A Masters course follows the successful completion of an undergraduate degree and many students choose to study a Masters in the UK due to the high quality of teaching, as well as the short period of time it takes to complete a postgraduate programme.
While a Masters often improves your job prospects, there is no guarantee it will help you secure your dream job when you are ready to begin full-time employment. However, research has shown that studying a Masters course with work placements in the industry – through internships or sandwich courses – gives students the extra advantage needed to get a head-start in their career.
There are a variety of different options available to students, some of which depend on the type of role and sector you are interested in. While some placements are paid, the majority are not and this will need to be considered before applying.
Internships can last anywhere between six weeks to six months. Sometimes you will be pointed towards specific roles, or you will be expected to apply to different companies yourself.
Many universities have integrated years that are a compulsory part of the programme and are tied closely to the subject you are studying.
More commonly found on undergraduate degrees, students will study full-time for two years, then take a year-long placement, followed by the final year of their course.
If you want to study a Masters course at a UK university, arrange your free consultation with SI-UK India today. Our expert education consultants can help you find the perfect Masters course with placement, helping you get ahead in the international job market.
Masters students are expected to create a portfolio that will show how they have taken what they have learned in class and applied it to a real work environment. This portfolio will include an 8,000-word research-based paper as well as a 2,000-word reflective diary. You will need to explain how the research you have done for your employer might be beneficial to the organisation. A work placement module is designed to help you develop the professional skills that potential employers are looking for. At the same time, you’ll also have the opportunity to learn key communication, research, and personal skills.
Each university policy is different. If you fail the placement year, you can apply again, or appeal the decision.
For the September intake, the deadline is August, and for the January intake, the deadline is December.
If you are unable to secure a placement, you’ll be automatically transferred to the 1-year course option, where you will need to submit a dissertation instead of a work portfolio.
On average, a placement fee is around £1,250.
If you want to apply to learn more about UK universities who offer master courses with placement, visit your nearest SI-UK India office or book a free consultation today.
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
