Masters Study in the UK – A Guide for 2022
The United Kingdom’s higher education system is world-famous, with a long and proud history of academic excellence. It’s no secret that studying a Masters in the UK is a popular choice for people from across the globe. International postgraduates are drawn by the UK’s renowned universities, bustling cities and picturesque countryside.
This page covers essential information about Masters degrees in the UK, from fees and funding opportunities to British universities and course applications.
Postgraduate opportunities in the United Kingdom – what’s on offer for 2022?
The United Kingdom is second only to the USA as the most popular study abroad destination in the world, welcoming nearly 490,000 international students each year. Its higher education system is as diverse as the country itself, ranging from ancient universities in Oxford and Cambridge to modern, innovative institutions. The UK is also unique in that it consists of four nations with their own distinct university systems: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
We’ve listed just a handful of the best reasons why should you consider the UK for your Masters this year:
- World-class universities – Several British universities are frequently ranked among the very best in the world.
- Cultural institutions – Wherever you choose to study in the UK, you’ll likely be within reach of outstanding museums, galleries and libraries. From the V&A in London to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery in Glasgow and the National Railway Museum in York, there’s no shortage of cultural attractions in the UK.
- Funding opportunities – There are a number of funding opportunities for international students in the UK, including Chevening Scholarships, GREAT Scholarships and Commonwealth Scholarships.
- Internationally-recognised degrees – UK Masters are recognised and respected across the world.
British universities
Most higher education institutions in the UK are public universities, which means that they receive a proportion of their funding from central government. Universities must demonstrate the quality of their research and teaching activities to receive public funds. However, public universities enjoy a great deal of institutional autonomy, being free to invest and generate income as they see fit.
Even among public universities, there is great variation. Not necessarily in quality but in terms of the number of programmes offered, expertise available and connections to industry. Universities can range in size from over 30,000 students to just a few hundred. Some have their own campus while others are based in the heart of a city.
Private institutions awarding postgraduate degrees also exist in the UK. They tend to focus on specific areas such as Business, Management and Law. These institutions may not always have the power to award their own degrees, instead using an affiliated accredited university.
As you probably already know, the UK is made up of four nations: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. These countries have their own distinct higher education systems and varying levels of control over policy, fees and funding. Although universities across the UK don’t differ wildly in quality, it’s worth getting to grips with those other aspects of the university experience – particularly the availability of postgraduate finance
Universities in England
England is the largest country in the UK and is home to most of its universities (as well as the oldest: the University of Oxford, established in 1096).The Unviersty of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, collectively referred to as Oxbridge, hold international reputations as two of most presitgious universities in the world.
Universities in Scotland
Scotland has a long and proud history of higher education, with several ancient universities dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries (the University of St Andrews was founded in 1413). These institutions – which also include the universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen – often award an MLitt (Master of Letters) instead of the MA (Master of Arts) usually offered at universities elsewhere in the UK (MAs at these Scottish institutions are typically awarded as integrated four-year undergraduate degrees, rather than separate postgraduate qualifications)’.
Universities in Wales
There are around 26,000 international students at Wales’ diverse range of universities, from city centre institutions like Cardiff University to campus-based Swansea University and Aberystwyth University.
Universities in Northern Ireland
There are two universities in Northern Ireland – Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University – as well as several colleges offering higher education programmes.
In the UK, a degree-level qualification can only be awarded by permission from the Secretary of State, a Royal Charter or an Act of Parliament. This helps you to identify the list of recognised institutions. Universities and some colleges can award degree-level qualifications, but if you are looking to pursue a Masters or a PhD you are more likely to study at a university. There are exceptions, such as arts colleges and business schools – some of which are autonomous, while others are constituents of universities.
There are two types of ‘accreditations’ – institution-level and qualification-level – often dealt with by completely different organisations. For example, for a recognised university to be able to award a medical degree or a teacher’s qualification, it will need the appropriate professional body accreditation. In any case, all bodies that award UK degrees are subject to a regular external quality assurance reviews by the Quality Assurance Agency UK (QAA).
You can see a full list of accredited British universities on the UK Government’s website.
British university cities
Whether you’re looking to attend a university in a bustling metropolis like Manchester or a quaint seaside town like St Andrews, there’s plenty to choose from in the UK. Chances are you’ll be able to find the perfect place to study your Masters.
These are some of the most popular postgraduate destinations in the UK:
- Study in London
- Study in Edinburgh
- Study in Cardiff
- Study in Belfast
- Study in Birmingham
- Study in Leeds
- Study in Sheffield
- Study in Oxford
- Study in Cambridge
- Study in Bristol
Course types
The UK higher education system encompasses many different kinds of qualification at Masters level, ranging from academic programmes to more practical, vocational postgraduate courses. Most programmes require one year of full-time study (90 ECTS), although research-based Masters are usually two years long.
Masters fees and funding in the United Kingdom
British universities charge different fees depending on your nationality. If you’re a British national, you’ll generally be charged ‘home’ fees at a lower rate. If you don’t fall into that category, you’ll usually be treated as an international student and charged for your Masters at a higher overseas rate. There are exceptions to this rule, however – we’ve covered these in detail elsewhere.
How much does a Masters cost in the UK?
We’ve done some number-crunching and worked out the average fees for the main types of Masters in the UK, both in terms of home rates and overseas rates.
You can find out more in our guide to the cost of a Masters, which includes information on living costs as well as other fees associated with completing postgraduate studies in the UK.
Masters student visas in the United Kingdom
If you’re an international student, you’ll usually need a student visa to study a Masters in the UK. In order to be accepted onto a student visa, you’ll need:
- To have been accepted for a place on a full-time or part-time postgraduate course (Ofqual level 7 or above) at a UK university with licensed student sponsor status
- The required level of English language proficiency for your Masters
- Enough financial support to pay your tuition fees and living costs during your Masters
There is also a £348 application fee for a student visa. For more information, read our full guide to UK visas for postgraduate students.
Health insurance
It’s important to have adequate health insurance while studying in the UK. If you’re applying for a student visa, you’ll need to pay an annual NHS surcharge of £470 as part of your visa application.
It’s also a good idea to have some form of private health insurance to cover unexpected costs that wouldn’t otherwise be covered by the NHS (such as your repatriation in the event of an emergency).
Working during a Masters
If you hold a student visa, you can work in the UK for 20 hours a week during term time and an unrestricted number of hours during the holidays. However, there are certain types of job you can’t do, including:
- A trainee doctor
- A professional sportsperson
- An entertainer
- Entrepreneurial activity
- Self-employment
- Full-time, permanent roles
Next steps
After finishing your UK Masters degree, you’ll have an accredited postgraduate qualification from one of the most well-known and respected higher education systems in the world. Whether you want to go straight into work or carry on your studies with a PhD, you’ll be in an excellent position to make the most of your Masters.
Working in the UK after graduation
In 2019, the UK Government announced a new visa scheme for international students to remain in the UK and look for employment after their studies have finished.
Known as the Graduate Route, this programme is available for anyone holding a Tier 4 or student visa who finishes a UK degree in the summer of 2021 and beyond. It allows you to stay in the UK for two years after you graduate, with no restrictions on the work you do (or the salary level).
Once the two-year period is up, you’ll need to apply for another visa to remain in the UK (usually this will be the Tier 2 visa).
Find out more about Graduate Route post-study work visas over on our blog.
If you have an excellent business idea, you could also apply for a Start-up visa, which is aimed at talented entrepreneurs with sponsorship from their university or from a business organisation.
