UNC Degree Option

Before an application will be evaluated, it must be complete and meet the requirements below. Applicants are responsible for directing the materials appropriately, according to the instructions provided. Failure to direct materials per the instructions will result in delays in the processing of your application.

A complete application includes the following documents, which can be printed from this website by following the appropriate links. All forms can also be requested from the TAM office at UNC via email (tam@unc.edu) or mail (TAM, UNC CB# 3449, Chapel Hill, NC 27599).

Please note that these directions apply to both TAM tracks.

The following items (1-5) should be submitted directly to the Graduate School at UNC Chapel Hill.

  1. Graduate School Application
    UNC Graduate School application: Please fill out the form as an application for the UNC M.A. in Political Science.
  2. Transcripts
    Official transcripts of all university/college level coursework: One official transcript from each post-secondary (after high school) institution attended, bearing the signature of the registrar and the seal of the institution. To prevent delays, applicants may submit transcripts before mid-year grades are posted (final transcripts must then follow).
  3. GRE Scores
    Official GRE General Test scores are required for all applicants pursuing a UNC-Chapel Hill M.A. degree. Plan to take the GRE by December or early Jan. to be considered for fall admission. (UNC's ETS Institutional Code is R5816). While photocopies of score reports are useful for informal evaluation, the official report of your score must arrive before admission can be offered.

    Information on computerized testing, exam registration, and score distribution request is available via ETS at http://www.gre.org/

  4. TOEFL
    All international applicants, except those from countries where English is the official language of instruction OR those who have received a degree from a university in the United States (excluding trust territories) must submit an acceptable, official (reported directly from ETS) TOEFL score. TOEFL scores are reportable for a period of two years from date of the exam; scores more than two years old will not be reported by ETS, and thus cannot be considered by us. We will keep TOEFL scores on file for only one year. When you register for the test, you should indicate the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Graduate School (institution #5816) as a score recipient. If you did not specify at the time of taking the TOEFL that the UNC-CH Graduate School was to receive your scores, you must promptly ask Educational Testing Service (ETS) to send your scores to us (institution #5816). While we will be happy to receive photocopies of score reports for informal evaluation, admission cannot be offered until the official report arrives. You should take the test no later than December in order for the score to arrive by our deadline.
  5. Application Fee
    A non-refundable application fee is required for all applicants. This must be paid to the UNC-CH Graduate School in US dollars via credit card, a check drawn on a US bank account, or by money order. To find the current fee structure, please consult the UNC Graduate School.

The following items (6-13) should be submitted directly to the TAM office at UNC Chapel Hill: TAM, Center for European Studies, Office 3208; FedEx Global Education Center; 301 Pittsboro Street; CB# 3449, Chapel Hill, NC 27599

  1. TAM Program Application
    The application may be downloaded here in PDF format.
  2. TAM Language Evaluation(s)
    This form should be completed for any languages which have been learned through study. The language evaluation should be conducted by a university or college faculty member, with the goal of confirming the student's ability to participate fully in university level coursework in that language. (If a student is a native speaker of one of the consortium languages, it is not necessary to complete this form.) Please note that this form is optional, but recommended, if you are applying for TAM’s track II. The form may be downloaded here in PDF format. Please note that if you are applying to study at Sciences-Po, you must also take their on-line French test.
  3. Statement of Purpose
    Provide a 500-word statement in English explaining your interest in the Trans-Atlantic Masters program and your research interests. Although this statement does not commit you to a particular topic or location for your thesis, it should indicate that you have given some thought to the structure of your study program. You may submit either an email attachment (tam@unc.edu) or a postal mail version of this essay.
  4. Writing Sample
    Include a ten-page sample of your writing in English. This should be an academic essay, or a section of some larger academic work. You may submit either an email attachment (tam@unc.edu) or a postal mail version of this text.
  5. Financial Certificate (Only applies to non-residents of the US)
    In order to meet US immigration requirements for entry into the United States, proof of sufficient financial resources to cover educational and living expenses for the duration of your program must be in place before visa documents can be issued. A completed Financial Certificate outlining financial support available to you, along with original evidence of the amounts indicated (bank statements, scholarship letters, etc.), must be submitted along with your application for admission. This form is also required for international students currently residing in the United States. The University does not have special travel or study scholarships for international students.

    All supporting documentation submitted with these financial certificates MUST be written in English, in US dollar amounts, and in triplicate. No exceptions can be made to this rule, and your application cannot be considered until these forms are completed.

    The form may be downloaded here in PDF format.

  6. Letters of Recommendation Three (3) current letters of recommendation from persons qualified to evaluate your academic and professional qualifications are required. You should request recommendations from individuals who are familiar with your academic achievement and potential who can address your potential for success in this particular academic setting. The recommendation forms may be downloaded here in PDF format.
  7. Official Transcripts One official transcript from each post-secondary (after high school) institution attended, bearing the signature of the registrar and the seal of the institution, To prevent delays, applicants may submit transcripts before mid-year grades are posted (final transcripts must then follow).
  8. CV A recent copy of your curriculum vitæ is also required.

Deadline

The applications deadline can be found on the application forms and directions page.

Special Information for non-residents of the US

Transcripts

All international applicants are required to submit official academic records bearing the signature of the registrar or another academic official and either a raised or ink stamp or seal of the issuing institution. The prospective student must hold the degree of Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science, or its equivalent — based on a four-year curriculum — in a foreign country. Please be certain that your name appears exactly the same on the application and on all supporting documents.

Financial Certificate

Completion of the financial certificate must follow all regulations exactly. Please contact the TAM office at UNC with questions as you complete the forms and assemble supporting documentation. All supporting documentation must (1) bear the name of the student (2) be written in English and US dollars (3) be submitted in triplicate; photocopies cannot be accepted. Further information concerning visa, US Immigration, or financial certificate matters can be obtained from the UNC Office of International Student and Scholar Services.

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