enter the UK. A caseworker will also need to see your ATAS certificate as part of an application for permission to stay in the UK.

  • How do I apply?

To apply for an ATAS certificate, please visit the GOV.UK website .

  • What do I need to apply?

Please visit the GOV.UK website for more information on how to apply for your ATAS certificate.

As part of the recruitment process, your line manager will be asked to provide specific information in relation to the research area of the role. This will include a short research statement summarising the research activities you will be required to undertake. You will be provided with this information along with the SOC code and CAH3 code by the Staff Immigration Team.

  • How much will it cost?

There is currently no charge to apply for an ATAS certificate.

  • How long will the application process take?

Current guidelines advise a turnaround time of 10 working days (2 full weeks) to process an ATAS application. Processing times will increase between April and September and can take 15 or more working days to complete.

  • How long is it valid for?

The ATAS certificate is valid for 6 months.

  • What will I receive?

If your ATAS application is successful, you will receive a certificate by email from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). You should check your junk folders regularly to ensure the email has not been filtered out. When you receive your certificate, you should:

  • check the details on it are correct and match your research documentation from the University
  • if the details are correct, print the certificate and include it in your visa application documentation
  • contact the ATAS unit at [email protected] if there are mistakes or inaccuracies

The University will also receive a copy of this email confirming if your application has been successful.

If you have any questions, please contact us.

Staff Immigration Team

On this page.

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Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

ATAS is a certificate issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), which gives you security clearance to study certain postgraduate programmes at UCL.

Does my programme need ATAS

  • Student visa applicants who require ATAS
  • Non-Student visa students who require ATAS
  • ATAS exemptions

Students who already have an ATAS certificate

  • How to obtain an ATAS certificate  

ATAS application processing times

  • Your offer letter from UCL will state if your programme requires an ATAS certificate. 
  • If you are applying for a Student visa your CAS statement will also state if you are required to obtain an ATAS certificate.

Student visa applicants who require ATAS

If you are applying for a Student visa, and do not meet one of the exemptions ( please refer to exemptions below ), you will be required to provide an ATAS certificate as part of the visa application process.

ATAS certificates are required for specific programmes of study which:

  • lead to a master’s degree; or
  • lead to PhD; or
  • lead to another postgraduate qualification; or
  • is a period of study or research which is part of an overseas postgraduate qualification

This is for both new students applying for entry clearance to the UK and existing students already in the UK applying for leave to remain.

You will be required to show your ATAS certificate in order to enrol on your programme.

Non-Student visa students who require ATAS

All individuals in the UK on a time-limited visa (e.g., Student visa, Skilled worker visa, PBS dependant visa etc.) require an ATAS clearance certificate before you will be permitted to enrol on to your programme, unless you are a national of any of the countries listed below . 

If you’re in the process of applying for asylum in the UK, you must apply for an ATAS certificate to study in the UK.

ATAS exemptions 

If you are a UK national or a national of any of the following countries, you do not need to apply for an ATAS certificate:

  • Republic of Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Liechtenstein
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • Switzerland
  • United States of America

If you have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK, you do not need an  ATAS  certificate to study in the UK.

You do not need an ATAS certificate if you’re studying for a postgraduate diploma or PGCE.

An ATAS certificate is issued for a specific programme with a named university and remains valid as long as the university and/or programme details do not change. If you already have an ATAS certificate you will need to apply for a new one if:

  • your course details change, including the course length : please note,  you must apply for a new ATAS certificate within 28 days if your programme end date is postponed by more than 3 months
  • the area of research or modules change 
  • you move to another institution 
  • you need to extend your stay to write up your thesis

How to obtain an ATAS certificate

The application is free of charge and is completed online on the  GOV.UK  website.

To apply for an ATAS certificate, you will need to have been made an offer to study at UCL and should not apply for ATAS until you have received your offer letter (this does not need to be an unconditional offer). The offer letter will contain all the information required from UCL to complete your ATAS application.

An ATAS certificate is specific to both the programme of study you intend to undertake and the university you plan to attend. If you have an offer from another university and are undecided as to which offer you will accept, you need to apply for separate ATAS certificates.

If you are planning to attend a research programme at UCL, you are recommended to make early contact with your prospective supervisors as a brief synopsis of your research proposal needs to be included in your offer letter.

On the ATAS application form you cannot put a course start date in the past.  If you are applying for the ATAS for a programme you have already started you can put the next working day on the ATAS application for your course start date. 

atas_application_guide_2024.pdf

PDF icon

If you have any further questions relating to ATAS, you can contact us via askUCL

For new students the processing time can take up to 6 months – therefore it is recommended new students apply for ATAS once they receive the conditional offer letter from UCL and no earlier than 6 months before the start date of the programme. Your ATAS once issued is valid for 6 months - it must be valid on the date of your visa application.

For continuing students the processing times can take up to 4 months therefore it is recommended you apply for ATAS 4 months before your intended visa application date

If you have been waiting for an ATAS decision for more than 4 months, or you are inside the UK and your visa is due to expire, please contact Visa Advice via ASKUCL with your ATAS reference number + expected decision date and we will follow this up with the ATAS team.

You can find further information about ATAS on the  gov.uk website .

  • Study at Sheffield

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

ATAS: Frequently asked questions

Please see below for answers to frequently asked questions about the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS).

Which students are covered by the ATAS scheme?

The requirement for an ATAS certificate applies to all non-UK nationals irrespective of where you are living when you apply. Students of the following nationalities are exempted:

Australia; Austria; Belgium; Bulgaria; Canada; Croatia; Republic of Cyprus; Czech Republic; Denmark; Estonia; Finland; France; Germany; Greece; Hungary; Iceland; Ireland; Italy; Japan; Latvia; Liechtenstein; Lithuania; Luxembourg; Malta; Netherlands; New Zealand; Norway; Poland; Portugal; Romania; Singapore; Slovakia; Slovenia; South Korea; Spain; Sweden; Switzerland; United States of America.

Do I need to apply for ATAS clearance?

If you are applying for a course that requires ATAS clearance, we will let you know by email. If you are applying for a Postgraduate Taught or Undergraduate course which requires ATAS, you will receive the email in May (or within 1 week of receiving your offer).

Only courses in certain sensitive subject areas require ATAS clearance. If you are an undergraduate student, you will only require ATAS clearance if your course leads to a Masters qualification, for example an MEng or MPhys, in certain subject areas.

You can also find out if you need ATAS clearance on the UK government webpages:

Find out if you need an ATAS certificate

I am applying to the University of Sheffield under the Departmental Exchange or Study Abroad scheme. Do I need to apply for ATAS clearance?

You may require ATAS clearance if you apply for and are accepted on certain Level 4 or Level 6 modules.

If you are required to apply for ATAS clearance we will tell you by email.

I do not require a Student visa. Do I still need an ATAS certificate?

Yes. If you have been informed that the study or research you are undertaking requires ATAS clearance, you will require an ATAS certificate in order to register at the University, even if you are travelling on a Visitor visa.

I am applying to more than one university. What should I do?

Each ATAS certificate is specific to a course and a university. You should submit an ATAS application for each course where ATAS applies. You can submit as many ATAS applications as you hold offers.

When should I apply for ATAS clearance?

You should apply for ATAS clearance when you receive module information from us, and at least six weeks before you intend to apply for your visa.

Can I apply for my visa before I get ATAS clearance?

No, if your course requires ATAS clearance you will need your ATAS certificate to apply for your visa.

Will I be able to register for my course without ATAS clearance?

If your course requires ATAS clearance, UK immigration law does not allow universities to register International students until the student has received an ATAS certificate.

If you entered the UK on Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 5 or Dependant's visa you must still apply for ATAS clearance before you begin your studies. You will not be allowed to register until you have received an ATAS certificate.

Where do I find the CAH3 code and modules I should list in my ATAS application?

We will tell you the relevant CAH3 code for your course by email. We will also send you a link which includes all the modules you must include in your application.

For postgraduate applicants, the CAH3 code will also be on your offer letter.

Even though the application form only asks for elective modules you intend to study, you should list all the modules for your course . 

