Masters Study in the United Kingdom (UK)

Why study for a Masters degree in the UK?

The UK offers students the opportunity to gain an internationally recognised and respected academic qualification, whilst at the same time experiencing life in a culturally rich and diverse environment.

UK Higher Education is renowned for the quality of its teaching and research. Many of the leading UK universities boast world-class research facilities and produce research of the highest standard, enabling both taught and research students to benefit from the knowledge and expertise of some of the world’s most acclaimed specialists.

British universities encourage students to think creatively and independently in a stimulating learning environment, providing them with the confidence, knowledge and ability to excel in their chosen career. Employers across the world recognise and value the quality of a UK university education.Studying and living in the UK also provides international students with an excellent opportunity to improve their English language skills, further enhancing their future employability.

Quality Assurance

The quality of teaching in UK Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) is rigorously assessed by the British Government's Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). Subject areas and departments at each university are assessed on criteria such as curriculum design, assessment, student support, learning resources etc. Subjects are then given a rating of “Excellent”, “Satisfactory” or “Unsatisfactory”, and departments are given a score out of 24 (with anything over 22 considered as excellent).

The strength of research activity in UK university departments is assessed on a regular basis. Until 2008, the system used was the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). This has now been replaced with the Research Excellence Framework (REF) which ran for the first time in 2014.
Under the RAE and the REF, research is rated on a scale of “unclassified” – “4”, with definitions of each category as follows:

4

Quality that is world-leading in terms of originality, significance and rigour.

3*

Quality that is internationally excellent in terms of originality, significance and rigour but which nonetheless falls short of the highest standards of excellence.

2*

Quality that is recognised internationally in terms of originality, significance and rigour.

1*

Quality that is recognised nationally in terms of originality, significance and rigour.

Unclassified

Quality that falls below the standard of nationally recognised work. Or work which does not meet the published definition of research for the purposes of this assessment.

Unclassified Quality that falls below the standard of nationally recognised work. Or work which does not meet the published definition of research for the purposes of this assessment.

In order to calculate an overall report, the REF assesses Higher Education Institutions according to three sub-profiles, each of which has a different weighting in the calculation of the overall score. These REF sub-profiles are Outputs (65%), Impact (20%) and Environment (15%).

Outputs are productions of published research. They can take various forms, according to the eligibility criteria defined for different subject-areas. Published books and articles, conference proceedings and intellectual property are examples of outputs.

Impact measures the effect of research outside the academy, including public engagement and education, improvements to public health and welfare, economic benefits and changes to social policy. Impact is usually assessed using submitted case-studies.

Environment assesses the quality of research structures and organisational units within higher education instutions. It can cover areas such as staff development, departmental cooperation and research strategy as well as the effective supervision and training of research students. Environment can therefore be an important criteria from the point of view of prospective Masters and PhD students.

The scale used to assess these sub-profiles is similar to that used in the overall report, running from 'unclassified' to 4*. Criteria and definitions for each level of the scale are altered as appropriate to each sub-profile. You can visit the official REF2014 website for more information on these processes.
Entry requirements for UK Masters degrees

Entry requirements differ at each university. Typically, those universities with higher rankings will have higher entry requirements. For entry onto taught Masters programmes, most universities would require a good first degree and evidence of English language ability
English requirements

Students who have not been educated in English would usually be required have an internationally recognised English language qualification such as IELTS or TOEFL before joining the university. The exact English requirements will depend on the university and course, but typically range from IELTS 5.5 to IELTS 7.5 (TOEFL 525-625).

Students who have been educated in English are often able to submit high school English qualifications (eg. IGCSE or O-level) instead of IELTS or TOEFL. Most universities would require the equivalent to a grade C at GCSE level to satisfy these conditions.
English Language preparation programmes

Students who do not meet the minimum English language requirements have the option of taking an English Language preparation programme. Many universities offer intensive English Language summer schools, specifically designed to help students reach the required English level for their chosen academic programme. These courses usually range from 4-16 weeks. Alternatively, there are several private English Language schools across the country which can offer English preparation courses. Students taking these courses hould check that this will be accepted by their chosen university.

