Cover Letter guidance

You should provide a 2-page (approximately 1000 word) cover letter as part of your application.

Please note that the MPhil is a professional practice programme designed to equip its graduates to act as change agents who can embed sustainability in diverse professional settings.

We are therefore seeking candidates who combine a strong academic background in engineering or a related field with relevant professional experience. Successful applicants are likely to have either at least two years of relevant work experience, or an outstanding academic record and evidence of engagement with sustainability related activities.

We define ‘sustainability’ broadly and welcome applications from prospective students with backgrounds in all the engineering disciplines.

The cover letter should reflect on your experience working as an engineer or in an engineering-related role (such as, for instance, as an architect, urban planner, or environmental services or policy professional) and on how the course will advance your capacity to positively influence engineering practice; we are particularly interested in experience other than academic research (whether in the private, public, or third sector).

Applicants with backgrounds in non-engineering-related areas should explain why they want to study alongside engineers, and how doing so will enable them to contribute to engineering practice.

Please note that this reflection should include:

  • A clear summary of your total years of professional experience.
  • Discussion of your engagement with and observations of sustainable development issues.
  • Consideration of specific experiences to support your reflections on professional practice. If you have not yet completed your first degree, reflections can be supported by making reference to any internship, volunteering, or other engagements.
  • Discussion of how the course will address gaps you identify in your academic/professional profile.
  • Discussion of why this is an appropriate time in your career to join the course.

If you are applying as a student or recent graduate your statement may place more emphasis on articulating (i) your relevant academic excellence and achievements; (ii) your engagement with sustainability issues and (iii) how this course is relevant to you at your career stage. We encourage you to reflect on any relevant professional experience you may have had, such as through internships.

We are looking for:

  • candidates with good academic performance in their first degree.
  • candidates with at least two years of professional experience. If you don’t have this experience, please make sure to articulate your academic engagement with sustainability and the relevance of the course at this stage of your career in your personal statement.
  • candidates who are able to reflect on their experiences and connect them with sustainable development issues
  • candidates with potential to benefit from and contribute to a discursive, practice-oriented programme
  • evidence of capacity to engage in Master’s level education

We explore this through:

  • Your application materials
  • Your referees’ accounts of you
  • Your cover letter
  • Your CV, and
  • At interview (if invited)