Master's in the UK

A Master’s degree in the United Kingdom (UK) comprises courses like MA (Master of Arts), MSc (Master of Science), MRes (Master of Research), MBA (Master of Business Administration), and LLM (Master of Laws).

It generally lasts for just one year, allowing postgraduates to fast-track their careers in a shorter time span compared to other countries. The UK is home to many leading universities such as University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, Queen Mary University in London, and the University of Edinburgh. The variety and diversity of cultures is a huge draw, with cosmopolitan cities like London and Glasgow to historic counties like Warwickshire and Yorkshire a train ride away no matter which you choose to get your degree in.

Postgraduate Degrees in the UK

Taught master’s programs in the UK are very popular with international students and can generally be completed within 9 to 12 months. A Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is research based and usually takes 2 years. Master's courses in the UK can also be divided into conversion courses and professional: conversion courses are provided to students who want to study in a field different from their undergraduate studies; professional courses allow students to continue to study further in the same field as their undergraduate degree.

The titles associated with UK master's degrees are diverse. The most common are Master of Science (MSc) and MLitt (Master of Letters), which is usually used for a liberal arts degree, similar to the MA (Master of Arts). Most universities use the title MA, but some universities (usually universities with a long history) prefer to use MLitt, but it will not affect your qualifications. If you want to inquire further about the types of courses at British universities, please speak with your Intake advisor and find out which course is most suitable for you.

Pre-sessional Courses

A UK master's degree only takes one year, so universities usually require students to have a good level of English before they begin the course (usually IELTS 6.5). If a student does not meet the English requirements, the school will suggest they first take English pre-sessional courses to improve their English ability as well as learn how to write a report and other academic skills.

The length of a pre-sessional course depends on the student’s IELTS score. Most students can start their degree course after they complete the pre-sessional course and pass the final exam without having to retake the IELTS test again, but there are still a few schools that do ask students to retake the exam. But there is no need to worry, your Intake advisor will give you all the information you need before you sign up for the course.

Here are a few of the things that make the UK a great choice for your MA:

● Internationally renowned universities: The UK stands as one of the top three study destinations of the world and is home to many leading universities such as University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and the University of Edinburgh.

● Quality of education: UK programs are internationally recognised, and known for the quality of teaching and research

● Work and study: Master's programs in the UK include an internship component for students to gain invaluable insight and connections into the industry. Students are also allowed to work on a student visa, with more flexibility given to students from the EU.

● Scholarships: Numerous scholarship programs are available for international students from individual universities and students from Commonwealth countries.

Choosing your university

Here are some key things to look out for in choosing your university:

● Academic Excellence – Research on reviews and teaching professors can give good insight into course curriculum in addition to course descriptions. A good experience can move beyond traditional education boundaries and provides excellent teaching support for the track you wish to pursue.

● Location – There are multiple fascinating cities, towns, and countryside villages in the regions of the UK, namely England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. The kind of lifestyle you want will be a factor in choosing where you want to be based in.

● Tuition fees and scholarships – International students outside the EU and EEA (European Economic Area) pay full tuition at UK universities. Check your scholarship eligibility and consider hiring an experienced adviser to guide you through the application process.

● Living Costs – London and other large cities tend to be more expensive, but also more convenient in terms of your day-to-day.

● International Student Support – Find a university that offers well-planned support for international students, as they can advise on essentials such as accommodation, student welfare, and post-graduate employment opportunities.

While requirements may differ across universities, typical key requirements for taking an MA include:

● Qualifications comparable to a British Bachelor's degree

● IELTS Certification

● Work Experience

● Letter of Reference from college lecturers, academic professors, or work employers

Know more about:

• MBA in the UK

• Master of Science in the UK

• PhD in the UK