Master's in the UK for Indian Students
Study a UK master's and boost your career prospects
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.
Short Course Duration
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 allows you to enter the workforce quicker.
You Can Study Part-Time
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.
Why Study a Master's in the UK as an Indian Student?
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.
1. Improve Your Career Prospects
78% of students who completed a postgraduate master's in the UK were in full-time employment following graduation, compared to just 66% of undergraduate leavers. Employers increasingly value a master's degree, considering advanced expertise and experience when hiring for entry-level positions.
2. Gain an Internationally Recognised Qualification
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 the QAA regularly assesses the quality of teaching.
3. Enjoy Better Earning Prospects
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.
Types of Master's in the UK
Taught
There are four main types of taught programmes: 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. These involve weekly seminars, tutorials, and lectures, with assessment via exams, dissertation, or projects.
Research
A research degree allows students to take more responsibility for their work, focusing on a thesis while supervised by an academic. The most popular research degree is a PhD, taking 3-4 years to complete with a thesis of 60,000 – 100,000 words and an oral examination.
Other research degrees include the Master of Science (MSc), Master of Philosophy (MPhil), and Master of Research (MRes), which are similar to a PhD but require shorter research papers.
Master's Fees for Indian Students
The average cost of a postgraduate degree in the UK for an international student is around £17,100 per year. Tuition fees vary based on the type of master's, location, and university. Studying in the UK can be 30 to 60 per cent cheaper than American equivalents.
Master's Scholarships in the UK
Scholarships are available for Indian students pursuing a postgraduate degree at a UK university. These include full scholarships covering tuition fees and living expenses, partial scholarships, and stipends for living expenses.
Eligibility Criteria for a Master's
To pursue a master's in the UK, students must meet specific admissions criteria:
- Academic Qualifications: A relevant undergraduate degree with a minimum upper second-class honours.
- English Language Proficiency: Required scores include PTE Academic (58.5) or IELTS (6.5), varying by institution.
- Work Experience: Certain courses like an MBA may require 1-3 years of relevant experience.
- Letters of Recommendation: At least two recommendation letters from academic or professional referees.
- Statement of Purpose: A well-articulated essay detailing motivation, career aspirations, and reasons for choosing the institution.
Where Can I Study for a Master's in the UK?
All UK universities offer master's programmes for international students. Some of the top-ranking universities include:
- University of Oxford: Humanities, Law, MBA
- University of St Andrews: International Relations, Computer Science, Physics
- University of Cambridge: Law, Mathematics, Science
- London School of Economics: Economics, Law, Social Science
- Imperial College London: Science, Engineering, Medicine
- Durham University: Law, Business, Engineering
- University of Bath: Engineering, MBA, Humanities
- University of Warwick: Economics, International Studies, Business
- University College London: Medicine, Science, Law
- Loughborough University: Sports, Engineering, Business
FAQs
What Are the Best Master's Courses in the UK?
Some of the most renowned master's programmes include:
- MBA
- MSc in Computer Science
- LLM (Master of Laws)
- MSc in Finance or Economics
Which Master's Course Is Best for Getting a Job in the UK?
Courses with high employability rates include:
- MSc in Computer Science or Data Science
- MBA (Finance, Consultancy)
- MSc in Renewable Energy or Sustainability
- LLM in International or Corporate Law