For undergraduate courses it is only the fourth year modules which are required. You should copy and paste all modules as they are shown in the link which we send to you.

For PhD applicants you should copy and paste your research summary from the ATAS Sheet attached to your offer letter.

Who do I list as Referees?

You will need to provide details of two referees who have known you for a minimum of three years.

If you have studied at degree level, at least one of the referees should be from the university where you studied. If you have not previously studied at degree level, you should provide at least one referee from the institution where you completed your most recent studies.

If you have work experience, a referee from your employment would also be acceptable.

A referee from your home country is preferable but is not essential if you have studied and/or worked in another country.

Family members are not acceptable as referees.

Who is my Sponsor?

You must provide details of who is going to fund your study in Sheffield. If you are funding your study yourself, please put your own name and address in the relevant boxes. If a family member is funding your study, put down their details.

Who do I list as my Supervisor?

If you are a applying for postgraduate research, your supervisor will be listed on your offer letter.

If you are applying for a taught course, we advise you to enter the Head of Department in this section. You can find the Head of the Department for your course on your department's webpages. You can find a list of academic departments here:

Academic departments

Should I select 'Taught/Research Student' or 'Researcher'?

If you have an offer of a study place with us, you should select 'Taught/Research Student'.

You will then be asked 'What type of study are you undertaking?'

If you are applying for a taught course (for example MEng, MSc), you should select 'Taught'. If you are applying for a research course (for example PhD), you should select 'Research'.

If you have a contract of employment with the University of Sheffield, you should select 'Researcher'.

How long will it take for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to process my ATAS application?

It will take at least 20 working days (four complete weeks). Processing times will increase between the months of April and September, when it can take 30 or more working days (six weeks). When you submit your ATAS application you will be given an estimated decision date by which you should receive a decision on your ATAS application. There is no fast track service available.

If you have already submitted your ATAS application and have not yet received your certificate, please do not submit another ATAS application because this will delay the process.

I have not received my ATAS certificate. What should I do?

If you have not received your ATAS certificate by your estimated decision date, please check your spam/junk folder to make sure that the email containing your certificate has not been filtered away from your inbox.

Unfortunately, the University has no control over your ATAS application and we will be unable to expedite it. If it is 1) more than 20 working days (four weeks) since you submitted your application and 2) after your estimated decision date, you should contact the ATAS team at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office at [email protected] .

What do I do if I am refused ATAS clearance?

If your course requires ATAS clearance, without an ATAS certificate you will not be granted a visa to study in the UK.

Applications for visas to study on other courses that do not require ATAS clearance will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

If you think your application has been treated unfairly you can ask the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to review your case.

How long does my ATAS clearance last?

Your ATAS certificate is valid for six months from the date it was issued. This means that must submit your visa application no later than six months after the date of your ATAS certificate.

I have Indefinite Leave to Remain. Do I still need to apply for ATAS clearance?

If you have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK, which does not have an end date, you do not need ATAS clearance to study.

I am in the process of applying for asylum in the UK. Do I need to apply for ATAS clearance?

Yes. Unless you hold indefinite leave to remain, you must apply for ATAS clearance. 

I have received ATAS clearance but I have changed my passport. What should I do?

Send an email to [email protected] including your applicant number/UCAS ID, ATAS reference number and new passport number, with a scan of your new passport attached. We will ask the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to issue a new ATAS certificate with your new passport number.

Related information

We offer a generous package of financial support for international students including 75 undergraduate scholarships worth £10,000 towards the annual tuition fee and 125 postgraduate taught scholarships worth £5,000 towards the tuition fee. Applications are now open for existing offer holders.

ATAS Expansion from 21 May 2021

International researchers working in certain sensitive areas will be required to obtain an atas certificate before applying for their visa and commencing their research, what is atas.

The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) currently applies to international students who intend to study at postgraduate level in certain sensitive subjects, where an individual’s knowledge could be used to develop military technology, weapons of mass destruction or the means of delivering weapons. An application is made to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for an ATAS certificate.

From 21 May 2021, this will be extended to international researchers, or posts which contain an element of research, at PhD level or above in a sensitive subject, in the following visa routes:

  • Initial and extension Skilled Worker and Tier 5 (GAE) Sponsored Researcher visa. The ATAS certificate must be obtained before SIT can issue the Certificate of Sponsorship
  • Visiting researchers coming under the Standard Visitor route . The ATAS certificate must be obtained before the individuals commences their research. Although it will be strongly recommended they obtain this prior to travelling to the UK.

Sensitive Subjects include

  • Mathematical and Computer Science
  • Biological Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Physical Sciences
  • Veterinary Sciences, Agriculture and related subjects
  • Technologies

We anticipate this will apply to all Medical Sciences and MPLS departments, along with some Social Sciences departments. The Humanities division may be less effected but will still need to be considered for any cross disciplinary activities.

Exempt Nationalities

Nationals from the EU, EEA, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, South Korea and the USA will be exempt.

ATAS Application

The online ATAS system will go live on (or around) the 14 May.

There is no fee for a ATAS application.

The online application will require information on areas such as:

  • Studies, and employment history
  • All published papers
  • Research Statement – to be provided by the University
  • Statement of intent and plans after completion of research
  • Two referees

A decision should be received in 10 working days, but during the period April – September this could take up to 4 weeks.

Action the Staff Immigration Team has been taking

Since mid March when issuing Certificates of Sponsorship, we have been notifying the individual of the incoming ATAS requirement. Individuals not able to apply before 21 May 2021 have been asked to contact us so we can assess whether an ATAS certificate will be required.

We have been closely monitoring the progress applicants are making with submitting their application, and will continue to identify and track individuals that are yet to submit their application.  In late April we wrote to 60 individuals to ask for a status update on their visa application.

From Today (10 May):

Certificate of Sponsorship requests in progress or submitted to SIT from 10 May, that we identify will require the applicant to apply for and obtain an ATAS certificate will not be issued, unless circumstances mean an urgent visa application is required (for example a visa is due to expire in May).

Applicants will need to wait to submit an ATAS application and obtain the ATAS certificate prior to the CoS being issued.  We appreciate this is not an ideal situation, but the Home Office have been very clear in their guidance that an applicant who should obtain ATAS and fails to do so, will result in their visa application being refused, and could lead to our sponsor licenses being revoked.

The CoS initial and extension forms have been updated on the Forms and Guidance page to include details of the ATAS requirement. You may need to refresh the page in your bowser (or by hitting F5 on your keyboard) to review the new version. Please use these updated forms when submitting requests to the team.

A template letter for HR to issue to applicants in relation to ATAS will be published by SIT once the Home Office and FCDO have published all guidance, and the ATAS application system is live.

To attend a Briefing Session via Microsoft Teams please contact  Lisa Crook

The University of Edinburgh home

  • Schools & departments

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

Information on The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS).

The Academic Technology Approval Scheme ( ATAS )

The Academic Technology Approval Scheme ( ATAS ) is designed to limit the spread of knowledge and skills that could be used in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their means of delivery. ATAS  applies to all international students and researchers (apart from exempt nationalities) who are subject to UK immigration control and are intending to study or research at postgraduate level in certain sensitive subjects. The ATAS Scheme is administered independently by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO). 

Foreign and Commonwealth Office information about ATAS  

UPDATE Oct 2020 - Students and researchers who are nationals of EU countries, the European Economic Area ( EEA ), Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland or the United States of America do not need an  ATAS  certificate. 

Application for ATAS Certificate

Support for new and continuing students requiring atas.

Before applying for an ATAS certificate an official document from the University of Edinburgh which contains the agreed research proposal and a CAH3 code is required.

New entrants are provided with the CAH3 code in their offer letter, which is generated by EUCLID when the offer of admission is issued. The Informatics Graduate School will contact the new entrant's PGR supervisor to request a research topic summary (of at least 5 sentences) which will be included in an ATAS support letter and sent to the student to support their ATAS application. This statement should provide sufficient detail to allow the FCO to determine if clearance should be granted. Supervisors are asked to reply promptly so as to not delay the ATAS application process. Examples of good research support statements are provided below. 

Continuing students who need to apply for a new ATAS certificate (e.g. CDT 1+3 students progressing from MScR to PhD, or students who have changed their research direction part way through their studies) may request an ATAS support letter from the Informatics Graduate School.

