MA in UK: Fees, Top Colleges, Placements & Salaries

Highlights -

Top Universities - The top UK universities for masters are the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, Oxford University, and so on.
Popular Courses - Top masters programs in England include Data science, computer science, law, and engineering.
Salary - The average salary for a student graduating with a master's from UK starts from 35,000 EUR and goes up to 100,000 EUR.
Eligibility - You need a minimum of 60-70% in your bachelor's and an IELTS score of 6.5 or an equivalent test.
Recruiter - The top UK recruiters for masters are Aecom Corporation, and JP Morgan Chase & Co.

Master courses in UK last for 1 year and offer specializations in a wide range of streams. The average cost of MS in the UK for Indian students stands at roughly £15,000-35,000 per year (approx. INR 15-35 lakhs).

Skilled MS graduates in the UK can expect handsome salaries up to £35,000 per year. With an industry experience of 5 to 10 years, salaries may also increase by 30-40% as per estimates.
The UK government also offers a two-year post-study work visa. MA degree UK opens up the possibility of even taking up a job, and you are allowed to stay back for 2 years after completing your studies, which is also known as the Graduate Route.
The masters courses in UK universities offer research-based programs, and taught programs, both for full-time and part-time students.
Students who have completed a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 60% in the field are eligible to apply. The accepted CGPA at top universities in the UK is 6.5 or 7 for international students.
Most masters in London universities accept 6.5 -7 IELTS scores and 90- 110 TOEFL scores. PTE scores are also accepted.
The NHS, Amazon, Aecom Corporation, JP Morgan Chase & Co., and others are among the top MS student recruiters.

Table of Content

MA in UK Universities
Top 5 Courses
Cost to Study
Career Prospects
Salary After MS

MA in UK Universities

UK is home to 120+ universities offering top-notch MA programs to international students. Here are some best MA in UK universities along with their average tuition fees:

Universities	Top Programs	Fees Per Annum (GBP)
University of Cambridge	MA Corporate Law \| MA Architecture	29,826
University College London	MA Education \| MA Fine Arts \| MA Linguistics \| MA Philosophy	19,400 – £52,900
University of Edinburgh	MA Graphic Design \| MA Architecture \| MA International Business \| MA Economics	27,100
University of Manchester	MA Economics	31,000
King’s College London	MA International Relations \| MA Ancient History \| MA Public Policy \| MA Philosophy	18,432
London School of Economics and Political Science	MA Global Studies	31,472
University of Bristol	MA Film and Television \| MA History \| MA Music	20,700
University of Glasgow	MA Psychology \| MA Economics \| MA English Literature \| MA Politics	30,240
University of Southampton	MA Fine Arts \| MA Archaeology	24,200.
University of Birmingham	MA Education \| MA Social Work \| MA Applied Linguistics \| MA International Relations	23,310

Top 5 Courses for Masters in UK

UK is the destination hub for postgraduate studies, specializing in STEM courses and other general courses. Some of the top United Kingdom masters programs are mentioned below -

Business Analytics

Among the top courses offered in the UK, business analytics reigns, this degree will enable you to evaluate companies and precisely determine their growth tangents. Some of the top universities for msc business analytics UK are -

Universities	Programs offered	Tuition fee per year
Imperial College London	MSc Business Analytics	41,000
The University of Manchester	MSc Business Analytics: Operational Research and Risk Analysis	33,000
University of Warwick	MSc Business Analytics	35,350
University of Edinburgh	Msc Business Analytics	31,300

Data Science

In recent years, there has been an increase in demand for MS Data Science in the UK. According to research, during the next few years, approximately 80% of UK businesses intend to increase their hiring of data scientists. Some of the best masters in England courses for Data Science are mentioned below -

Universities	Programs offered	Tuition fee per year (GBP)
King's College London	MSc Data Science	35,244
University of Southampton	MSc Data Science MSc Data and Decision Analytics	32,300 24,200.
University of Edinburgh	MSc Data Science MSc Statistics with Data Science	29,900
London School of Economics and Political Science	MSc Data Science	36,168

Computer Science

One of the most competitive degrees a student may obtain in the UK is a degree in computer science. Computing devices are the subject of computer science. It entails creating software, addressing issues related to hardware, the architecture of massive computer systems, and the nature of computing. Some of the top master degree in UK for Computer Science courses are listed below -

Universities	Programs offered	Tuition fee per year
The University of Oxford	MSc in Advanced Computer Science	36,000
Imperial College London	MSc Computing	22,250
University College London	MSc Computer Science	37,500

Engineering

One of the most popular courses in the UK for both master's and bachelor, Engineering courses in UK offer specializations in 37 streams with diverse career opportunities.

Universities	Programs offered	Tuition fee per year
University of Oxford	MSc Software Engineering MSc by Research in Engineering Science	19,740 31,480
Imperial College London	MSc in Advanced Mechanical Engineering MSc Engineering in Biomedicine	17,600
University of Manchester	MSc In Mechanical Engineering Design	35,000

Architecture

Architecture is one of the greatest programs offered in the UK, with a modern curriculum and exposure to other countries.

