The United Kingdom is the second most popular study abroad destination in the world, known for its wide choice of educational opportunities available for all students. Whether you are pursuing an undergraduate or a graduate degree, the UK has something in store for you. Its universities have produced topnotch professionals, known to deliver the best in their respective fields. It is common knowledge that the UK has one of the best education systems in the world, one used as a model for other countries’ education systems. To study as a graduate or postgraduate international student in the UK is an investment you will surely get high returns from. As its universities are highly respected around the globe, you can be assured that the academic and professional societies you will belong in will treat you accordingly.
If you wish to pursue graduate studies in the UK, you will have a long list of options to choose from. From the world’s oldest and most prestigious institutions (i.e. Cambridge University and Oxford University) to the recently established ones, your graduate education awaits in the UK.
While it is a general rule to pursue a graduate degree program that is closely related or a continuation of your undergraduate course, you can choose a different program altogether for your graduate studies in the UK, as long as the university approves it.
You can study for a graduate degree while doing an undergraduate degree. Universities in the United Kingdom offer graduate degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate level. If taken together with your undergraduate degree, it may take up to 4 years to complete. If you wish to take it after completing an undergraduate degree, you can obtain a master’s degree in a year.
The case is different when there is a research prerequisite for the completion of your degree program. If you need to undertake a research project, you can finish your graduate degree in one-and-a-half to two years.
Graduate schools in the UK provide instructions in English. Hence, they will require your English language proficiency test scores when you apply for admission.
Graduate programs in the UK are classified into two types: taught programs and research programs. The table below shows a comprehensive comparison of the two program types:
Taught Programs
They take one year to complete.
They consist generally of attending lectures and seminars, as well as submitting assignments and dissertation studies.
For the first two terms, students should complete assessed study modules. After which, they proceed to a dissertation requirement in the summer of the academic year.
You can expect independent study along with a number of learning sessions inside the classroom.
Master of Arts (MA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Engineering (MEng), and Master of Science (MSc) are taught graduate study programs in the UK.
Research Programs
They take two to three years to complete.
They consist generally of a research project in your field of study
You are expected to submit a thesis or dissertation as a class output.
You can expect some discussion and consultation about your research, although a large chunk of your time will be allotted to your research paper.
The research project will be supervised by your professor or academic instructor.
Master of Philosophy (MPhil), Master of Research (MRes), and Master of Science (MSc) are some of the research graduate study programs in the UK.
Postgraduate or doctorate degrees in the UK are obtained through the research type of program.
Tips for International Graduate Students in the UK
Studying in a foreign country can be both exciting and exhilarating. You will be someplace new in the world, where you might not know anyone, and you will strive to adapt to a new culture. It is, therefore, comforting to get pieces of advice about the adventure you are about to embark upon. Read on for some important tips we gathered to guide you in your UK graduate study experience.
Expect to interact with a lot of international students from EU (European Union) countries, because the UK is an active participant in the Erasmus Student Exchange Program. Take your culture with you, but be prepared to accept other cultures as well.
Try to learn to speak other European languages as it will help a lot in your social skills.
From time to time, give yourself a break and explore other European countries since they are only a train ride or short flight away.
You will be required to open a bank account. The university you are attending will provide the letter of request for you to do so.
International students in the UK should register with a doctor in case of health emergencies. Make sure you have health insurance when you enter the UK, as it will not be easy to adjust to a new climate and environment, different from what you are accustomed to.
When choosing accommodation, opt for one that you are most comfortable with. There are several options for student accommodations in the UK:
Type of Accommodation
Description
Short-term Accommodation
This includes hotels and hostels which you may stay in while exploring for more permanent options. You can check with your university’s International Support Center for available temporary housing for international students.
Rental Accommodation
This is like renting an apartment for you and your peers. You just need to find a realtor so as to get settled.
On-Campus Accommodation
This is a practical option for international students who wish to live in a more secure location as well as to enjoy the perks of being close to school buildings. On-campus accommodations are usually cheaper.
Homestay
This is a type of accommodation where you live with a family in their home. This has its perks especially when the family you found is a generous one.
