Take your education to the next level with a Master’s in the UK

Pursuing a postgraduate degree abroadis quite a popular choice for further study, and the UK ranks on top of the list for international students. Being easily accessible with globally acclaimed degrees, it offers endless opportunities for higher education.

  • Why pursue master’s in the UK?

  • Types of master’s degrees in the UK

  • Popular fields of master’s study

  • List of master’s courses for Indian students in the UK

  • Top universities for master’s in the UK

  • Cost of studying a master’s program in the UK

  • Scholarships for Master’s in the UK

  • Eligibility criteria for master’s programs

  • Documents required to study for master’s in the UK

  • Job opportunities in the UK after master’s

  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why pursue master’s in the UK?

Some of the most common reasons why students prefer to pursue their master’s in the UK include:

  1. Career growth:

    As per the Higher Education Academy’s Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey, career advancement and upskilling are the most important factors, which are constantly evolving in the workplace. Basically, a master’s degree is important to employers since it demonstrates your ability to understand complex material and undertake challenging assessment tasks in a short span of time.

  2. Pathway to PhD:

    If you plan to grow in an academic role, then a master’s programme is your perfect springboard to a research or PhD degree. A master’s degree will improve your subject knowledge and help you gain the fundamental skills for independent research and further to pursue a PhD program.

  3. Academic flexibility:

    Master’s programmes normally span 9 to 12 months. Besides, some programs are flexible in case you plan to study with your current role.

  4. Establish a global network:

    As an international student studying Master’s in the UK can help you secure the opportunity to work with students from different parts of the world. Thereby, expand your network, while learning about different cultures. This is essential for an invaluable international perspective.

  5. Switch to a new career:

    You don’t need to begin a master’s course right after your undergraduate degree. In fact, you can enrol yourself after working for a few years if you plan to enhance your skills or switch your career field. Some courses are purely designed for conversion and aim to equip you with relevant skills in another chosen field without prior training.

  6. Time and money-saving options:

    In the UK, a master’s degree is designed as a one-year program instead of a two-year program taught in other countries. This means this can save your time and money thereby helping you to launch your career much quicker with a globally recognised postgraduate degree.

Types of master’s degrees in the UK

Pursuing a master's degree from the UK opens doors to a world of advanced education, specialised knowledge, and enhanced career prospects. Renowned for its academic excellence and diverse range of programs, the UK offers an enticing array of master's degrees tailored to meet the needs of aspiring professionals and scholars alike. Here are the types of master’s degrees you can pursue in the UK:

Basics

Taught Master’s

Research Master’s

Concept

Taught Master’s Programs are taught through seminars and lectures, while assessed via dissertations, exams, and projects.

Research Master’s Programs focus their learning on a particular thesis under the supervision of an academic guide.

Example

Master of Science (MSc), Master of Arts (MA), Master of Engineering and Master of Business Administration.

Master of Research (MRes), Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or PhD

Popular fields to study master’s in the UK

From business and technology to healthcare and social sciences, Here are the popular fields that offer dynamic opportunities for advanced education and specialisation in the UK:

List of master’s courses for Indian students in the UK

Discover an extensive range of master's courses tailored to cater to the academic aspirations of Indian students in the UK. From engineering and computer science to business management and arts, these programs provide an enriching educational experience, cultural diversity, and global networking opportunities, making the UK a compelling destination for Indian students seeking to pursue their postgraduate studies.

Top universities for master’s in the UK

The UK is renowned for its prestigious universities, offering exceptional educational opportunities for individuals pursuing a master's degree. These universities consistently rank among the best globally, attracting students from all corners of the world. Here’s a list you can refer to:

University

QS World Ranking 2024

Average Tuition Fees/Year (£)

Oxford University

3

£24,450 - £29,160

University of Cambridge

2

£22,657 - £39,406

Imperial College London

6

£22,668 - £40,386

University College London

9

£11,570 - £25,000

University of Edinburgh

22

£22,000 - £34,000

University of Manchester

32

£19,000 - £46,000

King’s College London

40

£23,000 - £40,407

London School of Economics and Political Science

45

£18,000 - £23,088

University of Warwick

67

£18,790 - £43,950

University of Bristol

55

£21,000 - £28,000

*Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/world-university-rankings/2024

Cost of studying a master’s program in the UK

The cost of pursuing a master’s in the UK highly depends upon the type of course and the mode of its delivery. Here’s your guide to understanding the same:

