MS in UK
The United Kingdom has long been regarded as a hub of academic excellence and innovation, making it an appealing destination for international students who want to pursue a Master's degree here. With over 160 universities and higher education institutions, 84 of which are featured in the QS World University Rankings 2021, the UK offers a diverse range of educational opportunities. Most Master's degrees in the UK can be completed in just one year, providing an opportunity to graduate sooner and save on tuition and accommodation costs. Let's explore the unique advantages of studying for a Master's degree in the UK and the promising prospects it offers.
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- Why Study MS in UK
- Top Universities in UK for MS
- In-Demand MS Courses in UK
- Cost of Studying and Living in UK
- Career Prospects after MS in UK
- Scholarships For Master's in UK
- Requirements & Eligibility Criteria for MS in UK
- Deadline for MS Applications in UK
- Timeline for Master's Application for UK
- Work Permit for MS Students in UK
- Visa Requirements for International Students in UK
- FAQ's
Why Study MS in UK?
Master's programs in the UK are designed to meet the changing demands of industries. Indian students who want to study in the UK can benefit from an advanced curriculum that focuses on practical skills and prepares them for the challenges of the professional world. Whether in the fields of social sciences, arts and humanities, or technology, the UK offers a wide range of Master's degrees catering to diverse academic interests and career paths.
Tuition fees in the UK are generally more affordable compared to other English-speaking study destinations like Australia and the US. The cost of living varies by location, but there are numerous scholarship programs that support international students financially.
Learn what makes the UK the best destination among international MS applicants?
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Below are the top universities in the UK with their QS World University Rankings of 2023.
University of Cambridge |
2 |
University of Oxford |
4 |
Imperial College London |
=6 |
UCL |
8 |
The University of Edinburgh |
15 |
The University of Manchester |
28 |
King's College London |
37 |
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) |
56 |
University of Bristol |
=61 |
The University of Warwick |
64 |
University of Southampton |
78 |
University of Glasgow |
81 |
Let's shortlist universities that fit your higher education goals in the UK
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Below are some of the most popular MS degrees in the UK:
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Education and Training
- Business and Administration
- Architecture
- Mathematics
- Psychology
- Law
- Veterinary Science
Cost of Studying and Living in UK
Fees for an MS program in the UK Range from £12,500 – £30,000. Studying in the UK is an exciting prospect for many international students. Before taking the plunge and enrolling in a course, it is important to understand the cost of living here. The average cost of living in the UK is about £1,000-2000 per year. However, it may vary greatly depending on the city you choose to study in and the lifestyle you wish to lead.
Some basic expenses in the UK include:
Rent |
~£614-900 |
Utilities (gas, electricity, and water) |
~£155 |
Travel |
A travel pass typically averages at £55. However, there are significant discounts available for students. |
Personal Expenses |
~£150-350 |
Other Miscellaneous Expenses |
~£20-40 |
London is one of the most expensive cities in the UK, with monthly food costs averaging ~£200. This is 5% more expensive than in Liverpool (~£167) and 7% higher than in Manchester (£186).
Career Prospects after MS in UK
The average base salary for Master’s degree holders in the UK is £35k/ year. Below is a table with some of the job titles and average salaries:
Job Title |
Range |
Average |
---|---|---|
Software Engineer |
£27k - £60k |
£38,711 |
Data Scientist |
£27k - £55k |
£38,819 |
Data Analyst |
£22k - £43k |
£28,604 |
Software Developer |
£22k - £47k |
£31,643 |
Project Manager, (Unspecified Type / General) |
£27k - £58k |
£38,712 |
Senior Software Engineer |
£41k - £79k |
£55,864 |
Marketing Manager |
£23k - £56k |
£32,894 |
Marketing Executive |
£19k - £40k |
£25,839 |
Management Accountant |
£27k - £46k |
£35,121 |
Assistant Management Accountant |
£22k - £35k |
£27,489 |
Accountant |
£20k - £41k (Estimated *) |
£28,623 |
Finance Manager |
£33k - £68k |
£45,900 |
Business Analyst, Finance/Banking |
£27k - £65k |
£41,137 |
Finance Assistant |
£19k - £32k |
£24,488 |
Finance Director |
£63k - £111k (Estimated *) |
£84,279 |
Finance Analyst |
£22k - £36k (Estimated *) |
£28,002 |
Scholarships For Master's in UK
Studying in the UK is a dream for many international students, and with the right scholarship, it could become a reality. There are a variety of scholarships available from universities, charities, and trusts. Some of these are:
- Governmental Scholarships
The British government offers two significant scholarship programs for overseas students:
- Chevening Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships, founded in 1983, is awarded to students with high academic potential. It offers two grant types: scholarships and fellowships.
Awarded for a one-year’s Master course or other postgraduate programs.