Universities	Programs offered	Tuition fees Per year (GBP)
Lancaster University	MArch Architecture	23,750
The University of Manchester	MArch Architecture	TBA
The University of Edinburgh	MA Architecture	29,900.00
University of Cambridge	MA Architecture	36,546

Why study an MA degree in UK?

Postgraduate studies in the UK have been offering some of the best outcomes for international students, which makes it more favorable for higher education. Some other reasons to study masters in UK are

4 of the top 10 universities in the QS World University Rankings 2024 are in UK, namely Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial College London, and University College London.
96% of graduates after Masters in UK are in employment or further study within 6 months of graduation.
The average salary for an MA in UK is 32,400 GBP (34 lakhs INR) per year, 21% higher than the average for bachelor's degree graduates.
QS Ranking of 2024 for Best Student Cities included 16 cities from the UK in the list of 120 countries across the world. 8 of them were in the top 50 with London ranking at 1st position.
Universities in UK accept applications from students who have finished their 12 + 3 year Bachelors in India. Thus, you can directly study for an MA in the UK as soon as you finish your Bachelor in India.
GMAT or GRE is not required for studying MS or MA courses in UK. However, some universities like LSE may ask for them.

MA in UK Requirements for Admissions

All the top universities and institutes offering an MA in UK accept applications through their own application portals. Some colleges also accept applications through the UCAS portal. The required application fee has to be paid for completing the application process which varies as per each university.

MA in UK Eligibility

International students should submit the marks of 10+2+4 educational marks before they apply for the full-time Masters in Education course in UK.
A bachelor’s degree (4 years) from a recognized institution with an overall grade of 70% or a cumulative GPA of 3.3 out of 4.0, 5.0 out of 7.0, 6.0 out of 8.0, or 8.0 out of 10.0
The applicants should submit the result of the relevant English proficiency test:
- IELTS score: 7.5+
- TOEFL iBT: 109-120
- PTE Academic: 74+
- CAE or CPE: 191-230
UK Student Visa

Documents Required to Study MA in UK

Before you take admission to UK universities, you should submit the following documents to the university authority:

Completed application form of the respective UK university, in which you are going to pursue an MA.
Certificates from previous study institutions are an important part of your application package.
Statement of Purpose for UK in order to provide the reason for choosing that particular University. Your research proposal or personal statement is not considered to be a piece of written work.
Letter of your previous work experience (Not mandate, if you have any)
Letter of reference to study in UK
Attach your English language test scores (IELTS or TOEFL score)
If you have relevant certificates of extracurricular activities, you should attach them.
Submit a copy of your passport.
All graduate applicants must submit a CV/Resume. This is in addition to your application form and other supporting documents to provide a summary of your recent achievements.
Scholarship-supporting documents are required by certain universities.
A number of courses require applicants to submit a portfolio as part of an application.
Some universities in UK require you to submit answers to an admissions exercise, along with a signed statement of authenticity. The exercises are generally available to download from the relevant course pages of the universities.
Written work sample which is a piece of your writing, usually an essay on an academic subject, that helps the academic department assess your suitability for the course.

Cost to Study MA degree in UK

The total cost of doing MA education in UK is not only dependent upon the program fees and the accommodation cost or survival cost but also the students need to spend a certain amount of money before flying to the country. The cost of living in UK can be divided into two main categories: Tuition Fees, and Cost of Living

Cost of Living in UK

This section highlights the detailed structure of living, meals, and personal expenses of an individual every month while he/she stays in UK. This amount will differ according to your lifestyle and will depend on how much you socialize.

Cost_of_Living

Particulars	Average monthly Cost in GBP	Average monthly Cost in INR
Accommodation in UK	1,150	1.21 lakhs
Food	170	17,900
Mobile Phone & Internet	45	4,700
Utilities	300	31,700
Transportation (Monthly Pass)	70	7,300
Miscellaneous	150	15,800

Scholarships to Study an MA degree in UK

The UK government offers scholarships, bursaries, and additional financial support to students from several countries. Apart from scholarships to study abroad, international students can choose to fund themselves through loans or they can earn while studying at a university. International students with a UK Student visa can work while studying for up to 20 hours a week.

