Postgraduate qualifications allow you to study a subject in more depth or make a career change and take off in a different direction. You can study a Masters in almost any subject in the UK.
What Masters qualification can I do?
There are a number of different qualifications open to postgraduates looking to study in the UK, depending on the subject you have chosen. The main qualifications are:
- Master of Arts (MA)
- Master of Science (BSc)
- MBA
- Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
- Master of Research (MRes)
- PhD
There are two main strands of postgraduate qualifications – taught courses and research courses.
Taught courses are similar to undergraduate study, with students attending lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical lessons.
Research courses focus on extended essays, dissertations and project work on a single topic. You will have less contact hours and be expected to do more independent study. Many research Masters lead to PhDs.
What will I study on a postgraduate course?
Postgraduate degrees in the UK are usually taught by modules. You will study a number of core modules which will be compulsory, before also choosing your own extra modules. Expect to complete a dissertation or final project as part of your Masters.
Research Masters almost always focus on an individual project or dissertation which you independently research. Final essays of 20,000-30,000 words are not uncommon.
How do I apply for a postgraduate course?
Unlike undergraduate study, there is no centralised application centre of postgraduate study in the UK. You will need to apply to each university and department individually, so make sure you research you options thoroughly before going ahead.
You should also research your funding options before applying – many universities offer scholarships and bursaries to international students.
How much are postgraduate tuition fees?
Postgraduate tuition fees vary depending on the institution and the course. As a guide, expect to pay the following:
- Arts and humanities courses: £7,000-£9,000 per year
- Science courses: £7,500-£25,000 per year
- Clinical courses: £10,000-£33,000 per year
- MBA: £4,000-£34,000 per year
Find out more about funding UK study with grants, scholarships and loans.