Once you have obtained your ATAS certificate you will be able to apply for your student visa  in the normal way. 

Important notes

  • Selectors and supervisors should be aware that international students who require ATAS clearance cannot commence their programme of study (either on campus or remotely) if the ATAS certificate has not been issued by the FCDO.
  • We recommend all international students apply for their ATAS certificates as early as possible as during peak times, the reality is, is that it usually takes the FCDO approx. 12 weeks to issue their approval to the applicant (NB: Offer holders should apply 6 months before their course will start (see the FCDO webages for more detailed information). 
  • Possession of an ATAS certificate does not guarantee issue of a student visa, but a visa application will be automatically refused if an ATAS certificate is needed but not provided. When applying, students must also provide evidence that they meet the usual student criteria. For more information on what students need to apply for a student visa, please visit the UK Visa Website at UK Visas and Immigration .
  • An ATAS certificate is specific to both the programme of study that the student intends to undertake and the University / Higher Education Institution. If a student is in possession of a number of offers from different Universities / Institutions and has not decided which one they are going to accept they must apply for separate ATAS clearance certificates for each University / Institution and programme of study.

Useful links

Foreign and Commonwealth Office information about ATAS

Student Immigration Service - University of Edinburgh

University guidance on applying for ATAS

ATAS application guide for new and continuing students

Examples of good and bad ATAS application descriptions

Bad examples.

The following examples would not be acceptable and any ATAS application would likely be rejected for the reasons shown.

The student will work in the area of material science on a PhD programme. They will carry out experimental tests, analysis and report writing. Testing will include strain measurements, indentation testing and crack analysis.

The above text includes insufficient information on the scope and application / use of the research. Little context provided and terms such as material science are too broad. It would be helpful to give a little more detail on which experimental tests and what methods / techniques they might be exposed to. However it is useful to know the sorts of measurements and testing they might undertake.

This project will involve the mathematical analysis of sonic booms from aircraft.. The work will involve automatic differentiation. It is possible that some verification with experimental measurements will be conducted. The project will involve mathematical analysis and computer programming using the NAG library.

This text includes insufficient information on the application / use of the research. The summary does provide some useful methods and techniques, such as automatic differentiation, computer programming, the NAG library and experimental measurements, but it would be helpful to know a little more about the type testing that might be carried out and whether this was being applied to civilian aircraft at relatively low speeds or military aircraft at considerably higher speeds.

Satellite imagery offers a number of potential benefits for the analysis of environmental phenomena. The applications of this are as diverse as disaster management, analysis of agricultural products, flooding and sediment deposition in river basins and remote mapping. This project proposes to use SPOT2 multi-spectral data to analyse sediment concentrations in the Mississippi River delta. Satellite images will be acquired from a number of international sources and scanned into a computer using a high-resolution scanner. After image processing reflectance information at specific frequencies will be extracted. Field measurements of sediment load will be carried out using eight boats during March and April when the sediment load is at its lightest in the delta. Samples will be taken simultaneously on a 10m grid, across the delta, then stored in sealed tubes and returned to the University for analysis. At the same time as physical sampling, measurements will be made with acoustic and laser devices to determine in-situ suspended sediment load at depths of O.2m, O.Sm, 1 m, 1.Sm and 2m from the surface. The satellite reflectance measurements will be calibrated against the in-situ field measurements of sediment load. These sediment data will then be integrated into a three dimensional hydrodynamic model of the Mississippi River delta with the aim of developing improved sediment transport models for complex stratified estuarine flows.

This example provides a little too much information. It provides the application / use of the research, some information on the type of satellite and measurements being made, which is helpful. However too much information is provided on how the research will be carried out and when. It may be useful to know the type of satellite data, that field sediment measurements are being taken and compared against reflectance, but information on 10m grids, scanning data, depth measurements, etc, may be unnecessary.

Good examples

The following examples would be acceptable and are designed to show you the level of detail required. ATAS are able to assess complex technical details - there is no need to dumb these proposals down.

Composite tubes are used in many engineering applications including pneumatics, robotics, aeronautics and manufacturing engineering. This research aims to investigate the failure characteristics of glass-epoxy composite tubes subjected to compression loading under changing thermal gradients. Experimental tests will be conducted to better understand how biaxial compressive strength varies with temperature and material characteristics. Testing will include strain measurements, indentation testing and crack analysis. Results from experimental measurements will be used to develop an improved analytical model for the mechanical performance of composite tubes.
Sonic booms from supersonic aircraft create numerous difficulties, including environmental disruption and aero-elastic stressing of an aircraft superstructure. This research will explore the use of automatic differentiation using the reverse mode, together with adjoint-based optimal design, as a means to minimise the sonic boom around an aircraft. The project will involve mathematical analysis and computer programming using the NAG library, together with experimental verification using a Mach 3 capable supersonic wind tunnel. Experimental instrumentation will include Laser Doppler Anemometry for flow field measurement and Schlieren photography for shock wave visualisation.
This research project will investigate the regulation of expression and function of the inducible L-arginine-nitric oxide pathway in cultured vascular cells. The aim is to define the signalling mechanism(s) that regulate the induction of both nitric oxide synthase and the cationic amino acid transport proteins associated with uptake of L-arginine into cells. The project will involve cells in culture and basic molecular techniques including qPCR analysis, protein biochemistry, western blotting, qPCR analysis, mRNA isolation quantification and analysis.
Satellite imagery offers a number of potential benefits for the analysis of environmental phenomena. This project proposes to use SPOT2 multi-spectral data to analyse sediment concentrations in the Mississippi River delta. Reflectance measurements will be calibrated against in-situ field measurements of sediment load. These sediment data will then be integrated into a three dimensional hydrodynamic model of the Mississippi River delta with the aim of developing improved sediment transport models for complex stratified estuarine flows.

Student Visas

Academic technology approval scheme (atas).

The Academic Technology Approval Scheme ( ATAS ) requires  all international students (apart from exempt nationalities) who are subject to UK immigration control and are intending to study or research at postgraduate level in certain sensitive subjects to apply for obtain an ATAS certificate. The subjects and research areas are those where knowledge could be used in programmes to develop Advanced Conventional Military Technology (ACMT), weapons of mass destruction ( WMDs ) or their means of delivery. Students in these sensitive subjects must apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme ( ATAS ) certificate before they can study or start research in the UK.

There are certain nationailities that are exempt from the ATAS requirement. Please see  Find out if you need an ATAS certificate - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)   for up-to-date information. 

Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)  will indicate whether or not you require ATAS clearance. Your Faculty/School will also let you know prior to, or at the point of making an offer whether you need ATAS clearance. The ATAS requirement is usually confirmed in your offer letter if you are a postgraduate taught or postgraduate research student. Students on 4-year integrated bachelors and masters programmes (e.g. MEng or MSci) will receive email communications from the University if they are required to obtain ATAS. 

If you are subject to ATAS requirement, a valid ATAS certificate is required before you can receive your CAS. This applies both to students starting new courses and continuing students extending their visas. The University will receive a copy of your ATAS certificate at the same time as you receive it, so you should not need to do anything to notify us. 

Who is required to have an ATAS certificate

  • If you are applying for a Student visa  to study in the UK on a course requiring ATAS, you will need to have an ATAS clearance certificate before you can make your visa application and in order to register on your course on arrival at the University
  • If you are coming to the UK as a visiting student on a Visit visa , you will need to have an ATAS clearance certificate to show on arrival at the University
  • If you are applying to come to the UK on a non-Student visa*  (e.g. Student visa dependant, Skilled Worker dependant, Skilled Worker), you will need to have a valid ATAS clearance certificate to show on arrival at the University. You will not require it as part of your visa application to come to the UK

If you are unsure if your visa requires you to obtain an ATAS clearance certificate, please contact Student Visas.

Who is not required to have an ATAS certificate

  • If you have settled status* in the UK (e.g. indefinite leave to remain), you do not need an ATAS clearance certificate
  • If you are a UK national
  • If you are a national of one of the countries listed in the UKVI’s  Find out if you need an ATAS certificate - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) . If you are one of the listed nationals you will not be required to apply for ATAS.  Only those not listed need to read the information on these webpages 

*If you are unsure if your visa requires you to obtain an ATAS clearance certificate, please contact Student Visas.