University	Scholarships	Amount Granted (GBP)
University of Oxford	Felix Scholarships	100% Tuition Fee Waiver \| 17,800 towards living cost
University of Oxford	Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship	Full tuition fee, airfare, living stipend
University of Cambridge	Cambridge Masters Studentship	12,000 per year
London School of Economics and Political Science	Hilde Himmelweit Scholarship	Variable
University of Edinburgh	David Vowles Postgraduate Scholarship	2,000
University College London	Great Scholarship	10,000 towards tuition fee
Bristol University	Think Big Scholarship	6,500-25,000 Tuition fee rewards

Career Prospects After an MA degree in UK

With a 2-year stay back policy for international students in UK, it has become an attractive education hub for international students. The average salary granted to a MA graduate in UK is 32,000 GBP. As MA in UK encompasses the full suite of social sciences subjects including Economics, Politics, Social Work, and Anthropology, the salary prospects vary as per the specialization opted. The tabulated below is the same:

Career_Prospects

Popular MA Programs in UK	Job Roles Offered	Average Salary (GBP)	Average Salary (INR)
MA in Economics	Research Analyst, Economist, Policy Advisor	46,000	48 lakhs
MA in Psychology	Psychologist, Counselor, Therapist	29,000	30 lakhs
MA in Politics	Research Associate, Teaching Assistant	31,000	32 lakhs
MA in Public Policy	Public Affairs Officer, Policy Analyst	35,000	37 lakhs
MA in English	Editor, Content Strategist, Teacher	29,000	30 lakhs
MA in History	Archivist, Curator, Heritage specialist	29,000	30 lakhs
MA in International Relations	Intelligence Analyst, Research Associate	34,000	35 lakhs
Masters in Education	Learning and Development Specialist, Teacher	36,000	38 lakhs

Salary After MS in UK

UK being the most demanded hub for postgraduate study programs, offers a competitive salary. The list below gives an average annual salary for different universities -

University	Salaries (GBP/yr)
Coventry University	31,000-40,000
Dundee University	21,000-36,000
Glasgow Caledonian University	10,000-36,000
Imperial College of London	1L to 15L
Kings College London	53,000
Leicester University	67,000
Middlesex University	50,000
LSE	80,000
Manchester University	86,000
University of Nottingham	70,000
University College London	69,000

Popular companies hiring graduates who studied MA in UK include HSBC, Amazon.com Inc, Oxford University Press, BBC, John Wiley and Sons, Inc offering an average pay of 23,000-80,000 GBP (24-84 lakhs INR) annually. Home to institutions that carry educational legacies like Cambridge and Oxford, traditional Master of Arts qualifications can land you lucrative jobs and salaries.

FAQs

Ques. What are the entry requirements for a master's program in the UK?

Ans. Entry requirements vary depending on the university and the specific program. Generally, you'll need a bachelor's degree in a related field, and sometimes relevant work experience or standardized test scores like the GRE or GMAT.

Ques. How long does it take to complete a master's degree in the UK?

Ans. Most master's programs in the UK are typically one year full-time. However, some programs might offer part-time options which can take longer to complete.

Ques. What is the application process like for a master's program in the UK?

Ans. The application process involves filling out an online application form, submitting academic transcripts, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and sometimes standardized test scores. International students may also need to demonstrate proficiency in English through exams like the IELTS or TOEFL.

Ques. Are scholarships or financial aid available for international students pursuing master's degrees in the UK?

Ans. Yes, many universities in the UK offer scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial assistance to international students. These can be based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria set by the university or external organizations.

Ques. What is the cost of tuition for a master's degree in the UK?

Ans. Tuition fees for master's programs vary widely depending on the university, the program, and whether you're a UK/EU or international student. On average, international students can expect to pay higher tuition fees compared to UK/EU students.

Ques. Can international students work while studying for a master's degree in the UK?

Ans. Yes, international students in the UK are generally allowed to work part-time during term time and full-time during holidays. However, there may be restrictions depending on your visa type, so it's important to check the regulations.

Ques. Is it possible to stay in the UK after completing a master's degree?

Ans. Yes, the UK offers various options for international students to stay and work after completing their studies. This may include applying for a work visa under the Graduate Route (formerly known as the Post-Study Work Visa) or securing sponsorship from an employer.

Ques. What is the academic environment like in UK universities for master's students?

Ans. UK universities are known for their rigorous academic standards and emphasis on independent study. Master's programs often involve a combination of lectures, seminars, practical work, and research projects.

Ques. Are there opportunities for research or internships during a master's program in the UK?

Ans. Many master's programs in the UK offer opportunities for research projects, internships, or placements either as part of the curriculum or as optional extras. These experiences can provide valuable practical skills and industry connections.

Ques. What support services are available for international students in UK universities?

Ans. UK universities typically offer a range of support services for international students, including academic support, counseling, accommodation assistance, and social activities. There are also dedicated offices or advisors to help with visa-related issues and cultural adjustment.

Ques. What are the advantages of studying for a master's degree in the UK?

Ans. Studying in the UK offers several advantages, including access to world-renowned universities and academic resources, opportunities for networking and career advancement, exposure to diverse cultures, and the chance to improve English language skills.

Ques. What are the visa requirements for international students studying for a master's degree in the UK?

Ans. Visa requirements vary depending on factors such as your nationality, the duration of your course, and whether you're studying full-time or part-time. Most international students will need to apply for a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa, which requires proof of acceptance onto a recognized course and sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies.