Eligibility Requirements to Pursue a Masters Degree in UK

Master’s degrees are meant for those students who have already completed their bachelor’s degrees or other undergraduate courses. However, there are still many requirements that a prospective master’s student needs to fulfil before they can pursue a masters degree in UK. Here is the eligibility for masters in the UK:


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Academic Qualifications:

All previous academic records of the student are important; however, the undergraduate degree that the person holds may matter the most. For international students studying in the UK, there are certain undergraduate grades that a university takes into consideration when accepting a student into their programme.


The degrees are classified as follows:
Fail: This grade is for students with less than a 40% overall score.
3rd: An overall grade of 40%+ is required to qualify for a third-class degree.

Lower and upper second:

The criteria for a second-class degree entails that a student have over a 50% overall grade. The upper second degree requires an overall grade of 60%+.

1st: To achieve a first-class degree, you need an overall grade of 70%+.


Universities usually take those students who have an upper second-class degree or higher. However, students have the option to opt for pre-master’s courses, which can help them improve their skills and meet the academic requirement for a master’s degree in the UK. Some universities may ask students to complete a postgraduate diploma or certificate before accepting them in case they do not meet the academic requirements.


You may not even necessarily need an undergraduate degree, as those who have experience in their relevant field or have completed vocational courses can also apply for a master’s degree in the UK. After reading this article, students will know about the requirements for a master’s degree in the UK.


Classifications of Degree:

Classes  Overall marks
First class (1st) 70%+
Second class 2.1 (upper) 60%+
Second class 2.2 (Lower) 50%+
Third class (3rd) 40%+
Fail 35% (below)


Language assessment:

For international students, a language proficiency test may be needed when applying for a master’s degree in the UK. There are SELTs and postgraduate language tests that assess a prospective student’s English language skills. This test means that you are able to show that you have a good enough knowledge of English to be able to understand and follow the programme and read academic literature in English. If you are coming from a country where the education system is controlled in English or if you have already completed your first degree at a university in the language of teaching is English, then you don’t have to prove your English proficiency test.
There are some different types of English language proficiency tests; they are:

  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
  • Cambridge Assessment English's C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency
  • PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)

  • Entrance tests:

    Depending on the university you have applied to, you may have to take an entrance exam to qualify for the postgraduate programme.

    There are some entrance exams for postgraduate degrees:

  • Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
  • Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)

  • Funding to Pursue a Masters Degree in the UK:

    Students may have to show proof that they will be able to finance their studies or that they have qualified for a scholarship that will cover their costs. When students want to know the cost of masters in the UK for international students, the UK is cheaper than any other country, like Canada, the USA, and Australia.


    Pre-Masters courses:

    For international students in UK, some universities offer pre-masters courses. It’s a chance for students to improve their skills in order to meet the academic requirements for postgraduate study.

    The Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course is offered to international students who wish to train as teachers.


    Best UK Universities for Master’s:

    Name of Universities Top Universities Ranking (2022) Tuition fees
    University of Glasgow          73 £13.83 - £29.3k
    University of Birmingham           90 £9,810- £26,640
    Lancaster University           132 £17,250- £19,750
    University of Southampton           77 £9,250- £21,000
    University of Nottingham           103 £7.33 - £31.5
    University of York           151 £17.75 -£ 24.5
    University of Surrey             272 £10,900-£23,100


    Why choose UK for master’s Degree:

  • Home to top universities
  • Course duration is not too long (an average of 1.5 years).
  • Scholarship available.
  • Full of scopes
  • Secure country
  • World-renowned certification
  • Opportunities for part-time jobs
  • Over 4,500 preparatory or route courses for international students
  • Develop your earning potential.
  • Chance to live in the UK
  • Taught by world-class professors

  • Types of Master’s Degree:


    There are two types of master’s degrees:

      1. Research Master’s Degree: This type of degree involves learning through research. Students spend a lot of time on their data collection and analysis, and they hope that their research will be published in a research journal publicly.
      2. Taught Master’s Degree: Basically, a taught Master’s degree is same as an undergraduate degree course, as it involves a series of modules, lectures, seminars, practical work, coursework, examinations, and independent study.


    Popular Courses:

    Course name University list
    MS in Computer Science University College London, University of Edinburgh, University of Manchester, University of Southampton
    Masters in Architecture (M. Arch) Manchester School of Architecture, University of Nottingham, University of Reading, and University of Strathclyde
    MS in Management Durham University, University of Strathclyde, Lancaster University, and the University of Glasgow
    MS in Marketing University of Manchester, Cranfield University, University of Birmingham, and University of Glasgow
    MS in Psychology University of Birmingham, Cardiff University, and the University of Manchester



    Average salary:

    For international students, the average salary of a masters in the UK is about £35,000, and it will increase with their experience in the same field. The average salary after masters in the UK ranges from £35,000 to £50,000.


    Course duration:

    It takes around 1.5 years for full-time study and almost 4 years for part-time study. For a taught master's, it takes 1-2 years, and a research master's can take 3–4 years to complete.


    Interviews and references:

    Most institutions call students in for an interview as the last step in their judgement of whether or not the student is qualified for the program. Also, it can be extremely helpful to get letters from previous professors and bosses to backup your credentials. A Master’s Degree takes you to the top of your career ladder, so why think any longer. Visit our office to meet our student counselor.


    FAQs


    What are the requirements to study Masters in UK?

    All previous academic records of the student are important, however, the undergraduate degree that the person holds may matter the most. There are certain undergraduate grades that a university takes into consideration when accepting a student into their program.


    How much percentage is required to study in UK for Masters?

    At least you need to achieve minimum percentage, above 40% in your graduation.


    Is UK Good For MS?

    The UK is home to top universities, and their course duration (Master’s)is not too long (average 1.5 years). Scholarships are available with a wide range of options.


    How much does it cost to do MS in UK?

    For international students, the average salary of Masters in UK for a fresher is about £35,000, and it will increase with their experience in same field. The average salary after a Masters in the UK ranges from £35,000 to £50,000.


    How many years is MS in UK?

    It takes around 1.5 years for full-time study and almost 4 years for part-time study.