Please be advised that it is your responsibility to obtain an ATAS clearance certificate if it is required. If you hold immigration permission that requires ATAS for study (even if it was not required for the visa application), you will not be permitted to register at the University without showing a valid ATAS clearance certificate.

Course changes and ATAS certificates

If you currently have an atas for your studies and want to change to another area of research or programme requiring an atas, you need to:.

  • Check with a Student Visa Adviser if you require a new visa for the new course
  • Apply for a new ATAS certificate - please ask the Faculty Office or a Student Visa Adviser what the new CAH3 code is. 
  • Wait until you have received it before you register on/transfer to your new programme or start the new area of research - you should not start it until appropriate ATAS clearance has been received 

If you are currently on a programme that does not need ATAS but you need to switch to a programme that requires ATAS clearance (e.g. if you are switching from BEng to MEng or BSc to MSci), you must also follow the steps above.

I've received my ATAS Certificate - what do I need to do now?

If your atas application is successful, you will receive a certificate by email. you should check your junk folders regularly to ensure the email has not been filtered out. when you receive your certificate, you should:.

  • check that the description matches your offer letter if you are a research student, or course content from module catalogue if you are a taught student
  • if the details such a course name and personal details are correct
  • contact the ATAS unit at [email protected] if there are mistakes or inaccuracies
  • once you are satisfied that all is correct, include the certificate in your Student visa application documents. ATAS certificates are only valid for Student visa application purposes for 6 months (the expiry date is listed on the certificate

What can you do if your ATAS application is refused?

If your course requires ATAS clearance, without an ATAS certificate you will not be granted a Student visa to study in the UK. Applications for visas to study on other courses that do not require ATAS clearance will be considered without an ATAS certificate. Continuing students who are extending studies and who have been refused fresh ATAS clearance will not be able to study the course from the UK; they should discuss their academic options with their supervisor and the Faculty Office.

If you think your application has been treated unfairly you can ask the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to review your case, but in our experience the review application success rate is low. It is not recommended to submit several  consecutive ATAS applications for the same programme. 

How can I contact the ATAS team at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office?

You can email [email protected] if you have a question about your application.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office will not reply to any query on an application that is not at least 20 working days old. If your application is more than 20 days old they may reply to you but this is likely to take some time, especially over the summer, due to the volume of enquiries received.

If you wish to study at another University/Higher Education Institution, change your course/area of research or extend your course by more than three months, you will need to apply for another (new) ATAS certificate.

  • For guidance on completing your application, see the information provided by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office about  What you need to apply  and  Guidance on how to apply for an ATAS certificate
  • As a student of University of Bristol, when applying for ATAS, you need to select ATAS option for "Taught / research student" and not the option for "Researcher" as "Researcher" ATAS is intended for academic researchers and not students
  • Once you have received a conditional or unconditional offer,  complete and submit an ATAS form online , following the  guidance  provided on communications from the University (please see below)
  • If you are a new undergraduate student, the Admissions team will inform you by email of the CAH3 code for your course and you can use University's  Unit and Programme Catalogues  to obtain description of your course
  • If you are a new postgraduate student (both taught and research), your offer letter will tell you the specific CAH3 code for your course and the research statement you can use in your application
  • If you are a continuing student who is extending, upgrading as part of an integrated masters or transfering to a course requiring ATAS, your Faculty Office will be able to look up the specific CAH3 code for your course on the University system. See the this government page  for the list of academic subjects that need an ATAS certificate – please still contact your Faculty Office for the exact code for your course. You will also be asked to provide a description of your course. If  you are on an undergraduate or postgraduate taught course,  you can use University's Unit and Programme Catalogues to obtain this information If you are a research student, please obtain an updated ATAS statement from your supervisor. Please use the date you submit your ATAS application as the course start date when asked 'when will your course start'
  • The University's Student visa sponsor licence number is WE3JP69N1
  • The current processing times are listed on the government's ATAS webpage , but please note that in some cases applications have been known to take considerably longer, especially during the peak periods of June-September. You must therefore allow sufficient time to obtain ATAS clearance. Once the application is decided, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office will confirm whether you have been cleared or refused
  • Graduate School

How to Write an Effective Statement of Intent

How to Write an Effective Statement of Intent

While most students have heard of a personal statement or statement of purpose, not many can accurately describe what a statement of intent is. This grad school admissions requirement is subtly different from the other “statement” essays you may be familiar with. It is most often requested as an application component for research intensive master’s programs. It typically centers around a cohesive narrative of the applicant’s research interests, experiences, long-term goals, and what they intend to study in grad school. You’ll need to tailor your essay to ensure you meet the unique requirements for this application component.

In this blog, our grad school essay tutors reveal what a statement of intent is, how it differs from a statement of purpose for graduate school , and how to write and structure your statement of intent. You can also check out a sample statement of intent for graduate school.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Article Contents 16 min read

What is a statement of intent.

A statement of intent, sometimes called statement of interest, is one of the many written essay-style components requested during the higher education admissions process to help admissions committees understand the applicant better. Specifically, a statement of intent is something you’ll need to write to get into grad school . Not all master’s programs ask for it. It is typically requested in addition to the statement of purpose or as an alternative to the statement of purpose. Research-intensive programs most often favor this type of statement. In this essay, they are looking for applicants to expand on their research skills, research experience, and specialized interests.

A statement of intent is, at its core, a functional document with an implicit argument. It serves a very specific purpose and has a singular theme: explaining how your research or career interests align with the features of the program you’re applying to.

It’s important to understand the difference between a statement of purpose and a statement of intent, especially if you need to submit both during a single application cycle. It’s easy to mix up these two essay components! They have a lot of overlap in terms of their content, presentation, and format. Both ask applicants to focus on their research interests, describe why they are interested in a specific field, expand on relevant past academic/professional experiences, and explain their long-term career goals. Admissions committees evaluate both of these statements to assess specific skills and qualities: communication skills, research skills, scientific literacy, problem solving, intellectual curiosity, teamwork, and leadership potential.

Despite these similarities, there are certain factors that differentiate a statement of intent and statement of purpose. The key difference is the scope. A statement of purpose is more general, focused on your overall suitability for the program. A statement of intent is more specific and detailed, focused on your intention to make use of actual features of the program. Statement of intent prompts often ask you to talk about which faculty members you want to work with, what program faculties you wish to use, etc.

The way you discuss your experiences is also different in each of these essays. In a statement of purpose, you can discuss your overall research vision, and connect your past experiences to your long-term career goals. While you can certainly do this in a statement of intent as well, you need to take it one step further. Programs actually expect you to use this essay to expand on the specific skills you gained through past research experiences and connect them with program details like curriculum, preferred departments or modules, faculty members, on-going projects, etc.

The statement of intent actually works as a base template for your research proposal. Many students opt to use their statement of intent to develop their research proposals later in their career. As it’s extremely detailed, some programs even opt to use it in lieu of an interview. On the other hand, some programs refer to your statement of intent as a kind of blueprint to structure your graduate school interview questions . You can expect questions that directly reference the ideas and experiences you’ve discussed in your statement of intent. That’s why it’s so important to be confident about and committed to the ideas you discuss in your statement of intent.

Are you working on your statement of purpose and looking for tips? Check this out:

The structure of your statement of intent is very important as it serves to build a coherent progression of experiences. In this type of essay, you need to provide specific, technical details related to your research interests and experiences, while also telling an engaging narrative that logically builds to the conclusion of you applying to grad school. The key to achieving this balance is creating an effective essay structure.

Start by creating an outline of your essay that is centered around your basic thesis or main point. Return to this thesis periodically to ensure you’re not straying from it as you structure your essay.

