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More than 164 universities in the UK offer master’s programs in various domains like engineering, data science, finance, and healthcare. Studies show that Indian students’ applications to UK universities have increased by 273%, owing to shorter 1-year Master’s programs, academic rigour, and great networking opportunities. To learn more about the requirements, eligibility, and visa process for a master’s in the UK, read this blog.

Why study a Master's in the UK is the first question that comes to mind when thinking of pursuing a postgraduate degree in the UK. About 90 universities in the UK are part of the QS World University Ranking 2025, with London alone having 18 universities. It is also ranked 1 on the QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2025.

The universities in the UK provide quality education at a value for money. The students with a Master's degree are recognized worldwide for amazing job opportunities. There are also various factors like University rankings, Student mix, Desirability, Employer activity, Affordability, and Student view to consider. All of which score really high in the UK for a master’s.藣

Let’s discuss some of the major perks of studying a Master's in the UK here:

Top Universities

There are around 90 top universities in the UK for Master's that have bagged positions on the QS ranking board. Four of the UK’s universities are among the top 10 universities in the world. This is why the UK for a Master's is an appropriate and valuable choice.

Course Flexibility

UK universities for Master's offer different courses that allow a student to explore, combine, and upskill their knowledge by altering the courses as needed. Numerous universities give you the option to select from a variety of subject "modules," allowing you to customise your course of study to your exact specifications and specialise as you go.

Course Duration

A Master's in the UK takes 1 year to complete in comparison with other popular student destinations, like the UK and Canada. This means that students have to pay lower tuition fees while studying at universities in the UK for Master's.

Post-Study Work Opportunities

Master's graduates in the UK are allowed to stay back for 2 years after completing their studies. Whereas PhD students can stay back for 3 years in the UK after the course. Thus, graduates from the best universities in the UK for master’s degrees get enough time to look for a job and apply for a work permit.

There are two admissions intakes for master’s in the UK - the September (Fall intake) and the January (Spring intake). Among these, the September intake is the most preferred by Indian students because it aligns with the Indian academic calendar and offers the widest range of courses, scholarships, and university resources. The January intake is less popular due to limited course options and reduced funding. The May intake, offered by only a few universities, sees minimal participation because of its restricted availability and low student engagement.

Here’s an overview of admission Intakes for MS in the UK:

The UK has close to 200 universities, which offer multiple majors and programs. The most common ones are MSc or MA, Research Master's such as MRes or MPhil, and Integrated Master's programs. Each type varies in structure, academic focus, and career outcomes. 

To assist you in selecting the best type of master’s program for your future, here is a breakdown:

MSc (Master of Science)

Ideal for science, engineering, technology, and maths-related subjects. This is a research or taught degree that equips you with technical skills and analytical expertise.

MPH (Master of Public Health)

Focuses on healthcare systems, epidemiology, health promotion, and policy. Great for those aiming to make a societal impact through public health.

MA (Master of Arts)

Focuses on humanities, social sciences, arts, and communication. It encourages creative thinking, critical analysis, and independent study.

MBA (Master of Business Administration)

A professional degree designed to develop leadership, strategic thinking, and management skills, perfect for aspiring business leaders and entrepreneurs.

MEd (Master of Education)

Designed for educators and administrators looking to enhance their knowledge of educational theory and practice.

MPhil (Master of Philosophy)

A highly research-focused degree is often seen as a precursor to a PhD. It involves deep, independent research and a thesis submission.

Top universities for MS in the UK include the University of Oxford, the University of Edinburgh, and King’s College, London. The UK has 90 universities ranked under QS, and the average tuition fees are quite high, from GBP 30,000 to GBP 40,000 (INR 35 lakhs to GBP 47 lakhs) per year. Most of these universities, like Oxford and Cambridge, have less than 30% acceptance rate, making it difficult, but very rewarding to get in. 

Here are the top UK universities for an MS:

Whether you’re looking for an MS in Computer Science or higher education in Medicine or Biology, the UK offers state-of-the-art programs for all. CS, engineering, business, and healthcare are the most important ones, while data science, AI, cybersecurity, and others are also gaining ground. 

Here's a list of popular MS specializations in the UK among Indian students:

MS in Biology (Sciences)

The MS in Biology specialisation focuses on molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, and biotechnology. It prepares you for lab-based research roles, academic work, or positions in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries.