Mode of delivery

Type of study program

Average cost*

Classroom

MA (Arts / Social Sciences)

£9,000 - £14,000

Laboratory

MSc (Science / Engineering)

£9,500 - £22,000

Clinical

MRes / MPhil

£12,000 - £33,000

Business

MBA

£9,500 - more than £34,000

*Indicative

Scholarships for Master’s in the UK

Embarking on a master's degree in the United Kingdom can be an enriching experience, and scholarships provide invaluable financial support for international students. The UK offers a range of scholarships tailored for master's studies, enabling students to pursue their academic goals without excessive financial burden. Here are a few scholarships you can apply for:

Scholarship

Particulars

The Chevening Scholarships

Description: Government-funded scholarships awarded to academically excellent students for pursuing master's studies in the UK.

Amount/Benefit: Covers 1 year of education, with approximately 1500 scholarships awarded annually.

The Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships

Description: Scholarships available to students from Commonwealth countries with middle-class backgrounds.

Amount/Benefit: Covers education expenses for master's programs in the UK.

University-specific scholarships

Description: Various universities in the UK offer scholarships specifically for international students.

Amount/Benefit: Varies depending on the university and program, with some scholarships covering partial or full tuition fees.

Eligibility criteria for master’s programs

Indeed, the admission requirements for a master’s program depends upon the type of institution and course, however, the basic criteria remain constant:

  • Academic credentials: An undergraduate degree of 3 years in the relevant discipline

  • Standardised test scores: A couple of universities might ask for your GRE/GMAT scores

  • English-language proficiency: Tests such as IELTS are necessary to prove your English-language proficiency and on average, most UK universities require an overall score of 6.5. This might vary as per the course and institution. In fact, there are some universities that also offer an IELTS scores waiver

Documents required to study for master’s in the UK

When pursuing a master's degree in the UK, it is essential to understand the documents required for a smooth application process. These documents play a crucial role in assessing your eligibility and suitability for the program. Here’s a list of documents you need to get prepared with

Job opportunities in the UK after master’s

According to the government's Graduate labour market statistics, graduates and postgraduates had higher employment rates as compared to the non-graduates. Besides, for some roles like a clinical psychologist, librarian, lawyer, or teacher, a master’s degree is crucial, while for others it’s beneficial.

Based on the Graduate labour market statistics 2022, With a master’s degree, you can earn more than the graduates with a bachelor’s degree, since full-time employed postgraduates have a median salary of £42,000 in contrast to £32,000 for undergraduates*.

If you are an expert in the field, you are likely to find work in line with your interests. So don’t wait to start with your application and feel free to approach our IDP education specialists who’ll be happy to guide you through the entire admission process.

* Source:https://www.highfliers.co.uk/download/2022/graduate_market/GM22-report.pdf

Big News for Indian Students: The UK Is Ready to Welcome You!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Ques 1: How much does it cost to study master's in the UK?

Ans 1: The cost of studying for a master's degree in the UK can vary depending on factors such as the university, program, and location. On average, international students can expect to pay tuition fees ranging from £9,000 to £34,000 per year. Additionally, living expenses including accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses should be taken into account.

Ques 2: Is master's in the UK good for Indian students?

Ans 2: Pursuing a master's degree in the UK can be a highly beneficial choice for Indian students. The UK has a long-standing reputation for its quality education, prestigious universities, and diverse range of programs. The academic excellence, global recognition, and cultural exposure offered by UK universities make them attractive destinations for Indian students seeking to enhance their qualifications, gain international exposure, and broaden their career prospects.

Ques 3: Can Indian students work in the UK after master's?

Ans 3: Yes, Indian students can work in the UK after completing their master's degree. The UK offers various post-study work opportunities to international students through schemes such as the Graduate Route. Under this route, international students who have completed a degree at a recognized UK university can stay and work in the UK for up to two years (or three years for PhD graduates) after their studies. This provides valuable work experience and an opportunity to explore career prospects in the UK.

Ques 4: Is IELTS compulsory for UK master's?

Ans 4: While IELTS is a commonly accepted English language proficiency test for admission to master's programs in the UK, it is not compulsory for all universities or programs. Additionally, there may be exemptions for applicants who have completed their previous education in English or are from English-speaking countries. It is recommended to check the specific requirements of the university and program you are interested in to determine if IELTS or any other English language test is mandatory.