Master Your Future: Study in the UK for Global Success

The UK is an exciting study abroad destination. Not only does it open up many doors to career opportunities but its multicultural environment helps build up your sense of self too. The country lists 3 universities in the top 10 of the world and attracts about 5,00,000 international students every year. 

So, what do you need to pursue a Masters degree in the UK? Let’s have a look at popular courses, top universities, requirements, funding options and more.

What is a Masters degree?

A Masters degree in the UK is a level-7 qualification, usually done after completing your undergraduate degree. It involves intensive study of a specific subject for a period of one year in the UK. Masters courses tend to be over a 2 year period in other countries. 

Why study a Masters degree in the UK?

The country has established itself among the top 10 in the world for global education across several metrics and in separate world rankings. Masters courses from UK universities are respected everywhere in the world and are a huge advantage in the international job market.

With more than half a million international students enrolling every year, the UK is culturally diverse. You get to meet new and interesting people from various cultures as part of your studies, which in turn expands your horizons. In addition, a global, professional network helps build exciting career opportunities. 

If you’re looking for a shorter study period, a Masters in the UK is especially beneficial, as program duration in the country runs through a year, while Masters courses in the rest of the world typically last 2 years. With a UK Masters, you can finish your studies in a year and enter the job market. 

If you’re wondering if the UK is for you, look no further. 

What are the popular master degree courses in the UK?

There are two types of Masters courses in the UK- Taught Masters and Research Masters.

Taught Masters

Here, the teaching style is as with your undergraduate program, where your subject is divided into various modules and you will have a set timetable of lectures and seminars. Subject experts or academics in charge will lead you through the modules. A taught Masters typically lasts a year. 

Taught masters are the most popular degrees among international students in the UK. Here is a list of popular taught Masters programs in the country. 

• Computer Science
• Journalism
• Business Administration
• International relations
• Psychology

Research Masters

Research masters are more independent in nature and do not involve any timely lectures and seminars. In a research masters, your focus will be on extended projects. Even though you receive expert support, you will need to do your research work on your own. Research masters may take two or more years to complete.

What are the popular cities to study in the UK?

The UK comprises 4 countries, each with their own list of top 10 universities – England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. Some cities are known for being home to the top 10 universities in the country and are typically, extremely multicultural, cosmopolitan and great sites for networking. These cities include

• London, England
• Liverpool, England
• Edinburgh, Scotland
• Belfast, Northern Ireland
• Swansea, Wales

On the other hand, the UK is also home to short-duration Masters study programs and global networking opportunities at a cheaper international cost. Students looking to cut costs can consider the following top 10 cities in the UK for an affordable yet world class education. 

• Cardiff
• Bristol
• Leicester
• Southampton
• Manchester

Which universities and colleges to attend in the UK?

Which university you decide to apply to will depend on the specialization you are looking at, the affordability factor and so much more, which will be unique to you. Universities in the UK are categorized based on the year they were founded in. These are:

Old Universities

These are the universities that were founded in the 12th and 13th centuries. The University of Oxford is one of the oldest universities in the UK.

Redbrick Universities

These universities were founded in the late 19th century and were built in the industrial cities of the UK.

New Universities

The universities founded after 1992 come under this category.

Below are the list of top universities to study masters in the UK,

Top Universities in The UK

Top Universities in England

• University of Oxford
• University of Cambridge
• Imperial College London
• London School of Economics and Political Science

Top Universities in Scotland

• University of St Andrews
• University of Edinburgh
• University of Glasgow
• University of Aberdeen
• University of Dundee

Top Universities in Northern Ireland

• Queens University
• Ulster University

Top Universities in Wales

• Cardiff University
• Swansea University
• Aberystwyth University
• Bangor University
• Cardiff Metropolitan University

All the above-mentioned universities are ranked under University League Tables 2020 rankings.

How much does a masters program cost in the UK?

Typically tuition fees of the master’s program in the UK range between £9,000 – £15,000

(approximately 8.39 lakhs – 14 lakhs INR) per year.

In addition to the tuition fee, you need to pay for food, rent and other expenses during your study in the UK. This may cost you around £15,180 (approximately 14 lakhs INR) per year if you wish to stay in London. As you already know London is an expensive city and you can save up to £3,000 (approximately 2.79 lakhs INR) on your living expenses per year if you wish to stay outside of London.

The tuition fee and living expenses for a one-year masters program range between £21,180- £30,180 ( approximately 19.73 – 28.11 Lakhs INR). 

What are the postgraduate funding options available to study in the UK?

Studying masters in the UK is an expensive affair. To relieve you of the financial burden, universities, government bodies and various other organizations provide scholarships that you can apply for. The various funding options include Scholarships, Bursaries, Grants, Fellowships and Loans. These funding options may cover partial to full tuition fees, living expenses including accommodation and flight tickets (to and from the home country). 

However, the amount funded depends on the funds provider and/or on the requirement of the person. In order to get the funding, you are required to fulfill certain criteria. This criterion varies from one provider to another. Check with the provider before applying for the funds.

What are the requirements to study a masters degree in the UK?

Requirements for studying masters in the UK vary from course to course and from university to university. Common requirements to apply for a masters degree include,

Undergraduate or Bachelor’s Degree

To apply for a master degree you need to have completed your undergraduate degree with at least 60% marks. However, this differs based on the program and the university you opt for.

English Language Proficiency

In order to gain admission into the UK university, you need to prove your language proficiency. You might need to take the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam. This language test is to ensure that you will not struggle to understand the course taught in English. Also, make sure to check with your university before you decide whether to take the IELTS or IELTS UKVI. 

Professional Experience

All the courses do not require you to have the professional experience to gain admission. However, some courses like Masters in Social Work may need professional experience to understand your passion and enthusiasm for the course.

Entrance Exams

If you are applying for Business Administration courses (MBA), then you are required to take the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test). And a few universities ask international students for the GRE (Graduate Record Exam) as well.

On the whole, the UK is an excellent place to get a masters degree from and find exposure to various cultures that build your confidence and boost your career. 

If you have trouble making a decision and need more clarity, feel free to contact our student support team, who will work with you to bring the clarity you need. 

All the best!