Masters in the United Kingdom; A Complete Guide

Masters in the United Kingdom; A Complete Guide

With a long and proud tradition of academic success, the higher education system in the United Kingdom is well-known around the world. It goes without saying that many people from all over the world choose to do their Masters’s studies in the United Kingdom. The UK’s prestigious colleges, vibrant cities, and gorgeous countryside all attract international postgraduates. Every year, the UK accepts up to 490,000 foreign students. Its higher education system is as diverse as the nation itself, ranging from venerable Oxford and Cambridge universities to cutting-edge, cutting-edge institutes. England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are the four separate countries that make up the UK, each of which has its own distinctive university system.

International students pursuing various study abroad master’s programs in the UK strike gold in their careers. The UK is home to 17 of the best institutions in the world, it provides English-taught courses, gives students a variety of engaging educational opportunities, and more. In addition, several UK locations have been recognised as the best for students, with London taking the top rank globally. This suggests that in terms of price and appeal, UK cities provide foreign students with the finest student experiences. The most sought-after programme out of all those given in the UK is the master’s degree programme, which is provided by some of the best universities there.

We’ll explore every facet of obtaining a postgraduate degree in the UK in this blog, including the top institutions, various study abroad masters programs in the UK, tuition costs, admission requirements, and some of the finest Master’s courses to study in the UK

Reasons to pursue study abroad masters programs in the UK-

  • Academic excellence and international recognition: Of the 164 universities and other higher education institutions in the United Kingdom, 17 are ranked in the top 100 universities in the world. The fact that all UK universities are renowned internationally is an extra bonus. Consequently, you may work anywhere in the globe with the same important degree if you complete Masters’s study in the UK since UK Masters are world-renowned and esteemed.
  • World-class universities- Numerous UK universities consistently rank among the top institutions in the world. There are over 90 top master-granting institutions in the UK that have achieved rankings on the QS rating board. The top 10 universities in the world include four UK institutions. This makes the UK a good option for a master’s programme.
  • Course flexibility- UK universities for masters provide a variety of programmes that give you the freedom to explore, mix, and advance your knowledge by allowing you to change your courses as you see fit.
  • Course Duration- Compared to other well-known study abroad locations like the UK and Canada, a master’s degree in the UK may be completed in only one year. This translates to lower tuition costs for students attending master’s programmes at UK institutions.
  • Post-study work opportunities- Masters students in the UK are permitted to remain on for two years. The PhD programme allows students to remain in the UK for an additional three years. As a result, graduates from the top master’s universities in the UK have plenty of time to hunt for employment and submit a work visa application.

Types of Masters’s study in the UK

Masters study in the UK for international students are of 2 major types namely, Taught Masters and Research Masters. Let’s learn more about the two in-depth and choose which is best for you.

Taught Masters 

In the UK, there are four main categories of master’s programmes: master’s in arts (MA), master’s in science (MSc), master’s in engineering (MEng), and master’s in business administration (MBA) (MBA). The master’s students who chose a taught programme must attend weekly lectures, tutorials, and seminars. Projects or dissertations are used for evaluation. The full-time taught master’s is typically one to two years.

Research Masters

Master of Philosophy (MPhil), Master of Science (MSc), and Master of Research (MRes) are some of the most popular research degrees in the UK. In the UK, these master’s programs typically take three to four years. Under the guidance of renowned academics, students create a thesis at the end of the course that ranges in length from 60,000 to 1,00,000 words. The thesis is then presented during oral examinations.

The correct university must be chosen if you decide to pursue Master’s study in the UK. Let’s examine some of the best study abroad master’s programs in the UK and their associated tuition costs. 

