A master’s degree from a foreign country is a significant decision that requires meticulous planning and arrangements. In this process, choosing the right study destination is important. Among the plethora of options, the United Kingdom stands out as a leading study destination for pursuing a master’s degree. With 679,970 International Students in 2022, the UK is the second country in the worldwith the highest number of international students.
Academic excellence, scientific research prospects,availability of scholarships, global opportunitiesand cultural diversityhave contributed to maintaining this popularity in the higher education domain of the UK.
So, if you are planning to pursue a master’s degree from this premier study destination, then this article is for you. In this detailed guide, we will dig into the essentials you need to know before applying to pursue a masters in UK.Without any further ado, let’s plan for your smooth transition into the country’s higher education.
Why Choose the UK for a Master’s Degree?
We understand that this question might occur ample of times in your mind, so to give you claritywe have listed some of the top reasons why the UK is the best choice for masters.
- Top Universities withInnovative Teaching Approach.
- Offer Shorter Durations Compared to Other Leading Study Destinations.
- An Extensive Array of Fully and Partially Funded Scholarships are Available for International Students.
- Flexible Course Options with Focuson Developing Skills.
- UK Qualifications are World-recognised and Highly Valued by Employers.
- Post-study Stay Back Options for up to Two Years.
- Endless Work Opportunities with Competitive Salary Packages.
- Well-connected and Affordable Transport Services.
- Access to the most Advanced Healthcare Systems in the World.
- Multicultural and Inclusive Society.
These are just the top reasons, there are many more benefits of studying here. But for now, let’sdiscuss the types of universities that can offer you the benefits of pursuing a master’s degree in the UK.
Types of Universities in the UK
A home to some of the world’s oldest universities, the United Kingdom has over 160 universities that offer a wide range ofmaster’s course options across various study areas. Thus, it becomes important to understand the types of universities in UK.
- Russell Group of Universities–A group of 24 leading and prestigious public research universities, the Russell Group of Universities have common academic standards and research prospects.
- Non-Russell Group of Universities–The universities that are not a part of the Russell Group belong to the Non-Russell Group of Universities. These modern universities on the other hand focus on practical and career-oriented programs.
No matter what group of universities you decide to explore, these universities excel in various disciplines with a hands-on approach to learning. So, choose the right type of university aligns with your academic goals.
Duration Of Programs
Master’s programs in the UK are renowned for their time efficiency and the usual duration for masters is one year.However, research masters can have a duration of one and a half years.
This condensed timeframe not only allows for a quicker return on investment but also minimizes living expenses. Thus, making it an economically feasible choice for international students. Furthermore, the concentrated nature of these programs ensures a focused and immersive learning experience.
Cost of Education in the UK
Depending on the type of masters course that you have decided to pursue, the tuition fees may vary. Tuition fees for a taught masters program and research masters program can cost anywhere between £15,000 – £40,000per year. However, an MBA can cost you around £20,000 – £60,000per year. In addition to this, you will also have to bear the living expenses for accommodation, food, everyday transportation, utility bills and other miscellaneous expenses. This can cost you around £800 – £1,500 per month.
Program Intakes
The majority of UK universities offer two main academic intakeswhich are in September and January. While the September intake is the primary one for most programs, the January intake provides an excellent alternative, allowing students to start their studies at the beginning of the calendar year.
Planning your application timeline accurately is vital to securing a seat in your desired program and intake.
Eligibility Criteria for a Master’s Degree
Before commencing your application process, it is important to understand the eligibility criteria for master’s programs in the UK. Generally, applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification with relevant academic achievements.Depending on the type of university, your score should be between 55%-70% in Bachelors.
Proficiency in the English language through tests like IELTS or TOEFL is a mandatory requirement. Most universities accept a band score of 6 – 6.5 with no band less than 5.5 for IELTS and its equivalent for TOEFL. In addition to this, some programs may have specific prerequisites for their courses. Thus, it is essential to have thorough research on individual course requirements.
Now that you have the eligibility criteria in hand, let’s move on to understanding the common application portal that is in the UK.
UK’s Common Application Portal – UCAS
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) serves as the common application portal for the majority of UK universities. Streamlining the application process, UCAS allows you to apply to multiple institutions and courses through a single platform. Thus, this common application process saves a lot of your precious time. A detailed understanding of the UCAS application system is important for a smooth application process. It also ensures that you meet application deadlines and submit it on time to study abroad.
International Student Part-Time Work Rights in the UK
One of the advantages of studying in the UK is the opportunity to work part-time during your studies. International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week during vacation periods. This not only provides real work experience but also assists in covering living expenses.
Post Study Work Visa (UK’s Graduate Immigration Route)
The UK’s Graduate Immigration Routecommonly known as the post-study work visaallows international students to stay and work in the UK for up to two years after completing their master’s degree. This post-study work visa provides a valuable opportunity to gain practical experience, build professional networks, and explore suitable career opportunities in the UK. Thus, enhancing the overall impact of your investment in higher education.
Summing up this article, these are the essentials that you must know about if you are planning to pursue your masters in the upcoming academic intake. If you are eyeing the September intaketo study in UK, then you must initiate your application process by the month of April or May. If your preferred intake is January, then you must initiate your application process by the month of June or July. Following this timeline will give you enough bandwidth to apply for your student visa and get it on time.
The student visa applicationprocess is completely online, and you can initiate your process 3 months before your course. The estimated time for visa approval is 15 working days. The applicant is notified by emailfor visa approval and rejection.
Choosing the United Kingdom as your study destination for a master’s degree is not just an academic decision; it’s alife-changingdecision. With a great academic reputation and value for money, the UK is a pathway to a brighter, more fulfilling career.
Be well-prepared for a successful academic journeyand let the UK be the canvas for your academic and professional growth.