MS in IT & Networking

This program covers network architecture, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and IT systems management. It is for students looking to work in enterprise tech environments or pursue roles like network engineers and IT consultants.

MS in Engineering 

An MS in Engineering includes civil, mechanical, aerospace, and environmental engineering. These programs are designed to solve real-world engineering challenges using cutting-edge technologies and applied research.

MS in Geology

Focused on Earth sciences, mineralogy, geophysics, and natural resource management, this program is ideal for students pursuing careers in oil and gas, mining, or environmental consulting.

MS in Computer Science & Engineering

Combines software development, artificial intelligence, algorithms, and hardware systems. It’s perfect for roles in software engineering, data science, or tech-focused startups.

MS in Health Science

An MS in Health Science covers a wide range of health-related topics like public health, healthcare management, and clinical research. Graduates often enter roles in health policy, hospital administration, or global health organizations.

MS in Electronics & Electrical Engineering

This specialization emphasizes circuit design, embedded systems, power electronics, and telecommunications. It prepares students for advanced roles in electronics manufacturing, telecom, or R&D (research and development).

MS in Mathematics

Provides in-depth training in pure and applied mathematics, with applications in data science, analytics, cryptography, and finance. Ideal for students pursuing quantitative roles in tech, banking, or academia.

The total cost of a Master's in the UK for international students ranges from GBP 40,000 to GBP 60,000 (INR 46 lakhs to INR 70 lakhs), which includes different kinds of costs, such as tuition fees, pre-admission costs, and post-admit costs. Let us discuss the total Master's degrees in the UK below:

Tuition Fees

The average tuition fees for an MS in the US are GBP 11,150 (INR 9.9 Lakhs) to GBP 32,300 (INR 28.7 Lakhs). Subject-specific tuition in the UK varies, where business and STEM programs typically more costly.

• Tuition fees for a master’s in the UK is normally higher for international students.
• Some of the universities that have the highest fees for master’s are Imperial College, and Kings College in London.
• Some affordable universities for master’s in UK are University College, London and the University of Bristol.

Pre-Admission Fees

Test fees, visa fees, and initial travel expenses are all included in the pre-admission cost. Before you begin your program, you must pay these one-time fees. Here are some pre-admission fees before you join a master’s program in the UK:

Cost of Living in UK

The cost of living in the UK for an Indian student is around GBP 1300- GBP 1400 per month in the UK (INR 1.04 lakhs to INR 1.6 lakhs). This changes depending on your city, lifestyle, and accommodation choices. While housing takes up a large portion of your budget (an average of GBP 600 to GBP 800), other recurring expenses like utilities, food, and transport are also significant, especially in cities like London, Edinburgh, or Manchester.

Here’s an overview of the living costs while studying in the UK:

Every year, over 30,000 international students choose to enrol in MS programs in the UK. These programs provide pathways to well-paying jobs, global networking opportunities, and excellent academic exposure. The UK's Master’s programs are designed to satisfy the needs of the dynamic global market of today.

Let’s look at the best MS courses available in the UK:

LLM, Master of Laws

Top Universities offering this course include the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, the London School of Economics and Political Science, University College London, and many more. Popular LLM specialisations you can look out for are LLM Commercial Law, LLM Corporate Finance Law, and LLM in International Business Law. The LLM helps law graduates and legal professionals deepen their expertise in specialised areas of legal practice. LLM courses usually last for 1 year if you are pursuing them full-time and for 2 years if you are pursuing them part-time. You will also have the opportunity to gain legal experience by working on real-life cases, thereby improving your employment prospects. 

MA, Master of Arts

A Master of Arts Degree is one of the most popular degrees you can pursue in the UK. The study duration is typically between 1 and 2 years. Usually, you can pursue an MA in Languages, History, Geography, Philosophy, and  Fine Arts. There are more than 3000 MA degrees to explore in the UK. Top universities offering MA degrees are the Royal College of Art, the University of the Arts London, the University of Oxford, etc.

MSc, Master of Science

Master of Science is a postgraduate program covering STEM subjects. These are usually between 1 and 2 years of duration, and if you are pursuing it at a part-time capacity, they may take longer. Top universities offering MSc degrees include Imperial College London, University of Oxford,  University College London, and many more. 

MBA, Master of Business Administration

Graduates with an MBA from top universities in the UK have lucrative job prospects. Many studies show that most employers are now looking for MBA graduates, because this assures them that, along with theoretical knowledge you also have a good understanding of applied work. Most UK universities provide short 1-year MBAs. You can explore programs like MBA / Executive MBA / Global Executive MBA, from top universities like London Business School, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and many more.

