A postgraduate or master's course in the UK follows the successful completion of an undergraduate degree, generally lasting for just one year compared to two-year master's programmes elsewhere in the world. Students can save time and money and begin their careers much quicker with a highly regarded UK postgraduate degree.
Completing a master's in the UK is relatively short compared to other countries. A master’s in India requires enrolment for up to two years, while a UK master's has a comparatively short length of 1 year. The shorter programme is better value for money, and also allows you to enter the workforce quicker.
How long your master’s degree lasts is generally up to you. Full-time courses typically last one year, while part-time courses can last two to three years. Completing it part-time also benefits you from work experience, but please remember that a postgraduate degree requires a lot of time, work, and focus.
The UK is home to some of the leading universities in the world, renowned for their quality of teaching and research. Employers hold a UK postgraduate degree in high esteem. For Indian students studying in the UK, improving their English and immersing themselves in a multicultural and exciting community of academics and students is a fantastic opportunity.
78% of students who completed a postgraduate master's in the UK were in full-time employment following graduation, compared to just 66% per cent of undergraduate leavers. Progressively, employers are becoming more conscious about the value of a master's degree. They consider advanced expertise and experience when hiring for entry-level positions. A master’s will be a crucial head start on rivals.
Higher teaching quality and world-class research facilities make UK education more valuable for employers worldwide. Subjects are taught by some of the world's leading academics, and QAA regularly assesses the quality of teaching.
Numerous studies have shown that a master's degree improves short- and long-term salary potential. A postgraduate student can earn a median salary of £42,000 a year, compared to £35,000 for undergraduates.
There are four main types of programmes taught: Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MSc), Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Engineering (MEng), each lasting 1-2 years full-time.
On a taught programme, students are expected to attend weekly seminars, tutorials and lectures, much like an undergraduate degree, and assessment can be via exam, dissertation or project.
A research degree will allow students to take more responsibility for their work and schedule, basing their study around a thesis while supervised by an academic. The most popular research degree is a PhD, which can take 3-4 years to complete and consists of writing a thesis between 60,000 – 100,000 words and then presenting in an oral examination.
Other types of research degrees include the Master of Science (MSc), Master of Philosophy (MPhil), and Master of Research (MRes). These degrees are similar to a PhD but less academically demanding, with much shorter papers.
The average cost of a postgraduate and master's degree in the UK for an international student is around £17,100 per year. Tuition fees at the postgraduate level vary on the type of master's you wish to study, which part of the UK you wish to live in, and what university you attend.
Postgraduate schools in the UK are far less expensive than graduate schools in the USA, and studying in the UK can be 30 to 60 per cent cheaper than American equivalents.
Master's scholarships in the UK are available for Indian students pursuing a postgraduate degree at a UK university. There are various types of master's scholarships available, including full scholarships that cover tuition fees and living expenses, partial scholarships that cover only a portion of tuition fees, and scholarships that provide a stipend to cover living expenses.
For those contemplating pursuing a master's in the UK, understanding the admissions criteria is pivotal. These guidelines ensure that students are well-prepared for the rigour of postgraduate studies:
An undergraduate degree pertinent to the master's course is typically necessary. The grade or class of the degree is essential, with many universities expecting at least an upper second-class honours.
For those who aren't native English speakers, presenting a PTE or IELTS score is imperative. The required score often hovers around 58.5 for PTE Academic or 6.5 for IELTS, though this may differ between institutions.
Specific courses, especially professional ones such as an MBA, might necessitate relevant work experience, generally ranging between 1 to 3 years.
Most institutions will require at least two recommendation letters. Ideally, these should be from academic tutors or professionals who can vouch for the student's proficiency.
An articulated essay highlighting one's motivation, career aspirations, and reasons for selecting the particular institution is usually part of the application.
All UK universities offer master's programmes for international students. To learn more about the best universities available in the UK for a master's, find details on the top ten ranking universities in the Guardian University Guide below:
The "best" courses often depend on one's career aspirations and interests. However, some of the most renowned master's programmes in the UK, due to their global recognition and robust curriculum, include:
Courses with a high employability rate often align with industries with a strong presence in the UK. Some of the master's programmes with high job prospects include:
Remember, employability doesn't solely depend on the course but also networking, internships, and other experiences gained during the course duration.
I sincerely thank SI-UK for getting me accepted to UCL. The MSc in Urban Development and Planning is extremely competitive, but the right guidance provided by SI-UK made my dream of studying at University College London a reality. The services were exceptional from beginning to end.
Rashmi Lakshanya Urban Development and Planning at University College London
