Postgraduate Courses to Study in UK: Master's Courses in UK

Postgraduate Courses in UK or Postgraduate Degrees in UK are 1-year or 2-year full-time programs. They can be research-based, course-based, or a combination of both approaches. A student can only apply to universities in the UK for masters after completing undergraduate courses.

This means that Indian students can save time and money while starting their careers much faster by pursuing a highly regarded UK postgraduate degree.

Each year, the United Kingdom attracts thousands of Indian students to its postgraduate courses in UK, and it's important to understand why. So, let’s delve into the main reasons in detail:

1. Globally Acclaimed Degrees - Postgraduate degrees in UK universities are highly recognised worldwide, giving you exposure to various opportunities across the globe.

2. Shorter Course Duration - Most master's courses in UK are tailored to be completed in 1 year, which is much less compared to other countries as some provide a compulsory 2-year duration. 

3. High-Quality Education - Studying postgraduate courses in UK universities allows you to learn from experts and access cutting-edge resources and facilities. 

4. Diverse and Inclusive Environment - The UK is a melting point of diverse cultures, giving you a rich student experience. Studying masters courses in UK also allows you to study with peers from around the world and build a global network. 

5. Career Advancement - Postgraduate degrees in UK universities can enhance students’ career prospects by providing in-depth knowledge and specialised skills. 

Postgraduate degrees in UK are further divided into two categories - Taught masters and Research masters.

• Taught Masters - Such programs are usually wrapped with lectures, seminars, and practical work and are assessed through exams and projects. For instance, Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MSc), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Engineering (MEng), etc. 

• Research Masters - These programs emphasise independent study and research, along with working closely with your supervisor to produce a thesis. Some common degrees are Master of Research (MRes), Master of Philosophy (MPhil), and more.

Also, Read: Undergraduate Courses in UK

Several options are available in various disciplines for postgraduate degrees in UK to pursue your studies. So, let’s look at some of the best postgraduate courses in UK.

1. Engineering - This field of study is very popular and offers specialisations in civil, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering. Such programs combine theoretical and practical experience. 

2. Computing - These fields have become highly sought-after, and a plus point is the UK provides several cutting-edge programs. 

3. Medicine - UK’s medical schools are widely recognised as providing advanced training and specialisation for better careers. 

4. Social Sciences - This field of study has various programs like psychology, sociology, political science, and economics. These courses provide in-depth knowledge of human behaviour, social structures, and economic systems.

5. Business and Management - This subject covers various areas of finance, marketing, human resources, operations, and strategy. Students will eventually develop a broad range of skills and diverse career opportunities. 

Master courses in UK are a great option for Indian students as the country comprises well-renowned universities, excellent education facilities, and global exposure, providing valuable global experience. Here’s a list of the best postgraduate courses in UK.

The cost of pursuing one among the best postgraduate courses in UK varies completely depending on the type of course and your desired university. Let’s have a general idea of fees associated with different masters courses.

To move further, you must understand specific criteria and requirements which can vary from institution to institution and program. Check out some basic eligibility criteria for studying postgraduate courses in UK:

• Academic Qualifications - You must require an undergraduate degree; some institutions may require specific grade points, like a minimum score of 60% required. 

• English Language Proficiency - Indian students must show their English proficiency through tests like IELTS (minimum band score of 6.5 to 7 required) or TOEFL (minimum 90 to 110 score required). 

• Standardised Tests - Certain postgraduate degrees, like business or engineering, may require some standardised exams. Typically, you will need a minimum of 160 scores on the GRE and a 500-600 score on the GMAT exams. 

• Work Experience - For some professional programs like MBA in UK, work experience of 1-2 years might be required. 

• Passport and Visa Requirements - A valid passport and visa are essential for studying postgraduate courses in UK universities. But it is suggested that you travel at least 3 months before your travel date. 

Some other documents required are:

• Transcripts of educational qualifications to date

• CV or Resume

• LOR (Letter of Recommendation)

• SOP (Statement of Purpose)

• Scorecards per the result of IELTS/TOEFL

• Scorecards per the result of the GMAT/GRE

• Work experience certificate

• Proof of Funds

Studying postgraduate courses in UK can be expensive, but you can sponsor your complete education by applying for scholarships. So, let’s have a look at the scholarships available for Indian students:

Postgraduate degrees in UK universities significantly enhance your career prospects. According to Graduate Labour Market Statistics 2023-24, the minimum salary of an employed postgraduate is EUR 45,000, whereas EUR 40,000 for undergraduates. Head over to some of the potential career paths:

To conclude, studying postgraduate courses in UK universities gives you an academic edge by offering diverse course specialisations and rich cultural experiences. Overall, pursuing masters from the top universities in UK provides international students endless opportunities for growth and success.

If you need clarification or more insight on the masters courses in UK or want to study in UK, we encourage you to speak with our expert counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). If you cannot travel to our offices, we offer free online counselling services via our website. Our dedicated counsellors will provide the best guidance regarding your application to study in UK. Apart from this, our expert counsellors will also offer assistance in the visa process for your successful study abroad journey. Don't hesitate to contact us at application02@meridean.org or call us at 1800-1230-00011.

Question - How to apply for postgraduate courses in the UK?

Answer - To apply for postgraduate courses in UK, you must first shortlist universities, check eligibility criteria and application deadlines, select your PG course, fill out the application form and pay the fees. After this, you can only patiently wait for the university to respond. 

Question - What are some of the in-demand jobs in the UK?

Answer - Tech, healthcare, real estate, and finance are among the most in-demand industries in the UK. You can give a good start to your career in the UK if you are an engineer, doctor, construction manager, or finance analyst.

Question - What is the average cost of MS in UK for Indian students?

Answer - The average cost of MS in the UK for Indian students differs as per the course and university. On average, Indian students expect to pay between INR 11L and INR 40L per year at UK universities. So, various scholarships are available for Indian students to pursue an MS in the UK without financial burden.

Question - Is it beneficial for Indian students to pursue PG courses in UK?

Answer - Yes, pursuing PG courses in UK can benefit Indian students. UK universities provide world-class education and infrastructure. Also, UK universities offer a variety of courses and opportunities for research and networking to Indian students, making the country an excellent choice for higher education.

Question - What is the duration of an MS course in the UK?

Answer - Postgraduate courses in the UK typically last 1-2 years, with part-time students taking three years. However, some courses can last up to four years. Students should know that the course duration may vary depending on which university they choose to study in the UK.

Question - Is IELTS required for Indian students to pursue postgraduate courses in UK?

Answer: IELTS is required for Indian students pursuing an MS in the UK, however, it might be exempted depending upon your previous qualification and 12th English marks. To study and live in the United Kingdom, Indian students must show their English proficiency. Most UK universities require IELTS scores for admission. However, the minimum IELTS score required by each university varies.

Question - Can Indian students stay in the UK after completing their MS?

Answer: Yes, Indian students can stay in the UK after completing their MS for two years. This opportunity allows Indian students to get jobs and stay in the UK.

Question - What minimum percentage is required to pursue an MS in the UK?

Answer - The minimum percentage required to pursue an MS in the UK varies depending on the university and course. In general, a minimum of 55% or equivalent is required in an undergraduate degree. However, certain universities may have a higher percentage requirement.

Question - What are some of the top universities in the UK for masters?

Answer - Master's programs at some of the top UK universities include King's College London, Imperial College London, University College London, University of Edinburgh, University of Manchester, University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, University of Bristol, University of Warwick, and The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). These universities provide students with a wide range of specialisations, fields, and courses, as well as excellent educational facilities and global exposure.

Question - What is the passing mark for a master's in the UK?

Answer - In the British postgraduate grading system, students must score at least 50% to pass, with the following classifications: Distinction (70% or higher), Merit (60-69%), Pass (50-59%), and Borderline pass/fail (40-49%).