Add the following paragraphs:

Introduction:

The first paragraph should immediately grab the reader’s attention and set up a clear framework for the rest of the statement. Unlike, say, a medical school personal statement , or college essays , we don’t recommend starting with an “anchor” story or incident. Since this is a more functional document, including dramatic personal details or childhood memories would only end up clouding the key message of your statement. It’s better to go with a more straightforward introduction that succinctly sets up the main thesis. You can opt to make your introduction more engaging by adding a quote or referencing a specific book or mentor who inspired you; having said that, make sure any external references are always relevant to your actual research interest and further your central argument. Critically, make sure you don’t forget to introduce your research topic, the name of the school you’re applying to, as well as the name of the specific program/department in the very first paragraph.

Body Paragraph 1/2/3/4/5

Next, you can add 1 to 5 main body paragraphs (depending on your word count) where you build a foundation of your research work, interests, experiences, and goals. Each paragraph should be clear, concise and informative. There are certain critical content targets you should keep in mind as you write these paragraphs:

Address the prompt and talk about the specific aspects of the program you\u2019re interested in, such as faculty members you\u2019d love to work with. "}]">

Your conclusion should include a concise statement of your key qualifications and unique suitability for the program. Touch upon how you’ll make use of your time at this school, and how that will help you in your long-term career goals. Reiterate your interest in their specific program.

The word count for a statement of intent can vary from school to school, but it generally ranges between 250 to 1000 words. You should tailor your statement as per your specific word count requirements.

Top Tips for Writing Your Statement of Intent

Keep these tips in mind to write an outstanding statement of intent that effectively communicates your research strengths.

Develop your central research thesis

If you’re applying to grad school, then you probably already have some idea about the kind of research you want to specialize in. If you’re having trouble formulating this idea or condensing it down for your statement of intent, try using the following strategy to structure your thinking and organize your thoughts in a more logical flow. Break down your research interest into three levels, as follows:

Are you solving any specific problem or addressing an existing issue via this research? ","label":"Problem","title":"Problem"}]" code="tab1" template="BlogArticle">

As we mentioned above, your statement of intent needs to be very specific and must reference the programs you’re applying to. Some schools even provide a specific prompt asking you to talk about which faculty members you want to work with, what sub-department you want to study under, and so on. Make sure you do the required research about what the school and the program have to offer so you can accurately reference this information in your statement. To begin with, you should check the program websites. If they don’t provide enough information, we recommend you reach out to alumni, professors, and current students to learn more.

Find out about the credentials of faculty members, their previous published work, their on-going projects, etc. Check the range of facilities that the school is offering, such as equipment, labs, and academic resources, as well as unique research or clinical experience opportunities. Don’t neglect the extracurriculars such as student support groups, prestigious clubs, and other opportunities that you won’t get on any other campus.

While you’re doing this research, make notes about how your own strengths connect to the unique features of the program. Do you have skills that could be particularly useful for an on-going research project? Do you have past research experience in the same topics that a faculty member is an expert in? When you’re actually writing the statement, these notes will help you to explain not only what you have to offer to the program, but also how you can use this program to further your long-term professional or academic goals.

Looking for a summary of our top tips for writing an effective statement of intent? Check out this infographic:

Follow the guidelines

As you begin your writing, ensure that you review all the guidelines that the school has provided and are closely adhering to then. For example, if there’s a prompt, go through it a few times, and make sure you are responding to the spirit as well as the letter of the prompt. Other considerations you should keep in mind include the maximum and minimum word count, the specific format, and “recommended” stylistic guidelines. For example, some schools ask you to write a formal statement that includes academic citations of works to support each of your research arguments along with references to works that have inspired you. You’ll have to customize the presentation, format, and content of each statement of intent to meet these kinds of specific requirements.

Tell a story with your experiences

It’s very important to remember that your statement of intent, though it is a more technical and functional essay, should not be merely a dry summary of facts, similar to a CV for grad school . Instead, you should write a logical and engaging narrative of the achievements and experiences that led you to your research goals, and how they connect to the program you’re applying to. Add details of your skills and commendable qualities backed up by actual experiences that demonstrate your passion and enthusiasm for the subject. Admissions committees are always more impressed by “proof” of abilities i.e., they want applicants to show them their journey, not merely tell them about it. For example, instead of merely saying that you have an extensive knowledge of bio-chemical reactions in banana enzymes, identify the specific research experience where you honed this knowledge, and explain the circumstances in your essay. If it was a research project, then provide details about the project name and supervisor, as well as your own role in the project and the daily tasks you performed.

Check out this video for tips on writing your CV for Grad School:

Don’t clutter your statement of intent with too many experiences and achievements. Always keep referencing your central thesis and evaluating if a specific experience will add to your overall narrative or not. After you’ve worked out your central thesis, spend some time analyzing all your academic, research, volunteer, extracurricular, employment, and life experiences. Select 2 to 5 of the most suitable experiences that align with both your research interests and the program admissions criteria and add only those. If you have numerous such experiences to choose from, we suggest prioritizing current or recent experiences.

As you’re discussing each experience or achievement, be specific and detailed, and provide all the relevant information including the names of supervisors, a detailed list of your duties, and so on. You can also make your statement of intent more robust by referring to a wide variety of sources as your research “inspiration”, including classes, academic conversations, workshops, lectures, seminars, books, as well as the more typical experiences of volunteering, work, or research.

A useful tip: make sure you’re adding transitory statements at the end and beginning of each paragraph, to build that logical flow and connect one experience or idea to the next. If you think your essay is looking too dry or CV-like, this is one quick fix you can try in order to narrativize your experiences.

Since a statement of intent is a more formal document written for a very specific purpose, ensure you are using professional/academic and formal language and, if required, you can use technical terms to explain your research ideas. Your evaluators will most likely be professionals from the same field, and they actually expect you to show your expertise in that specific area.

At the same time, avoid using long, complicated sentences. Make sure you use your authentic voice and keep your tone as natural as possible. Thoroughly check your essays for grammar, spelling, clarity of thought, logical flow, and coherence.

Remember that your statement of intent is very different from a personal statement. As we mentioned previously, it’s more formal and has a very specific focus. The admissions committee is expecting to see a coherent autobiography of your academic or professional interests and experiences. That should be your focus – you should only refer to personal information as it relates to the larger context of your academic experiences. For example, avoid telling stories from your childhood about your early interests or including details about life events that shaped you, unless they are strictly relevant to your research journey.

This isn’t the right platform to expand upon excessively personal issues such as an illness or major life changes. You can briefly touch upon these topics or weave them into your professional narrative, if it makes sense. For example, if your grades took a serious dip in a specific period due to personal circumstances, you could choose to briefly address that. But don’t make such incidents the central thesis of your statement of intent. Focus on skills, abilities and contributions, and your inspiration and motivation to pursue research. Rather than expanding on irrelevant childhood details, expand on your professional, academic, and personal connections to the program and school you’re applying to.

Avoid cliches and focus on facts

You don’t need a high-level research “break-through” or nationally recognized academic or research award to make your statement of intent stand out. Many students turn to cliches such as “I want to make the world a better place” or “I just want to help people” to hide what they perceive as insufficiently impressive experiences. In fact, no matter what your past experiences, it’s much better to focus on covering the facts, rather than evoking sentimental cliches to make your experiences seem grander than they actually are. Admissions committees aren’t expecting you to have advanced achievements beyond your level – the whole point of applying to grad school is to get the opportunity to do that level of work.

So instead of worrying about the “quality” of your experiences, focus on ensuring that your essay effectively discussed your best skills and true capabilities. Spend some time self-reflecting about what you learned from your academic, professional, and extracurricular experiences, how they contributed to your journey to grad school, what new skills you developed, what obstacles you overcame, and so on.

Write multiple drafts and seek feedback from experts

A statement of intent requires a little more intensive writing and editing than your typical admissions essays and statements. We suggest sharing your essay with subject matter experts such as research supervisors, faculty members, and other academic mentors who can give you their detailed feedback about the technical aspects of your statement. Their suggestions can help you refine your essay and identify ways to differentiate your thesis from others.

If you’re sure about the technical content of your essay, but need help with the writing, flow, coherence, grammar, and other such stylistic elements, consider getting expert help from a graduate school admissions consultant . These consultants have worked with numerous other students and can help you improve your written communication skills with proven strategies that work.