Applicants must have 2+ years of work experience
- Commonwealth Scholarships
Funded by the Department for International Development, Commonwealth Scholarships are awarded to students from Commonwealth countries. It covers tuition fees, airline airfares, essential living expenses plus other allowances. Students who apply for the below programs are eligible:
One-year Master’s or equivalent programs in the fields of Engineering & Technology; Theoretical and Applied Science; Agriculture; and Humanities and Social Sciences
Doctoral degrees of a minimum of three years
- Non-Governmental Scholarships
Some Non-Governmental Scholarships offered in the UK are:
- Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The University of Cambridge, widely regarded as one of the top institutions in the world, offers an attractive bursary plan to prospective overseas students. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers all your studying expenses.
- Rhodes House Scholarships
The Rhodes House Scholarships program is one of the oldest in the world, and it supports graduate students who want to attend Oxford University. Ninety-five deserving students are selected every year as scholarship recipients. The scholarship covers all university tuition expenses as well as two economy-class tickets, one to arrive at the institution and the second to return home when the availability of the scholarship expires.
- Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships
About 30 outstanding international students each year are awarded full tuition scholarships to study for a doctoral degree at the University of Edinburgh. It covers a portion of your total tuition costs.
Requirements & Eligibility Criteria for MS in UK
Here are the general eligibility requirements to secure your seat in a Master’s program in the UK:
- Bachelor’s degree with good grades
- Internship certificate/s or work experience, though not mandatory at some universities
- A valid GRE score.
- English language proficiency scores – IELTS or TOEFL.
- Detailed resume
- Letters of Recommendation.
- Statement of Purpose and/or other admission essays
Find out if your profile is a fit for your desired course in the UK.
Contact our expert study-abroad counsellors now!Deadline for MS Applications in UK
The two most popular intakes for postgraduate studies in the UK are Fall intake (September/October) and Winter intake (January/February). Additionally, the UK attracts a sizable international student population for its limited April/May intake for a few programs. The May intake has a lower number of applicants and is thus less competitive. Each intake has a different application deadline and time frame, so it’s important to research your options and plan accordingly.
Timeline for Master's Application for UK
The application timeline plays a crucial role while planning to study in the UK. You may start in April and search for universities that align with your preferences and budget. In the month of June, you can begin your preparations for standardized exams like the IELTS or the TOEFL, while also honing interview skills for university selections. During August to December, the focus is on crafting compelling SOPs, gathering LORs, and completing essential documentation. Subsequently, from December to July, you may fill out application forms and submit required documents. July to August is the time to apply for a Visa and book tickets for the UK, where a whole new world of academic and cultural experiences awaits!
Work Permit for MS Students in UK
The Graduate Route Visa is designed to allow international students to stay in the UK and work for two years after they have completed their studies. This visa route is open to all international students who have successfully completed a degree-level course at a UK university or college. This gives them the chance to further develop their skills and gain valuable work experience in the UK. To be eligible,
- You should have completed a Bachelor’s or a postgraduate degree, or any other eligible course in the UK, and should be living in the UK at the time of application.
- You should have a UK student visa.
- Your study provider must have informed the Home Office about your successful graduation.
The application fee for the Graduate Route Visa is £715. Plus, you will have to pay a healthcare surcharge, which is usually £624 for each year that you spend in the UK.
Visa Requirements for International Students in UK
The steps for applying for a UK visa are as follows:
- Gather the required documents: The first step is to gather all the documents you will need to submit with your application. Different types of visas will require different documents, so make sure you check the specific requirements for the visa you are applying for.
- Create an account on the UK government website: The next step is to create an account on the UK government website. This will allow you to fill out the application form online and upload the required documents.
- Pay the application fee: Once you have completed the application form, you will need to pay the visa application fee.
- Submit the application: After submitting your application, you will receive an email confirming that your application has been received and is under review.
- In case you want to withdraw your application, you may contact UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration). If your application has not yet been processed, your money will be reimbursed.
FAQ’s
Most universities in the UK do not require GRE scores for admission to MS programs.
MS (Master of Science) and MSc (Master of Science) are typically used interchangeably. Both degrees usually have a similar curriculum and are considered equivalent in academic terms.
On average, international students can expect to pay tuition fees ranging from £15,000 to £30,000 per year. Additionally, living expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, and other personal expenses, should be considered.
Studying MS in the UK involves selecting a university and program of interest, meeting the admission requirements, applying online, obtaining a study visa, and preparing for your academic journey.
Your SOP should demonstrate your academic and professional background, career goals, reasons for choosing the specific program and university, and how it aligns with your aspirations. It should highlight your strengths and achievements.
Yes, after completing their MS degree in the UK, international students may be eligible to stay back and work in the UK for two years through the Post-Study Work (PSW) visa.
Yes, students with a BSc degree are eligible to pursue MS in the UK.