1 Year Masters in UK: Top Universities, Course Fees, Eligibility and Job Prospects

The post-COVID-19 period has witnessed a considerable increase in the number of Indian students travelling to the UK for higher education. Official data suggests that Nearly 4,32,225 sponsored study visas were issued in June 2024, which is around 61% higher than those granted in 2019. Part of this huge influx is because several Indian students are highly interested in pursuing short-term one-year Masters in the UK. This article details all you need to know about enrolling in this program.   

_{Related Source:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/immigration-system-statistics-year-ending-june-2024/why-do-people-come-to-the-uk-to-study}

Why Study 1 Year Masters in the UK?

Some of the top reasons Indian students prefer to take up 1 year Masters programs in the UK are:

• They are affordable: One-year Masters courses at UK universities are generally more cost-effective than the conventional two-year postgraduate programs. 

• Faster completion: Students opting for a one-year Masters in the UK can complete their degree quicker. This allows them to apply for a job earlier than their peers opting for a two-year degree program.

• Post-study work visa: The 1 year Masters programs in the UK for international students enable them to apply for a post-study work visa. This allows the students to gain more professional experience in the country after completing their education.

Popular Programs to Pursue in 1 Year Masters in the UK

Several UK universities offer 1 year Masters in the UK. Some of the most popular courses pursued by international students are listed below:

_Source: https://www.idp.com/universities-and-colleges/university-college-london/msc-computer-science/PRG-UK-00253802/
https://www.idp.com/universities-and-colleges/university-of-edinburgh/msc-by-research-biomedical-sciences-life-sciences/PRG-UK-00084030/
https://www.idp.com/universities-and-colleges/university-of-manchester/msc-accounting-and-finance/PRG-UK-00101471/
https://www.idp.com/universities-and-colleges/kings-college-london/msc-data-science/PRG-UK-00210546/
https://www.idp.com/universities-and-colleges/university-of-bristol/msc-management-digitalisation-and-big-data/PRG-UK-00368559/

Top Universities for 1 Year Masters in the UK

The UK has many globally-renowned colleges offering 1 year Masters programs in the UK. Some of the top institutions offering these programs are:

_{Related Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/world-university-rankings?countries=gb}

Cost of Studying 1 Year Masters in the UK for Indian Students

Different universities offering 1-year Masters programs in the UK for international students have a different fee structure. It varies according to the university’s rank, location, curriculum, and other factors. However, for general reference, the average 1-year Masters programs in the UK cost is estimated at around GBP 37,500. 

Disclaimer: The figure is indicative only and may vary from one university to another for the same course duration.    

_Source: https://www.idp.com/universities-and-colleges/university-college-london/msc-computer-science/PRG-UK-00253802/

Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements to Study 1 Year Masters in the UK

Students interested in applying for 1-year Masters programs in the UK must meet certain admission criteria. These may vary from one university to the other. However, some of the top requirements at most UK universities are:

• Students must have completed a Bachelor's degree from a renowned UK university or an overseas equivalent from a recognised college abroad. A final aggregate of at least 65% or higher is a prerequisite.

• If the student has obtained a degree in a subject not related to the applied course, the application may be considered only by showcasing relevant professional experience. Alternatively, they should be able to offer a related postgraduate qualification, such as PGDip or Masters.

• International students must obtain an overall score of 7.0 on the IELTS Test Report Form with at least 6.5 in each band of the test. This is required to demonstrate proof of English proficiency.

_Source: https://www.idp.com/universities-and-colleges/kings-college-london/msc-data-science/PRG-UK-00210546/

Career Prospects in the UK After Pursuing 1-Year Masters

Students graduating with a one-year Masters in the UK are eligible to apply for a variety of roles. These depend on the specific domain that students specialise in. Some of the top job roles that open up for graduates of 1-year Masters in the UK are:

 _{Related Sources: https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/data-analyst-salary-SRCH_KO0,12.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/financial-analyst-salary-SRCH_KO0,17.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/clinical-psychologist-salary-SRCH_KO0,21.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/software-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,17.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/marketing-manager-salary-SRCH_KO0,17.htm}

FAQs for 1 Year Masters in the UK

1. Is a one-year Masters degree from the UK recognised and valid in India?

Yes, a 1-year Masters degree from the UK holds validity and recognition in India. This is because both India and the UK have signed an MoU, according to which, Indian employers consider the one-year Masters degree equivalent to an Indian Masters.

2. Which is better - 1-year or 2-year Masters in the UK?

Most students overseas prefer to pursue a one-year Masters degree in the UK since it is more affordable and also finishes faster than the conventional two-year Masters. This means that graduates can enter a job faster and start earning.

3. Which is the most affordable one-year Masters program in the UK?

One of the cheapest programs is the MSc Management (Digitalisation and Big Data) offered by the University of Bristol at GBP 31,500.

_Source: https://www.idp.com/universities-and-colleges/university-of-bristol/msc-management-digitalisation-and-big-data/PRG-UK-00368559/

4. What is the average salary after a 1-year Masters in the UK?

The actual salary may differ for different employers, qualifications and experience of the candidate, and job role. However, the average annual salary after completing a one-year Masters course in the UK is approximately GBP 47,751.

_{Source: https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/clinical-psychologist-salary-SRCH_KO0,21.htm}

5. Can I get a post-study work visa after a 1-year Masters in the UK?

Yes, after completing a one-year Masters in the UK, you are eligible to apply for a post-study work visa. This is also called the Graduate Route.

_{Updated on 27 January, 2025}

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