Listed below are the top 10 universities in the United Kingdom, their average tuition fees for a year and their QS World Rankings 2022

Sl. No University  Average Tuition Fees for a year QS World Ranking 2022
1. Oxford University £27,000 – £40,000 2
2. University of Cambridge £22,000 – £33,000 3
3. Imperial College London £31,000 – £35,700 7
4. University College London £21,000 – £25,000 8
5. University of Edinburgh £22,000 – £34,000 16
6. University of Manchester  £20,000 – £28,000 27
7. King’s College London £18,000 – £29,000 35
8. London School of Economics and Political Science  £18,000 – £22,000 49
9. The University of Warwick £17,000 – £22,000 61
10 The University of Bristol  £17,000 – £20,000 62

Top Master’s Programme in the United Kingdom-

More than 30,000 international students choose undergraduate programmes in the UK. Some of the UK’s top master’s study programmes include-

Sl. No. Top Courses Popular UK Masters Programs
MBA
  • MBA 
  • Executive MBA
  • Global Executive MBA
MIM
  • MSc International Management
  • MSc Strategy Marketing
  • MSc Management 
Accounting and Finance 
  • MSc Accounting, Organisations and Institutions
  • MPhil Accounting and Finance
  • MSc Accounting and Finance 
Engineering 
  • MEng Civil Engineering 
  • MEng Mechanical Engineering 
  • MSc Cyber Security 
  • MEng Software Engineering
Fashion 
  • MA Fashion Marketing
  • MSc Strategic Fashion Management
Marketing 
  • MSc Marketing 
  • MA Marketing 
Data Science 
  • MSc Data Science
  • MSc Health Data Science
MBBS 
  • MB BChir
  • MBChB
  • MBBS Medicine
Architecture 
  • MPhil Architecture and Urban Studies
  • Master of Architecture
  • MA Landscape Architecture 

Scholarships For Masters Study In the UK 

It may be costly to study in the UK. However, your tenacity, excellence, and commitment will reduce your costs. You can have your education paid for by obtaining several scholarships overseas by showcasing your talents to UK colleges. Below listed are some of the scholarships international students can apply for for Master’s study in the UK-

  • University of Reading Master’s Scholarship
  • Marshall Scholarships
  • CastleSmart Scholarships
  • Cardiff University Elite International Scholarships
  • Clarendon Scholarships by the University of Oxford
  • University of Edinburgh Global Scholarships
  • Queen’s University Belfast International Scholarships

Eligibility & Admission Requirements for Master’s Study in the United Kingdom-

Some of the essential requirements for Master’s study in the UK are-

  • Undergraduate Degree- Students must have earned a bachelor’s degree in the field of the position they are applying for with at least a 60 per cent overall average. Top UK institutions admit students with CGPAs of 6.5 or 7.
  • GMAT/GRE- Some institutions may have GMAT or GRE exam requirements for their master’s programmes in the UK. Any STEM course, in particular, calls for or suggests studying this. 650 on the GMAT and 160 on the GRE are often accepted by UK colleges.
  • IELTS/TOEFL- The language proficiency exam result is another crucial factor in determining whether Indian students and students from other non-English speaking nations are eligible to pursue MS degrees in the UK. IELTS scores of 6.5-7 and TOEFL scores of 90-110 are often accepted by UK universities.
  • Work Experience- Many expert-level courses, such as an MBA in the UK, require work experience as a prerequisite for admission. Some master’s programmes, however, do not mandate job experience. To get this information, visit the university’s official website.
  • Passport & Visa- All overseas students must have a valid passport and a student visa to enrol in any degree at any university in the UK. Do not forget to apply for your UK student visa at least three months before the anticipated departure date.

Documents Required for Masters Study in the UK-

Before beginning your application for further study at UK institutions, you must have the necessary documentation on hand. The usual paperwork needed for a master’s degree in the UK is as follows-

  • a copy of a valid passport
  • Result sheets for English proficiency exams such as the TOEFL, IELTS, and C1 Advanced. Students who satisfy the requirements may be excluded from this requirement at some universities.
  • GMAT and GRE for graduate programmes
  • only English-language academic transcripts
  • Recommendation letter (LOR)
  • A portfolio (for specific courses)
  • CV 
  • Purpose Statement (SOP)
  • Work experience certificate
  • Proof of Funds

After going over all of the prerequisites for master’s programmes in the UK, let’s examine the admissions procedure-

Every year, the UK provides two intakes. This indicates that you have a choice between enrolling in the September–October intake or the January–February intake. Through the university’s website, students can submit a direct application for Masters in the UK. The procedures listed below should be followed to apply to any UK university-

  • Step 1- Shortlist Courses and Universities

The first stage in the application process is to narrow down the institutions and courses based on your academic preferences and profile. Through AI-Course Finder, students may narrow down their choices for courses and colleges, create a list of the institutions they have the best chances of acceptance, and schedule their application process in preparation.

  • Step 2- Make a note of their eligibility criteria, requirements, last day of submission etc. 

The next step is to be aware of the precise application dates for the UK universities and institutions you intend to apply. You must begin the application process as an Indian student at least a year to six months in advance so that you have enough time to take the admission examinations, and English proficiency tests, and submit your application by the deadline.

  • Step 3- Take Entrance Tests

Students must take examinations like the IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, GRE, GMAT, LNAT, BMAT, or MAT as part of the third stage of the admission process for UK colleges (in some courses). In some universities, students can be given submit scores for SAT or ACT exams. The Duolingo Test, a recent addition to English proficiency exams that are approved all around the world, enables students to take the exam from the convenience of their homes.

  • Step 4- Compile Your Documents

Gathering all the necessary paperwork and test results for the application procedure is the next step. To achieve this, students should begin drafting their SOPs, requesting letters of recommendation from their professors and supervisors, and organising their financial accounts together with other papers like exam results. Students must download their vaccination records for the COVID-19 pandemic and mention the given vaccine on the application.

  • Step 5- Get Started with Your Application

Once you have your papers, you may begin applying using the online application forms that are available on the websites of the universities. Students can begin the application process for UK institutions that allow direct applications by visiting the institution’s website. They have to choose their courses, submit their online applications, and pay the application costs.

Student Life in the UK

There will be a limitless amount of opportunities to have fun, discover new things, and meet friends while studying in the UK. The United Kingdom, unlike any other nation, provides an incredible and unique student experience. Let’s take a look at some of the aspects of student life in the United Kingdom-

  • Language– Although English is widely used throughout the United Kingdom, it is not the only official language. Over 300 languages are said to be spoken in London alone. 
  • Weather– The United Kingdom is generally linked with rain, although this is due to the unpredictable nature of the weather. Rain does not fall exclusively during one season; it can fall at any time of year and on any given day. Beautiful sunlight, blustery gusts, and dripping rain might all occur in the same afternoon! However, you can enjoy the UK regardless of the weather if you dress appropriately and have the correct mentality. 
  • Accommodation- The United Kingdom is regarded as being a welcoming country that welcomes thousands of overseas students each year. As a result, you will have an easier time finding lodging in such a welcoming country. You may choose your desired housing according to your budget and university location, such as Hostels, Community Halls, International Student Houses, Apartments, PGs, and so on. There are numerous registered families with whom you may stay as part of the student exchange programme if you want to experience a homey setting while studying in the UK.
  • Travel & Transport- Buses, taxis, trains, bicycles, and other modes of transportation are available to students in the UK for their daily journey. As a student, you’ll spend most of your time travelling between the institution and your housing. If you want to stay close to the university, you may ride your bike there. If you live in a leased apartment on the outskirts of town or far from the university, you should purchase a student bus ticket because public transportation in the UK is cheaper for students.
  • Healthcare– As an international student in the UK, you will be cared for by one of the world’s most advanced healthcare systems. International students’ mental and physical health and well-being are the top concern, and UK institutions are working hard to ensure that they are protected and supported. The NHS (National Health Service) in the United Kingdom is one of the top healthcare systems in the world, providing first-rate, safe, and sophisticated treatment and care. International students studying in the UK do not require private medical insurance unless they are studying for less than six months and hence do not require a student visa.
  • Cost of Living– 
    • Fees for Visa Application-348 GBP 
    • Housing – 500 GBP 
    • Transportation- 150-200 GBP monthly
    • Food- 150-200 GBP monthly
    • Clothing and Leisure- 50 GBP
    • Telephone and Mobile- 50 GBP monthly

The United Kingdom, unlike any other nation, provides an incredible and unique student experience. Seize the opportunity! Do you wish to study at a university in the United Kingdom? Sign up for a free consultation and answer any questions about studying in the United Kingdom at myglobaluni.

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