Whether or not you engage the help of experts, make sure you ask at least 1 other person to review your statement of intent once, even if they’re just a friend or family member. Remember, after going over the same content over and over again for days and weeks, visual fatigue sets in. A fresh pair of eyes can spot small errors and mistakes that you might have missed.

Sample Statement of Intent

Here’s a sample statement of intent for your reference:

Program/School : Clinical Psychology Masters at Ryerson University

Prompt : Describe your reasons for pursuing graduate study in the Psychology program, your research interests, how your previous studies and experiences have prepared you for the program, as well as your career objectives and how the graduate degree will advance them. (500-1000 words)

Statement of Intent:

“What is the ticking mechanism of the human mind? How can we truly know it?”

Professor Donaldson’s words from my very first Intro to Psychology class sparked my interest in the world of clinical psychology. Following my curiosity rewarded me with the discovery of my central academic passion in life – developmental psychology and its applications for adolescent females. Today, I hope to enroll in Ryerson University’s Clinical Psychology program so I can further explore my research interests and channel them towards my long-term goals of becoming a research-psychologist, combining clinical psychology practice with research experience to make new discoveries in this area. I believe my undergraduate education has prepared me to undertake advanced research projects and I would be an excellent candidate for your program.

My initial interest in psychology at the beginning of my freshman year soon led me to take on advanced psychology coursework, targeted personal reading, and extra credit projects. I soon built up a strong foundational base in the concepts of General Psychology, Behavioral Psychology, Social Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and Psychology of Gender Roles. When completing the last course during my sophomore year, I found that I had a strong academic interest in the intersections of gender theory and clinical psychology. I was simultaneously completing a Psychological Assessment Tools course to hone my clinical lab skills. The confluence of these two courses helped me synthesize my special interest in understanding and addressing the biases in classic psychological assessment tools and analyzing their impact on incorrect diagnosis, failed treatments, and rate of relapse in impacted patients, especially women. That was when I decided that I wanted to improve my research skills so I could eventually complete advanced studies in this area.

A statement of intent is an autobiographical summary of your research interests and experiences, with an emphasis on how the program you’re applying to can help you achieve your goals. Some schools provide specific prompts for their statement of intent, asking students to describe aspects of their program they would most benefit from. A statement of intent is a more formal and functional document than your typical admissions essays, and usually only research-intensive master’s courses request this type of essay in your application.

While these two admissions essays have a lot in common – for example, they are both research-focused and help admissions committees evaluate your academic and professional credentials for their program. However, a key difference between them is the scope. A statement of purpose is more general, focused on your overall academic, professional and/or extracurricular experiences and your long-term career goals. A statement of intent is more targeted and detailed, with a clear focus on your specific research interests. In your statement of intent, you must reference the programs you’re applying to, and explain at length how you can contribute to them and which of their offerings most attract you.

This depends on the specific requirements of the program you’re applying to. Generally, a statement of intent has a prescribed word count ranging from 250 to 1000 words. Even if there’s no maximum word count provided, we recommend not exceeding 900 words. While you need to explain your research interests in detail, remember that this essay is not a research thesis and doesn’t need that level of scientific enquiry.

Your statement of intent should have the following structure:

  • Introduction : This should clearly set out your central thesis and reference your research interests and the name of the program/school you’re applying to.
  • Main body paragraphs : You can add 1 to 5 body paragraphs to discuss the details of relevant experiences and achievements, key skills and qualities, and your specific interest in the program you’re applying to.
  • Conclusion : Here, make sure you reiterate your research thesis, and call back to the program/college name. Provide a clear statement of why you think you are a uniquely well-suited candidate for their program.

To write an impressive statement of intent, you’ll have to spend sufficient time researching the facilities and features of the program and school you’re applying to, analyzing your own research interests and skills, and coming up with a central “thesis” that aligns the two. Include details of multiple experiences, achievements, awards, and activities to support your claims and prove your passion and suitability for a specific research area. Avoid including irrelevant personal details or cliches, and instead focus on creating a logical flow of experiences leading to your current application.

No, your statement of intent must be tailored for each program you’re applying to. That’s the whole point of a statement of intent – it explains why you’re well-suited to a particular program, and how you intend to use their resources to further your research interests. If you don’t refer to their unique offerings and instead just provide a general summary of your research interests, admissions committees will not be able to gauge why you’re a good fit for their program.

No, not all graduate programs ask for a statement of intent. Some ask for an additional statement of intent along with a personal statement and/or statement of purpose, while others only require the statement of intent. You should check the admissions websites of the schools you’re applying to learn more.

We recommend that you spend at least 6 weeks writing your statement of intent. This will give you sufficient time to refine your central “research thesis”, analyze your history of experiences to identify the most suitable ones, write and edit multiple drafts, and seek out feedback from expert reviewers.

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Have a question ask our admissions experts below and we'll answer your questions.

ITABANA, BLESSING EFFIONG

Absolutely loved reading this. Great job!!!

BeMo Academic Consulting

Hello and thank you very much for your comment! So glad you enjoyed this article!

Do you have any research statement of intent for Master's in Physics?

Hello Saba! Thanks for your comment. We will try to include one when we update the blog :)

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Writing your personal statement - postgraduate

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Why do I need to write a Personal Statement?

Your personal statement is an important part of your application to the University. It is your chance to explain, in your own words, how the programme at the University of Hull fits with your interests, knowledge and skills and how it will support your future study or career aims. 

Whatever your chosen course, if you need a visa to study in the UK the personal statement is an important part of the University’s assessment of your genuine intent to study here. 

We need to know about all previous study you have attempted, whether successful/completed or not. Please tell us of any problems you may have encountered during your study and clearly show if your end result was for a different award from that expected (for example, if you gained a diploma when attempting a degree - or perhaps you gained a Postgraduate Diploma rather than the Masters you were aiming for). 

Writing your personal statement may help you prepare your thoughts ready for any interview either with University staff or, if applying for a visa to study at Hull, with visa officers. 

Make sure your personal statement is your own work – it must not be written by an agent or other adviser or copied from another applicant

What should I include?

Your personal statement should be around 300-500 words. 

In your statement you should highlight: 

Your interest in the course and how it fits with your career aspirations 

How your previous study links with this course 

If applying for a new academic discipline tell us why you now have an interest in the new area 

Why you would like to study at the University of Hull specifically 

Relevant work experience or other experience relevant to the course (particularly important if you applying for a course in a professional training are such as teaching, nursing or social work) 

And anything else you would like to tell us about yourself that makes you a great candidate 

International students must tell us about all prior UK study (whether completed/passed or not, including any short courses)

Your personal statement is not a test of English language spelling or grammar but we will expect you to be able to write a clear summary.

Postgraduate Research Applicants 

If you are writing a personal statement as part of a scholarship application, please refer to the advert to check if you need to provide anything different in your personal statement.

Your personal statement should be a little longer, around 2 pages of A4 text. 

As well as the points above also tell us about  

Relevant research experience (such as a project completed during a previous degree)  

Any academic work you have published or which is awaiting publication.  

If you are also applying for a specific research scholarship you should use the personal statement to explain succinctly, why you believe you are the best candidate for the position –we suggest that you think about it in the way you would an application for a job.

Find out about how to write a good research proposal . 

Next steps and related information

  • Your applicant journey - UK | International
  • Personal statements 
  • Writing a research proposal
  • Interviews, auditions and portfolios
  • How we process your application
  • E: [email protected]
  • T: +44 (0)1482 466850

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Statement Of Intent: How To Write It With Examples

  • by Chisom Hope
  • August 10, 2023
  • No comments
  • 7 minute read

Statement-Of-Intent

Table of Contents Hide

What is the statement of intent’s purpose, will i be able to amend my intent statement, who can assist me in developing my statement of intent, top guidelines for creating a statement of intent, #1. create your main research thesis., #2. customise your content for each programme., #3. stick to the rules., #4. tell a tale according to your experiences., #5. don’t go very personal., #6. avoid cliches and concentrate on facts., #7. write several drafts and solicit comments from specialists., #1. intention statement, #2. health and safety statement of intent responsibilities, #3. health and safety statement of intent precautions.