MIM, Master in Management

A Master's degree in management gives you the essential business knowledge, flexible mindset, global perspective, and practical skills you need to get started right away. With this degree, you get to secure jobs in popular industries like consulting, financial services, and technology. Top universities offering MIM degrees are the University of Manchester,the  University College of London, the University of Leeds, and more. Popular specialisations you can explore are MSc in International Management / MSc in Strategy and Marketing / MSc in Management 

MPhil, Master of Philosophy

The Master of Philosophy degree is frequently given to individuals pursuing a Ph.D., in contrast to other Master's degrees like the Master of Science or Master of Arts. The completion of the first phase of the Ph.D. studies and the submission of the first brief report or dissertation results in the awarding of the Master of Philosophy. Top universities to pursue your MPhil from are the University of Cambridge, the University of York, the University of Essex, etc. MPhil in Architecture and Urban Studies, MPhil in Accounting and Finance are a few specialisations you can explore.

MBBS, Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery

The most common abbreviation for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery is MBBS. The program typically takes 4-6 years to complete. The UK is a great place to pursue your MBBS, as along with great earning potential, you also get comprehensive clinical exposure. Top universities in the UK offering MBBS courses are the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, UCL and many more. There are also multiple specialisations like MBBS / MBChB / MB BChir Medicine you can consider.

MEng, Master of Engineering

Master of Engineering is a  specialised Master's degree in engineering that emphasises coursework. If you are interested in becoming a professional engineer, this course is perfectly suited for you. This course can take up to 4 or 5 years to complete. Top universities like the University of Cambridge and, University of Oxford offer this program. You can explore job opportunities like Mechanical/Senior Mechanical Engineer, Industrial Engineer, Civil Engineer after completing the course with various specialisations like MEng in Civil, Mechanical, and Software Engineering.

Indian students must successfully complete a competitive admissions process that is influenced by academic standards and language proficiency requirements in order to pursue a Master's degree in the UK. 

Meeting the eligibility requirements is the first step to securing your spot, as the UK receives thousands of applications annually, particularly in disciplines like engineering, business, and data science. 

The following lists the essential academic and English language prerequisites, along with the list of documents mandatorily needed.

Eligibility Criteria

International students usually need to fulfil the following prerequisites in order to apply for an MS in the UK:

• Undergraduate Degree: You must have earned at least 60% of your possible points in a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. A CGPA of 6.5 to 7.0 on a 10-point scale is typically required for admission to prestigious universities.
• English Language Proficiency: Depending on the university's requirements, non-native English speakers must prove their language proficiency using exams like the TOEFL (90 to 110) or IELTS (minimum score of 6.5 to 7.0).
  
  • Some programs may require GRE or GMAT results, especially those in management or STEM.
  • Top universities prefer applicants with a competitive GMAT score of 650 and a competitive GRE score of 160.
• Work Experience: Required for some programs, like the MBA, but not for all courses. Your application for specialised or competitive Master's programs is improved by professional experience.
• Passport and Visa: All international students must have a current passport and a Tier 4 (General) student visa. Applying for your visa at least three months prior to the date you plan to travel is advised.

Documents Required

In the UK, students must submit a set of supporting documents with their application for a Master's program. These aid colleges in evaluating your eligibility, intent, and qualifications.

• Academic transcripts for secondary school and bachelor's degrees
• Evidence of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL results)
• GMAT/GRE results (if necessary)
• A Statement of Purpose (SOP) detailing your academic objectives and the rationale behind your course selection
• Recommendation letters (often two or three from professional or academic references)
• Updated resume or CV (especially for work experience-based programs or MBA programs)
• A copy of a valid passport
• Evidence of Financial Support (proof that you can pay for living expenses and tuition)
• An offer letter from a UK university is necessary when applying for a visa.

International students must have a relevant three to four-year undergraduate degree in order to be admitted to a Master's program in the UK. However, each university and course may have different specific requirements for admission, such as GPA, IELTS, and TOEFL scores.

The standard academic and English language proficiency requirements for some of the best UK universities that offer MS programs are summarised in the table below:

To live and study in the UK for the duration of your Master's program, you must apply for a UK Student Visa (Tier 4). Although applying for a visa is simple, there are a few steps involved, including submitting your application, going to a biometric appointment, and possibly even having an interview. 

