To accelerate your career progress, choose from the one-year courses in the UK

The specialty of studying in the UK, among all other study-abroad destinations in the world, is that you get the exclusive opportunity to apply for study programs that are shorter in duration but also more intensive and vocational. UK universities offer a host of one-year diploma programs to international students, also known as vocational or professional courses. They may be delivered both at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. These courses are so designed that their content focuses primarily on helping the student learn the professional skills that would be used in their future career paths. Additionally, students in the UK from overseas opt for these courses because they can complete the course quicker as compared to standard courses. This enables them to start working and earning sooner.

For more details on these courses, read below or speak to our UK study-abroad expert.  

Why Study One-Year Courses in the UK?

One of the prime reasons why international students to the UK opt for one-year diploma courses is that they can embark on their career journeys faster than usual. This means an opportunity to start earning sooner by applying the acquired skills learned during the course. Some of the other reasons for the popularity of one-year courses in the UK are given below:

  • Completion of one-year study programs at top UK universities opens up lucrative career prospects for graduates, allowing them to start working sooner.

  • The length of the program is shorter than other conventional courses imparted at UK universities. However, the curriculum is generally more intensive and specialised.

  • The courses are designed to offer students more professional or industry-focused value, which would assist them in finding suitable jobs. 

Specialisations in One-Year Courses in the UK for International Students

Most masters programmes in the UK are for one year. There are many short courses too, offered at several UK universities to enable students to specialise in any one area of study and focus only on the discipline they wish to pursue in their career path. These courses are also known as vocational or professional courses and are ideally offered for 12 months or sometimes even less (based on the curriculum design) as diploma or certificate courses. 

Listed below are some of the most popular specialisations that students opt for in 1-year Diploma courses in the UK:

  • Tourism

  • Pharmacy

  • Data Science

  • Human Resources

  • Hospitality 

  • Law

  • Banking

  • Sales and Marketing

Students applying for diploma programs are encouraged to choose the specialisation they deem best for their future career progress.

Cost of Studying One-Year Courses in the UK for Indian Students

International students applying for one-year diploma study programs in UK universities are expected to pay an average one-year course fee of GBP 16,800 per year. This cost may differ for different universities, and it would be a good idea to check with your study-abroad expert the exact cost of pursuing the program you are applying for.

Related Source: https://www.coventry.ac.uk/course-structure/ug/diploma/foundation-diploma-in-art-and-design/?term=2024-25

Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements to Study One-Year  Courses in the UK

Students applying for short-duration diploma programs in the UK must be able to match the following admission criteria:

  • Completed Grade 12 in any stream (Science, Commerce, or Humanities) with an overall aggregate (as specified by the applying university)

  • International students must be able to demonstrate English proficiency with an overall of 6.5-7.0 on the IELTS Test Report Form

Note: These are the one-year course requirements in the UK at most recognised colleges. You may check with your study-abroad expert for the admission criteria at the university you apply to.

Top Universities / Colleges in the UK for One-Year Courses

The UK is home to many recognised universities that offer diploma programs to international students for 1 year. Some of the top-ranked universities in the UK (as per QS World University Rankings 2023) for one-year courses are listed below:

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

Career Prospects After Pursuing One-Year Courses in the UK

One of the key reasons international students prefer one-year study programs in the UK is that they can be completed within shorter durations, enabling students to kickstart their careers more quickly. Career growth and advancement are accelerated as a result of pursuing one-year duration courses at UK universities. Some of the top jobs after one-year courses in the UK are:

Expected Job Role

Approx. Salary Per Annum (in GBP)

Biochemist

29,798

Geophysicist

30,734

Archaeologist

23,181

Systems Designer

48,966

Web Developer

27,485

Related Sources: https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Job=Biochemist/Salary
https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Job=Geophysicist/Salary
https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Job=Archaeologist/Salary
https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/systems-designer-salary-SRCH_KO0,16.htm
https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Job=Web_Developer/Salary

FAQs

1. Can I study in the UK for 1 year?

Yes, many UK universities offer one-year study courses to international students. Mostly the masters programmes in the UK are for 1 year. Additionally there are many vocational courses which have a duration of 1 year. Ask your study-abroad expert to find universities that offer courses that can be completed within a year in the UK.

2. Which one-year courses in the UK are the most popular for international students?

International students mostly apply for the following one-year courses at UK universities:

  • Diploma in Film-making

  • Graduate Diploma in Law

  • Diploma in Art & Design

  • Diploma in Forensic Science

  • Diploma in Psychology

3. What job opportunities are available after pursuing one-year courses in the UK?

Students completing one-year courses in the UK can apply for the following job positions upon graduation:

  • Chartered Financial Analyst

  • Digital Marketer

  • Accountant

  • Fashion Designer

  • Investment Banker

4. What is the fee for a 1-year course in the UK for Indian students?

The actual course fee may vary from one university in the UK to another. The average fee for a program lasting one year at a recognised UK university is approximately GBP 19,750 per year.

Related Source: https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/study-at-northumbria/courses/bsc-hons-accounting-and-finance-completion-award-newcastle-uufatf1/#fees

5. How much IELTS score is required for UK study?

Most UK universities expect international students to score at least 6.5 on the IELTS Test Report Form.

Updated on 28 October, 2024

Help me study in UK