Examples of a Statement of Intent 

A statement of intent, often known as a statement of interest, is one of many written essay-style components. That is required throughout the higher education admissions process to help admissions committees better understand the candidate. Read on as we look into examples of statement of intent, health and safety, and how to write them.

Statement Of Intent

A statement of intent, in particular, is something you’ll need to write in order to be admitted to graduate school. Moreover, it is not required for all master’s programmes. It is often asked in addition to or as an alternative to the statement of aim. Hence, this type of remark is frequently used in research-intensive programmes. They are looking for applicants to elaborate on their research abilities, research experience, and specific interests in this essay.

At its essence, a statement of intent is a functional document with an implicit argument. Furthermore, it has a single aim and a single theme. Which explains how your research or professional interests match with the elements of the programme you’re applying to.

To write and utilise your statement of intent to examine the broad grasp of your field of research interest. And to identify which School or Institute would be best suited to you depending on your research area. Furthermore, it will also assist us in identifying a suitable supervisor for your project.

Indeed, during the programme work stage. You will have the chance to improve your statement of intent into a complete research proposal. As you increase your expertise on the topic of research. And in response to comments from your lecturers, tutors, and supervisor(s),

Firstly, you should try to write an initial draft of your statement of intent on your own. Depending on your research interests and knowledge of the discipline.

Secondly, you must identify and contact a possible supervisor to discuss your statement of intent. A researcher with a similar interest or experience in your field may be able to provide input to help you improve your statement of goal.

Lastly, as part of your application, you must write a letter of a statement of intent of support from your recommended supervisor.

Keep these pointers in mind as you prepare to draft an amazing statement of purpose that effectively communicates your research skills.

If you’re applying to graduate school, you’ve probably already decided on the type of study you’d like to do.

As previously said, your statement of intent must be very clear. And must allude to the programmes to which you are applying. Some institutions will even provide you with a special prompt. Asking you to discuss which faculty members you want to work with. Which sub-department you want to study in, and so on. Make certain that you conduct the necessary study on what the school and programme have to offer. So that you can appropriately reference this information in your statement. To begin, you should look at the programme websites. If they do not provide sufficient information, we propose that you contact alumni, teachers, and current students to learn more.

Learn about faculty members’ credentials, previously published work, ongoing projects, and so on. Examine the school’s facilities, such as equipment, labs, and academic resources, as well as unique research or clinical experience opportunities. Don’t overlook extracurricular activities, including student support groups, famous clubs, and other chances you won’t find at any other college.

Make notes about how your own strengths relate to the program’s distinctive characteristics while you conduct this research.

As you begin your writing, make certain that you have thoroughly reviewed all of the rules provided by the school and that you are strictly adhering to them. For example, if there is a prompt, go through it several times to ensure that you are answering to both the spirit and the letter of the prompt. Other factors to consider are the maximum and minimum word count, the specific format, and “suggested” style requirements. Some institutions, for example, require you to create a formal statement that includes academic citations of works to back up each of your research claims, as well as references to books that have influenced you. To meet these kinds of special criteria, you’ll need to tailor the presentation, format, and content of each declaration of intent.

It is critical to remember that, while your statement of goal is a more technical and useful essay, it should not be only a dry presentation of facts, akin to a CV for graduate school. Instead, write a coherent and compelling narrative about your accomplishments and experiences that led you to your research goals, as well as how they relate to the programme you’re applying to. Include specifics about your talents and noteworthy traits, backed up by real-life experiences that demonstrate your interest and excitement for the subject.

Remember that your statement of intent is not the same as your personal statement. As previously said, it is more formal and has a very specific focus. The admissions committee is looking for a well-organized autobiography that details your academic or professional interests and experiences. That should be your primary focus; only refer to personal facts in relation to the greater framework of your academic experiences. For example, unless they are directly relevant to your research trip, avoid discussing stories from your youth about your early hobbies or giving specifics about life experiences that affected you.

This is not the place to discuss highly personal problems such as illness or big life changes. If it makes sense, you can briefly mention these issues or weave them into your professional story. For example, if your grades suffered significantly over a given period owing to personal problems, you might want to address them quickly. However, don’t make such instances the main point of your statement of goal. Concentrate on your strengths, skills, and contributions, as well as your inspiration and drive to pursue research. Rather than focusing on unnecessary childhood details, emphasise your professional, intellectual, and personal ties to the programme and school to which you’re applying.

To make your statement of intent stand out, you don’t need a high-level scientific “breakthrough” or a nationally renowned academic or research prize. Many students use platitudes like “I want to make the world a better place” or “I just want to help others” to mask what they believe to be inadequately remarkable experiences. In fact, regardless of your previous experiences, it is far better to focus on reporting the facts than evoking romantic cliches to make your experiences appear greater than they are. Admissions committees aren’t expecting you to have advanced achievements above your level; the whole goal of applying to grad school is to acquire the chance to do that level of work.

So, rather than stressing about the “quality” of your experiences, make sure that your essay successfully presents your best skills and actual capabilities. Spend some time focusing on what you gained from your academic, professional, and extracurricular experiences, how they helped you go to graduate school, what new skills you developed, what hurdles you overcame, and so on.

A declaration of intent necessitates more in-depth writing and editing than standard admissions essays and statements. We recommend that you share your essay with subject matter specialists such as research supervisors, faculty members, and other academic mentors who can provide thorough input on the technical components of your statement. Their comments can assist you in refining your essay and identifying strategies to distinguish your topic from others.

If you’re confident in the technical content of your essay but need assistance with the writing, flow, coherence, grammar, and other stylistic components, consider hiring a graduate school admissions consultant. These consultants have worked with many other students and can help you improve your written communication skills using tried-and-true tactics.

Health And Safety Statement Of Intent

The following is the statement of health and safety statement of intent

Describe your overall workplace health and safety statement of intent, particularly your dedication to maintaining health and safety and your goals. You, as the employer or the most senior person in the organisation, should sign it and review it on a frequent basis.

List the names, positions, and roles of those in your company who are specifically responsible for health and safety.

Give specifics on the practical procedures you’ve put in place to fulfil your health and safety policy goals. This could include conducting a risk assessment, training staff, and utilising safety signs or equipment.

Rose Applicant

12345 Anytown, California

555-555-5555

[email protected]

The first of September, 2023

Librarian in Charge

The Acme University

123 Business Road

54321 Business City, New York

Greetings, Mr. Williams:

I’m writing to express my serious interest in the post of library aide at Acme University, which is advertised on Monster.com. I am a recent college graduate with substantial library experience and a proven track record of strong written and oral communication skills. Furthermore, I believe I would be an excellent fit for this position at your company. (Statement of Intent Examples)

I am adept at interacting successfully with a wide range of people through multiple platforms. As an administrative assistant at Longmont Library, I spoke with dozens of patrons on the phone and in-person every day. I also responded to emails and social media inquiries from customers. The circulation department director complimented me on my cheerful approach, patience, and ability to speak effectively with all patrons.

Moreover, I am really interested in staying up to date on the most recent library best practices. Hence, I have two years of expertise working with Ex Libris and Koha, two of the most extensively used library management systems. I am also well-versed with the most recent OCLC input requirements. (Statement of Intent Examples)

Finally, I feel that my expertise, communication skills, and interpersonal qualities would make me an excellent candidate for this role. I look forward to discussing my qualifications with you more. (Statement of Intent Examples)

Applicant Rose

A statement of intent, often known as a statement of interest, is one of many written essay-style components required throughout the higher learning admissions process to help admissions committees better understand the candidate

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  • Essay on Sociology

Sample Personal Statement On Statement Of Intent

Type of paper: Personal Statement

Topic: Sociology , Canada , Community , Family , Policy , Planning , Time Management , City

