The UK has retained its position as a top study destination for a number of years due to the quality of education it provides, along with highly-qualified teachers, best-in-class infrastructure and excellent research facilities. Home to some of the worlds most reputed educational institutions, it offers a wide array of courses across multiple fields. From traditional STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) courses to more specialized areas of study, the choices are in abundance.
Moreover, with new post-Brexit rules, masters programmes in the UK have regained popularity among Indian students. This is because the post-Brexit immigration plan will no longer give a special preference to the students from the EU nations. In addition, the UK government has highlighted the need for skilled migrants.
This article gives an insight into the masters programmes available in the UK, the advantages of pursuing post graduation from the UK, and subject-wise listings of some top masters courses.
Masters in UK (MS in UK) – Structure and Schedule
Duration – Masters in the UK is typically a taught postgraduate degree, involving lectures, examinations and a project dissertation (normally taking up a third of the program). Master’s programmes usually involve at least 1 year of full-time study (180 UK credits, of which 150 must be at master’s level) and sometimes up to 2 years of full-time study.Read Four Great Reasons to Study in UK
Grading – Postgraduate degrees in the UK are mostly graded in a different way from bachelors. Taught master’s students usually receive degrees that are normally classified into Pass, Merit and Distinction, although some universities do not give Merit.
Some universities also offer MSc by research programs, where a longer project or set of projects are undertaken full-time. Master’s degrees by research are normally graded as either pass or fail, although some universities may offer a distinction as well.
Masters in UK (MS in UK) – What makes the UK a Great Option for Masters Aspirants?
The UK is a welcoming, multicultural and popular destination for international students. Some of the many benefits it offers are:
- High-Quality Education – UK education is recognised by employers, universities and governments worldwide.
- Greater Employability and Career Advancement – UK graduates have an outstanding record of employment in the performing professions.
- An Interesting Place to Live – UK is filled with different cultures, historical landmarks and enthralling events to keep you entertained.
- Multi-Cultural Society – Youll get to try cuisines from all over the world , find well-organised transport links, enjoy best-of-the-best music festivals and international sporting championships.
- Part-time Work Opportunities – Youll get plenty of support during your studies for both, with accommodating yourself into your course and with everyday costs. You can also work up to 20 hours/week while studying and support yourself while studying in the UK.
- Short Duration – Most of the master courses in the UK are shorter in duration than many other countries. This helps in a reduction in the tuition fees and accommodation costs.
- Post-Study Visa – The UK also offers a post-study work visa for up to 2 years to its international students.
- Modes of Education – Students have the choice to pursue a masters course full-time, part-time or by distance education mode.
- Postgraduate Funding – Though education in the UK is not cheap, there are many funding opportunities readily available for the students.
Masters in UK (MS in UK) – What are the Entry Requirements for Masters in the UK?
- A qualification that can be compared to a UK undergraduate degree, normally to 2:1 standard or above.
- English requirement proficiency test – IELTS, TOEFL, C1 Advanced
- Enthusiasm, skill, and knowledge of your discipline.
- Relevant work experience, especially if your first degree is in another subject.
Note: The masters courses usually start in September.
Masters in UK (MS in UK) – Types of Master’s degree in the UK
- Taught Masters – There are four main types of taught programmes in the UK – Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MSc), Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Engineering (MEng), with 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.
- Research Masters – A research masters degree makes students take more responsibility for their work and schedule, basing their study around a thesis while being supervised by an academic. The various 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 not as academically-oriented, with papers being much shorter.
Masters in UK (MS in UK) – What are the Yearly Tuition Fees of Masters in the UK?
Fee structure depends on the masters subject and university ranking. However, most of the masters courses can be put under the fee range of EUR 15,000 EUR 35,000 (for full-time courses) and EUR 2,750 EUR 11,000 (for part-time courses).
Masters in UK (MS in UK) – Tips on how to choose a Postgraduate Course in the UK?
As you try to decide upon what type of course to study, you would surely find a lot of relevant courses to choose from around the country. Do pay attention to the entry requirements when you search for courses. First, decide on the subject matter, length, if its taught or research-based and if its full-time or part-time. If youre clear about those factors, and youve checked the entry requirements, you can rank the courses you have shortlisted on the basis of four questions.
- Which course is most helpful to fulfil your career aspirations?
- How is the course structured and assessed?
- Who are the tutors and are they experts in the areas you want to excel in?
- How is the course ranked in league tables?
Analysing the courses on these parameters will put you in a better position to make a viable decision.
Masters in UK (MS in UK) – Popular Masters Courses
1. Masters in Computer Science in the UK
MSc Financial Technology – University of Glasgow
- Course duration – 1 year (full-time)
- Fee – EUR 32,584
- Application date – June 2020
MSc Advanced Computer Science – University of Strathclyde
- Course duration – 1 year (full-time)
- Fee – EUR 21,315
- Application date – Open
MSc Communications Networks and Software – University of Surrey
- Course duration – 1 year (full-time)
- Fee – EUR 25,554
- Application date – July 2020
MSc Advanced Computer Science (Computational Intelligence) – University of Kent
- Course duration – 1 year (full-time)
- Fee – EUR 23,317
- Application date – July 2020
MSc Computer Science – University of Kent
- Course duration – 1 year (full-time)
- Fee – EUR 23,317
- Application date – July 2020
2. Business and Management in the UK
MBA – University of Surrey
- Course duration – 1 year (full-time)
- Fee – EUR 29,087
- Application date – August 2020
MBA – University of Warwick
- Course duration – 1 year (full-time)
- Fee – EUR 47,634
- Application date – May 2020
MBA – University of Kent
- Course duration – 1 year (full-time)
- Fee – EUR 25,201
- Application date – July 2020
MSc – International Banking and Finance – University of Glasgow
- Course duration – 1 year (full-time)
- Fee – EUR 33,468
- Application date – July 2020
MSc – Environmental Entrepreneurship – University of Strathclyde
- Course duration – 1 year (full-time)
- Fee – EUR 24,612
- Application date – Open
MSc Marketing and Business Analysis – University of Edinburgh
- Course duration – 1 year (full-time)
- Fee – EUR 24,612
- Application date – Open
3. Engineering and Technology Studies in the UK
MSc Mobile and Satellite Communications – University of Surrey
- Course duration – 1 year (full-time)
- Fee – EUR 25,554
- Application date – July 2020
MSc Humanitarian Engineering – University of Warwick
- Course duration – 1 year (full-time)
- Fee – EUR 22,728
- Application date – July 2020
MSc Advanced Chemical Engineering – University of Edinburgh
- Course duration – 1 year (full-time)
- Fee – EUR 33,150
- Application date – Open
MSc Sustainable Energy Systems – University of Edinburgh
- Course duration – 1 year (full-time)
- Fee – EUR 33,150
- Application date – Open
MSc Aviation Engineering and Management – University of South Wales
- Course duration – 1 year (full-time)
- Fee – EUR 15,780
- Application date – N/A
MSc Biochemical Engineering – University College of London
- Course duration – 1 year (full-time)
- Fee – EUR 31,395
- Application date – July 2020
MSc Electronics – University of Edinburgh
- Course duration – 1 year (full-time)
- Fee – EUR 33,150
- Application date – July 2020
4. Applied Sciences and Professions in the UK
MSc City Planning and Real Estate Development – University of Glasgow
- Course duration – 1 year (full-time)
- Fee – EUR 21,633
- Application date – August 2020
MSc Forensic Psychology – Middlesex University
- Course duration – 1 year (full-time)
- Fee – EUR 16,369
- Application date – August 2020
5. Law Studies in the UK –
MA Human Rights – London School of Economics and Political Science
- Course duration – 1 year (full-time)
- Fee – EUR 27,471
- Application date – Open
MA Criminology and Criminal Justice – Lancaster University
- Course duration – 1 year (full-time)
- Fee – EUR 20,608
- Application date – Open
MA Medical Law – Kings College London
- Course duration – 1 year (full-time)
- Fee – EUR 26,319
- Application date – March 2020
Note: The courses mentioned above are a few top suggestions made by keeping the needs of general aspirants in mind. Every student should research extensively before finalising a course for their higher education, keeping their strengths, weaknesses, aspirations and limitations into consideration.
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Masters in UK (MS in UK) – FAQs
A. A masters is one type of postgraduate degree (more advanced courses, usually studied by people who already have undergraduate qualifications). Some other types of courses, such as Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas, arent full masters degrees.
A. A full-time masters is usually 1-2 years long. Most masters degrees in the UK take one year, but programmes longer than 1 year are also popular.
A. Some students do work part-time while pursuing a masters. The limited class time during some courses can make it easier to balance work and study, but you should resist the temptation to take on too many working hours as masters requires much more independent study time than a bachelors.
A. An MA (Master of Arts) is normally awarded in Arts, Humanities and some Social Science subjects. An MSc (Master of Science) is usually awarded in Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine and Mathematics subjects. Both of these degrees last for the same duration and involve similar types of study; its just the degree subject thats different. Q. Whats the difference between masters and postgraduate?
Q. What is the duration of a masters degree in the UK?
Q. Can you work during a Masters?
Q. Whats the difference between an MA and an MSc?