You may want to look into these universities for your graduate study program, as they are some of the best graduate schools in the UK:
Applying to graduate schools in the UK could be stress-free, if you know what to prepare and when to do a certain step. With this, we give you a step-by-step guide on getting admitted to a UK graduate school.
You have to apply directly to your chosen university, as most of them do not encourage applying through the UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) Postgraduate system. Thus, it is advisable to inquire with the specific universities you wish to attend. If you have not yet selected a graduate school, you may refer to our list of Best Universities in the United Kingdom for reference.
Each graduate school has a different process of admission for international students. Check out their website for the International Admissions section to guide you through.
Remember to check the application dates for each graduate school, since most of them have a deadline for international student applications. Make sure to submit your application before the application window closes.
Read thoroughly the prerequisites for the study program you are choosing. Check if the prerequisites are aligned with your previous academic qualifications.
Most graduate schools follow an online application system. This will require you to create an account and complete it with your personal and educational details.
Write an encouraging and positive personal statement that will showcase your keen interest in graduate learning in that specific program.
Secure relevant documents such as your bachelor’s diploma and official transcripts.
Make sure you have two professional references that could provide you with positive recommendations.
Take an English language proficiency test (if you are not a native English speaker). You may take the TOEFL, IELTS, or C1 Advanced, depending on the requirement of the university.
Submit a copy of your valid passport.
Wait for the university’s response to your application, as some graduate schools require an interview, either in person or by phone.
If you are a prospective postgraduate student, you will be asked to submit a research proposal.
Upon successful application, you can relax while waiting for the results. When you get a slot in the university you have chosen, you can proceed to apply for a student visa. For this step, you may find our How to Apply for a UK Student Visa helpful.
How much will graduate studies in the UK cost?
Each step towards furthering one’s academic profile takes courage and the right amount of funds. When planning to study in the United Kingdom, one of the most popular study abroad destinations in the world, you have to allocate financial resources to pay for the high tuition and equally high living expenses. After all, the UK is not just another country, but one that is respected around the world in terms of economic prowess, research initiatives, technological innovations, educational system, and cultural features. It would not come as a shock to you then to know that pursuing a graduate program in the UK is expensive. Here is some information about tuition and living costs in the UK:
If you are an international student who comes from a non-EU/EEA country, you should expect to pay higher tuition fees compared to other applicants who are from EU/EEA countries.
In the UK, attending graduate school is considerably less expensive than obtaining an undergraduate degree. This is because master’s degrees take less time to complete.
Tuition fees for graduate and postgraduate degree programs for international students can range from £9,000 to £30,000 ($11,508 to $38,360) per academic year.
Taught graduate programs cost £7,400 ($9,462) on average.
Tuition fees may also depend on the field of study you have chosen. For instance, social sciences programs typically cost less than natural sciences programs. Also, business programs fees are the highest.
If you want to study for a Master of Arts (MA) program in the social sciences or the arts, tuition fees are approximately £14,600 ($18,668) per academic year.
If you want to study for a Master of Science (MSc) program in science or engineering, expect tuition fees to cost around £16,200 ($20,714) per academic year.
If you want to study Master of Science (MSc) program in medical sciences or dentistry, the cost can be around £23,000 ($29,409) per academic year.
For research graduate programs such as Master of Research (MRes) or Master of Philosophy (MPhil), tuition fees are £10,000 ($12,786) or higher per academic year.
If you wish to pursue Master of Business Administration (MBA), tuition fees are roughly £20,000 ($25,573) per academic year.
The average living cost per year in the UK is between £8,000 to £12,000 ($10,228 to $15,342).
The UK Border Agency (UKBA) even requires visa applicants to have at least £1,265 ($1,617) per month for living costs alone.
The cost of living varies from city to city. If you’re based in London, expect to spend a lot more than when in other cities in the UK.
Despite the high cost of education and life in the United Kingdom, you can rest assured that you will have great returns, that will come in the form of a highly coveted master’s or Ph.D. diploma, a tenured job or a significant promotion, and a valuable experience from one of the world’s best countries to live in. As an international student, you can also look for scholarship opportunities to help with expenses. Explore How to Apply for a Scholarship in the UK for the list of available scholarship and financial grants for international students like you.
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