Published: 02/22/2020

ORDER PAPER LIKE THIS

My desire to pursue a career in urban planning grew following the experience I encountered while working in East Scarborough community church while undertaking the community service course. On one occasion, a father a little girl was imprisoned, and the other another kid’s father committed suicide. Even though I wanted to help these kids, I had nothing to offer other than a mere comforting through wiping their tears. Furthermore, while undertaking research on policy analysis on the Priority Neighborhood Initiative (PNI) in East Scarborough, i came to learn the housing problems facing immigrants, particularly in Flemingdon Park, Toronto. I came to realize how tough it is for immigrants and Canadians to own a home in Toronto. All these problems led me to realize the kind of challenges facing the society, most of which are not easily recognized by most people, especially those that are within the well-off class in our community. It is after this experience that I felt that I should find a way of providing solutions to such problems, and I could not find any better option other than being involved in urban planning in the society. Through planning, I will be in a better position in influencing the kind of policies that are implemented, which could effectively address most of the problems experienced by the less fortunate people in our society. Rapid urbanization contributed to various problems, including housing, crimes, water and sanitation issues, as well as many other problem; and it is only through effective planning that most of these problems could be addressed. While my other friends find stock exchange, going abroad and international internship appealing, I find the local societal issues are often overlooked. The quality of life for all people in Toronto determines the prosperity of a city, which is fundamental in the current era of globalization. Social planning and policy analysis are, therefore, crucial aspects in building community capacity. It would be an honor to take part in this process, and this could only happen if I am properly equipped with MSc in Planning. I have already tried to make a difference by becoming a summer camp counselor at Toronto City Mission, an organization dedicated to community development through carrying out various social programs. The camp had five different camp sites across Toronto, and it was amazing to see how different all these camps are. The most “profitable” campsite with the best-behaved kids is based in Bridletown, a typical Chinese neighborhood; whereas the most “heahache” campsite is in Jane and Finch. I was fascinated by this geographically embedded ethno-cultural diversity. As minority population continue to grow, how do the planning profession in Toronto cope with diversity? Whether the diversity in our city translates into a competitive advantage or a never ending burden lies on the many trajectory of social policies. Finally, following my community service in East Scarborough, I came to experience the misery of many people, especially immigrants’ life in the City of Toronto. I would therefore like to enter the profession of Urban Planning with a focus of social planning in University of Toronto. “No one rain drop believes it caused the flood, no snowflake in an avalanche ever feels responsible.” My goal is to becoming one of the rain drops that would transform Toronto.

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COMMENTS

  1. Guidance on how to apply for an ATAS certificate

    How to complete the online application form. The online application form has 10 sections. You should complete it fully, with as much detail as possible in each section. The application portal is ...

  2. Applying for an ATAS certificate

    Personal Statement of Purpose: See below for more information; Referees: You will be asked to provide the name and contact details for two referees to support your ATAS application. Statement of Research. The statement will be viewable in your self-service account via the 'UK Immigration' link as soon as the department has provided it.

  3. How to complete the ATAS application form

    The ATAS team have confirmed that, despite being an 'employed PhD' student applying for a Skilled Worker Visa, as you will be studying for a PhD you qualify only for a student ATAS application. ... Personal Statement of Intent. This is not a description of what you will be researching, but rather why. We suggest including information on why ...

  4. PDF Guide to completing ATAS application online.

    Guide to completing ATAS application online. When you begin your ATAS application please select University College London from the drop-down menu. Your ATAS certificate must be linked to the University College London for the certificate to be valid for a visa application or to start your course of study or postgraduate research.

  5. Guide to completing the ATAS Online Application Form

    [email protected] with your ATAS application reference number, date of application, and estimated decision date (as given in the ATAS application portal). How long is ATAS valid for? If you need to apply for a visa, your ATAS clearance certificate is only valid to be used in a visa application for 6 months from the date of issue.

  6. Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

    The Academic Technology Approval Scheme ( ATAS) applies to all international students and researchers (apart from exempt nationalities) who are subject to UK immigration control and are intending ...

  7. PDF ATAS guidance

    VY-LIAM NG ATAS GUIDANCE V.2 6 This is just a personal statement for this". After you finish a section, you can either "Save for later" if you feel like you need to make more edits, or press "Review Progress" which will check if the field is filled in correctly. It will turn green if

  8. Applying to the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

    How to apply for an ATAS certificate. If we confirm that you need an ATAS certificate, you can apply for it through the UK government website. You will need to provide details of two referees who you have known for three years or more. These should be academic contacts from your studies at home.

  9. PDF Applying for your ATAS Certificate

    offer to apply for the ATAS certificate. As the process can take up to 4 weeks, we recommend that you make the application for your ATAS clearance as soon as you have your unconditional offer. The resulting ATAS certificate can be used in an application for up to 6 months. Extending your visa You must apply for an ATAS certificate and enclose

  10. ATAS

    It can take 20 working days to obtain an ATAS certificate. Between April and September this can increase to 30 working days or more. Apply for your ATAS as early as possible but no more than 6 months prior to the course start date. This is because an ATAS certificate is only valid for 6 months. Errors and omissions in your ATAS application may ...

  11. Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) for Academics/Researchers

    The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) applies to all international students and researchers (apart from exempt nationalities) who are subject to UK immigration control and are intending to study or research at postgraduate level in certain sensitive subjects. The subjects and research areas are those where knowledge could be used in ...

  12. Applying for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate

    How to apply for an ATAS. You should apply online for an ATAS certificate. The process is free. Applicants typically need the following details when applying: Contact details. Passport details. Name and nationality of your spouse/partner (if applicable) Details of your previous studies. Details of your previous/current employment (if applicable)

  13. Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

    is a period of study or research which is part of an overseas postgraduate qualification. This is for both new students applying for entry clearance to the UK and existing students already in the UK applying for leave to remain. You will be required to show your ATAS certificate in order to enrol on your programme.

  14. ATAS: Frequently asked questions

    Send an email to [email protected] including your applicant number/UCAS ID, ATAS reference number and new passport number, with a scan of your new passport attached. We will ask the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to issue a new ATAS certificate with your new passport number. Please see below for answers to frequently asked ...

  15. ATAS Expansion from 21 May 2021

    ATAS Application. The online ATAS system will go live on (or around) the 14 May. There is no fee for a ATAS application. The online application will require information on areas such as: Studies, and employment history; All published papers; Research Statement - to be provided by the University; Statement of intent and plans after completion ...

  16. Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

    Examples of good research support statements are provided below. Continuing students who need to apply for a new ATAS certificate (e.g. CDT 1+3 students progressing from MScR to PhD, or students who have changed their research direction part way through their studies) may request an ATAS support letter from the Informatics Graduate School.

  17. Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

    The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) requires all international students (apart from exempt nationalities) who are subject to UK immigration control and are intending to study or research at postgraduate level in certain sensitive subjects to apply for obtain an ATAS certificate.The subjects and research areas are those where knowledge could be used in programmes to develop Advanced ...

  18. How to Write a Statement of Intent

    Prompt: Describe your reasons for pursuing graduate study in the Psychology program, your research interests, how your previous studies and experiences have prepared you for the program, as well as your career objectives and how the graduate degree will advance them. (500-1000 words) Statement of Intent:

  19. Writing your personal statement

    Your personal statement should be around 300-500 words. In your statement you should highlight: Your interest in the course and how it fits with your career aspirations. How your previous study links with this course. If applying for a new academic discipline tell us why you now have an interest in the new area.

  20. How to Write a Personal Statement

    Watch out for cliches like "making a difference," "broadening my horizons," or "the best thing that ever happened to me." 3. Stay focused. Try to avoid getting off-track or including tangents in your personal statement. Stay focused by writing a first draft and then re-reading what you've written.

  21. Statement Of Intent: How To Write It With Examples

    Tell a tale according to your experiences. #5. Don't go very personal. #6. Avoid cliches and concentrate on facts. #7. Write several drafts and solicit comments from specialists. Health And Safety Statement Of Intent. #1.

  22. PDF ATAS Example research proposals 2

    Bad examples. 1. The student will work in the area of material science on a PhD programme. They will carry out experimental tests, analysis and report writing. Testing will include strain measurements, indentation testing and crack analysis. Reason for being poor: insufficient information on the scope and application / use of the research.

  23. Sample Personal Statement On Statement Of Intent

    Sample Personal Statement On Statement Of Intent. My desire to pursue a career in urban planning grew following the experience I encountered while working in East Scarborough community church while undertaking the community service course. On one occasion, a father a little girl was imprisoned, and the other another kid's father committed ...