You can apply in person at a nearby visa application centre or online at the official  website. It is advised that you submit your visa application at least three months before the date of your planned trip.

Steps for applying for a UK student visa

Here is a detailed guide on how to apply for a student visa to the UK:

• Step 1: Fill out the online application - Go to the  website and complete the application for a student visa.
• Step 2: Submit any supporting documentation - You can apply for a visa in person at a visa application centre or upload your documents online.
• Step 3: Schedule a Biometrics Consultation - Make an appointment for biometrics at the closest visa application centre (such as VFS Global).
• Step 4: Attend the scheduled appointment -  necessary, present your physical documents along with your fingerprints and photos.
• Step 4: Interview for a visa (if applicable) - Some candidates may be invited to an interview. If so, give truthful, dependable responses that are in line with your application.

Documents Needed for a Student Visa to the UK

Documents you require to get a student visa to the UK are your verification documents, a Letter of acceptance, other academic documents, and essential medical documents. To make sure you are well prepared, you can refer to the list of documents below and organise them and keep them handy:

• A valid passport
• Your UK university's Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
• Evidence of fluency in English (IELTS/TOEFL results)
• Degree certificates and academic transcripts
• Evidence of having enough money to pay for living expenses and tuition (such as bank statements or letters of scholarship)
• Passport-sized photos (by UKVI guidelines)
• Test results for tuberculosis (TB) (required for Indian applicants)
• Receipt for the UKVI application fee (approximately GBP 490 for the visa)
• Payment receipt for the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is around GBP 470 annually

The UK offers 2 intakes every year. This means you can take your admission during the September-October intake or the January-February intake. Further, you can apply for a Master's in the UK directly through the university’s website.

To apply to any university in the UK, follow the steps below:

• Step 1: Shortlist the universities you wish to apply to. Make a note of their eligibility criteria, requirements, last day of submission, etc.
• Step 2: Make an account on the university website you wish to apply to.
• Step 3: Choose the master’s program you want to study.
• Step 4: Make sure you fulfill the eligibility criteria as per the pre-requisite. for example, your minimum IELTS score must be as per the minimum required score to apply.
• Step 5: Apply via the university portal by filling out the online application form.
• Step 6: Submit all the required documents, portfolio, and proofs.
• Step 7: Pay the application fee and submit the form.
• Step 8: Await the university’s response. On acceptance, apply for a student visa

Although studying in the UK can be expensive, there are many different scholarships available to help you, like the Chevening Scholarships and Commonwealth Scholarships.  These are offered according to financial need, research experience, leadership ability, or academic merit. 

A table listing some of the most well-known scholarships available to Indian students wishing to enrol in Master's programs in the UK can be found below:

After graduating with an MS in the UK, you can expect an annual average salary of GBP 40,000 to GBP 60,000 (INR 46 lakhs to INR 70 lakhs). A Master's degree from a UK university provides access to many employment options in industries like engineering, technology, finance, and healthcare. After finishing their studies, international students can stay in the UK for up to two years (or three years for PhD graduates) under the UK's post-study work visa (Graduate Route), which enables them to look for full-time employment.

Although pay varies by position, sector, and region, the following summarises typical pay for important job roles after MS in UK:

After graduating from Mumbai with a degree in computer engineering, Rohan Malhotra went on to the University of Manchester to earn a Master's degree in artificial intelligence. Rohan initially had concerns about adjusting to the academic demands and cultural change, but the university's career counselling workshops and international student services provided him with a lot of support. 

After taking an active part in tech meetups, he was offered a full-time position as an AI Product Analyst in London after landing a summer internship at a healthtech startup in the UK. The practical, industry-aligned curriculum in the UK and the Graduate Route visa, which permitted him to remain for two years and obtain invaluable international work experience, are credited by Rohan with his success. 

He claims that the UK provided him with more than just a degree; it also served as a springboard into the global AI ecosystem.

At 爆料吃瓜网, we know that your goal of earning a Master's degree in the UK can become your next reality rather than merely a dream. The UK is more than just a place to study; it's a springboard for your future thanks to its top-notch education, international exposure, and post-study employment opportunities.

爆料吃瓜网 Premium offers individualised counselling, carefully curated university shortlists, visa assistance, and application support to help you at every stage, whether you're still looking at programs or are prepared to apply.