Pre-Masters programmes

Students who do not meet the minimum academic entry requirements for their chosen course may have the option of taking a pre-Masters programme. These programmes are designed to prepare students for postgraduate study in the UK. Some universities run their own pre-Masters programmes, while others may work in partnership with specialist colleges
Universities We Represent in UK
University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
University of Plymouth, Plymouth
Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne
Queen Mary, University of London
Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, Scotland
Bangor University, Bangor
University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd
University of Central Lancashire, Preston
University of Teesside, Tees Valley
Staffordshire University, Stoke - on - Trent
Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield
University of Chester, Chester
Northumbria University, Newcastle
University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield
University of Bedfordshire, Luton
Roehampton University, London
University of Northampton
University of West London, London
University of Wolverhampton
Liverpool Hope University, Liverpool
Middlesex University, London
West London College, London
Holborn College, London
EThames Graduate School
Kaplan International Colleges
London City College, London
TASMAC - London School of Business
Langside College, Glasgow
Ayr College, Scotland
London School of Business and Finance
CITEC London
Birmingham International College
Cecos London College
London International College
Maritime Greenwich College
North West College, London
South London College
University of Birmingham
University of Greenwich
University of East London
Cardiff Metropoliton University
Manchester Metropolitan University
University of Westminster
Swansea University
University of Essex
University of Sunderland
Coventry University
Queen Margaret University
Queen's University Belfast
University of Stirling
London Soft Bank University
York St John University
University of Bradford
City University except Law & Business
Buckinghamshire (Bucks) New University
University of Liverpool, Liverpool

Travelling to the UK

Immigration

All overseas students wishing to study in the UK will need to obtain a visa before arrival. There are strict rules governing the requirements for obtaining a UK study visa and most universities will be able to offer you advice and guidance on this before you apply for your visa. For more information on visas, see our UK Visa Guide for Postgraduate Students or the UK Border Agency Web Site

When you travel to the UK, ensure that you carry all your important documents (including letters from the University) in your hand luggage, as you may need to show these at immigration.

Before you leave

Before you leave for the UK, make sure that you have booked accommodation for at least the first two nights. This could be university accommodation (see below), but if you have not arranged this before you leave then you should book a room in a local hotel for at least the first couple of nights. Remember that it might be late at night when you arrive and it is not always easy to find accommodation in an unfamiliar city.

What you should bring

You do not need to bring everything with you! Many items, such as cooking equipment, kettles, bed linen etc., are widely available and inexpensive to buy in the UK. However, the following items may be useful:

All information sent to you by your University

All important documents, including medical documents

A dictionary and some basic course reference books in your own language

An international driving licence (if you have one)

Lap-top computer (if you have one)

UK adaptor plugs for your electronic equipment

Warm clothing – bring at least one warm jumper and a jacket, but if you are coming from a warm climate then remember it will be easier to buy most of your winter clothing in the UK

Clothing for warm weather, if you will be in the UK over the summer months

National or traditional dress – there may be special occasions when you will want to wear this, eg. university cultural evenings etc.

Photographs of family and friends to decorate your new room and help you feel less lonely

Favourite books/posters/music etc.

Souvenirs or small items from your country to give as gifts to your new friends

Travel within the UK

If you wish to drive a car in the UK then you MUST ensure that you have a driving licence valid for use in the UK. It is illegal and a criminal offence to drive in the UK without a valid licence. It is very important that you check the latest guidelines on the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) website: http://www.dft.gov.uk/dvla/ . You must also make sure that you have valid motor insurance and that the vehicle you are driving has a valid tax disc. All traffic in the UK drives on the left.

Most students find it easier to use public transport to get around the UK. You can travel by coach/bus or by train. Travelling by coach or bus is usually the cheapest way to travel, although journey times can be longer. Train travel can be more expensive if you do not book your ticket in advance, however if you book your journey early then you can often buy tickets at reduced prices.

Accommodation

University accommodation

Most universities can offer dedicated student accommodation for their students – usually on or near the main university campus. Every university is different, but a typical student bedroom will consist of a bed, study desk, storage cupboard(s) and often a private bathroom. Internet access is usually available in the room. Most students in these types of rooms would then share a communal kitchen/living area with between 5 and 10 other students.

Students coming to the UK with their family can usually request special family accommodation, which consists of private bedroom(s), bathroom, kitchen and living space. You should apply for this as early as you can as places are often limited.

University accommodation costs vary, but usually include utilities (electricity, water, gas etc.), internet and council tax.

Private accommodation

If you do not wish to stay in university accommodation, most cities offer a good range of private accommodation. You can either book this through a letting agency or through an independent landlord. It is important that you check the reputation of your chosen agency/landlord before signing a contract - most universities will have a list of approved agencies/landlords which you can use.

Private accommodation rates can be cheaper than university accommodation, but they often do not include utilities (electricity, water, gas etc.), internet or council tax. It is important to allow for these additional costs when you are working out your accommodation budget!

Health

Before you arrive

You must make sure that your immunisations are up-to-date, and remember to pack your immunisation record in your hand luggage. Your doctor should be able to advise you which immunisations you need to have before you travel to the UK. You should also make sure that you have comprehensive medical insurance. You will need this if there is a medical emergency and you need to return home, or if you are seriously ill and a close relative needs to fly to the UK to see you.

In the UK

All international students registered on full-time courses lasting at least 6 months (and their dependants) are entitled to use the National Health Service (NHS). The NHS provides free registration and consultation with an NHS Doctor (GP) or Nurse, free hospital treatment (if referred by a doctor) and a standard charge of £7.10 for each item of prescribed medicine.

Most universities have their own University Health Centre where you can register for the above services. You should check this with your university when you arrive in the UK.

Dental treatment can be provided under the NHS at a registered NHS dentist. However, it can be very difficult to find an NHS dentist, as most do not have space for new patients. Most dentists will offer private treatment, but this can be expensive. It is recommended that you have a full check-up and any necessary treatment before you leave for the UK.

Money

Tuition fees and living costs

Before you arrive in the UK you should make sure that you have enough money to cover your stay. You will need to pay for tuition fees, accommodation and other living costs such as food, clothing, transport, books etc. These costs vary depending on which university you have chosen, but every university should send you detailed information about tuition fees and living costs before you arrive. It is very difficult to find extra funding once you are in the UK, so it is very important that you know how you are going to pay your fees before you arrive.

Scholarships

Some universities offer a range of scholarships to international students. You should check with your chosen university to find out whether you are eligible for a scholarship.

Banks

You should open a UK bank account as soon as you can after you arrive in the UK. It can take some time to open a bank account, so you must make sure you have access to enough cash to last you for the first few weeks.

Opening a UK Bank Account

Most banks will offer slightly different products, so make sure you choose the bank which is best for you. You should choose one which has a local branch near your university campus/accommodation, as most banks are only open from 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday.

Working in the UK

International students on full-time programmes of at least degree level are currently permitted to work for a maximum of 20 hours a week during term-time. If you work more than this then you will be breaching the conditions of your visa and you may be requested to leave the UK. Rates of pay for part-time work vary, but the national minimum wage for those over the age of 22 is £5.80 per hour.

Cost of Studying & Living in UK

Before you begin studying in the UK you will have to look at tuition and the living costs for your stay. There are a number of financial options available for international students, so make sure you do some research and find out what you may qualify for. The estimated living cost per year is between £7,000 – £9,000, so it’s important that you plan ahead and keep track of your spending! Many UK shops and restaurants offer a student discount and you can also get great deals on travel passes to help make life more affordable.

Tuition fees per year range from £7,000 to £9,000 for Arts courses and £7,500 to £12,000 for Science courses. The costs can vary depending on where you are studying, so it’s a good idea to get in touch with your chosen institution to find out the full cost of your course and what financial help is on offer.

The duration of a UK undergraduate course ranges from three to four years, while a full-time postgraduate degree is generally a year. There are plenty of options available to you following your degree and there will always be lots of guidance to help you choose your next step.

Visas

Once you’ve decided what to study, you need to consider entry dates, application deadlines, UK student visa deadlines and English language requirements. The main intake is in September each year, though many universities have a smaller intake in January. If you wish to begin your course in September, keep in mind that the application deadline is in June, so make sure you have submitted all of your application documents well in advance of your cut off date.

When applying for your visa, you must make sure that you qualify. The UK visa requirements are subject to change, but you will generally need an unconditional offer letter from your chosen university, as well as proof of funds to cover course fees and living expenses. You can read more about the new UK points-based immigration system on our blog or visit the UK Government Border Agency website.

Another thing to remember is that most courses have their own language requirements, so you may have to show evidence of your language skills. The preferred English language test is IELTS, though you will be able to find out more about this from your chosen university.

.

Pages