List of 10 Best Universities in UK for Masters

The UK is home to world-class universities for master's courses with vast possibilities to pursue courses from engineering and sciences to literature and art. Many promising scholars journey to the country to get the best international experience in academics and research. The best universities in UK for masters include the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, the University of London, the Imperial College of London and the University of Manchester. 

UK universities which are the epitome of academic success, keep coming up with new enrollment plans to attract international students every year. As per the statistics of 2021/22 from Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), there are at present 679,970 international students pursuing their courses in the UK. The most popular subjects offered by the best universities in UK for masters include Business and Management Studies, Engineering and Technology, Computing and Social Sciences. In this article, students will encounter information regarding the 10 best UK universities for masters, the application process, tuition fees and more.

How to Choose the Best Universities for Masters in UK?

Choosing the best university for masters in UK is a tough task in itself with plenty of options to choose from. Researching the university and course play a determining role in the career of students. Also, affordability is another factor when considering universities. Various traditional and vocational courses make UK universities the best place to pursue masters. Here are a few ways to choose the top UK universities for masters. 

• Students must decide on the career field they wish to pursue before anything else. Also, they should make a mental list of all of their hobbies and goals for the future.

• They must review the programmes offered by the top universities on the list in the area of interest. The official university website has a current and comprehensive list of all programmes. Therefore, they must make a short list of the courses they want to take at several colleges.

• Students must actively compare the curriculums of all the universities' various programmes. Also, they must verify the eligibility and prerequisites for the programme.

• They must examine all the additional vital details about the institutions they desire. For instance, they must consider the city, price, weather, employment chances for students, and lodging options.

• It is necessary to apply for a programme that matches their personal and professional goals after carefully weighing all of the aforementioned considerations.

Our study abroad experts help students in deciding the most suitable courses to study abroad in UK. 

Top 10 UK Universities for Masters

Countless UK universities offer postgraduate programmes to international students. The resources and infrastructure offered by universities are extensive, teaching methods that are effective with several internship opportunities and hands-on training and international exposure to students. The state-of-art facilities in UK universities for masters are an added advantage besides excellent curriculum and teaching. The top UK universities for masters are:

Cost of Studying at Best Universities in UK for Masters

The international student fee is comparatively on the higher side as compared to domestic students. However, as the master's programmes are for only one year, students have to pay a lesser amount as tuition fee. Several universities have considerably lower fees than the other UK universities. The tuition fees start as low as GBP 12,000. The reasonable fees of several universities in the UK have made it possible for students to afford education in the country. The annual tuition fees of top universities in UK for masters are given below:

Eligibility Criteria for Masters at UK Universities

The eligibility criteria for the best universities in UK for masters vary as per the course you choose and university. Previous qualifications are an important criterion and all these formal degrees are just a part of several other criteria that students have to fulfil. Students also need to appear for some standardised examinations and English language proficiency tests to secure an offer letter from the universities. Here are some of the eligibility criteria for masters at UK universities:

• Academic Qualifications: Students typically require the equivalent of a lower second-class honours degree to be admitted into a master's programme, and for popular and competitive programmes, this usually has to be at least an upper second-class honours degree. A master's degree is often required for admission to a doctoral school, while on rare occasions, a student with a stellar bachelor's degree may be permitted.

• Standardised Exams: Students have to appear for entrance examinations such as GMAT or GRE for admission to universities in the UK. The scores are an important factor to be considered for the exam. 

• Professional Experience: The majority of postgraduate degree programmes do not require professional experience in addition to academic credentials. However, students would typically be required to have between two and five years of experience in their job before starting a master's programme in several professions, such as medicine, teaching, social work, or business. 

• English Language Proficiency: The teaching language for all degree programmes in the UK is English. Students must demonstrate that they understand and can follow the program's instructions. Therefore, appearing for proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo or PTE is mandatory. However, one can also study in the UK without IELTS. 

• A Good Personal Statement: Students must submit an application to each university separately to be considered for a position in a postgraduate programme. Most universities require them to write a personal statement on why they are applying for the course and why they believe they are a strong candidate for the programme in this area of the application form.

• Good References: The names of two or three people who can act as references and provide students with letters of recommendation (LORs) in support of their application must be listed on the application form. It's important to be aware of how the university to which they are applying handles references and to abide by their policies.

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How to Apply to Best UK Universities for Masters?

The master's programmes at UK universities welcome applicants all year round. This indicates that students will have plenty of time to comprehend the UK master's admissions procedure. Students will need to carefully follow these steps while applying for the programme.

Step 1: Research About Course

Students must visit the websites of universities to learn more about the available master's programmes. They should select the college, master's programme and area of specialisation they want to attend.

Step 2: Submit Your Application 

Students must make sure that meet all the prerequisites for a UK master's degree as specified by the selected university. Application has to be done online by using the university or UCAS portal and paying the application fee. All the paperwork including portfolios, letters of recommendation, and financial documentation must be sent.

Step 3: Attend the Interview (if required)

Students must await the university's response. They might be requested to participate in a video interview with the authorities after their application has been reviewed. To avoid any hiccups, preparation for the interview ahead is required. 

Step 4:  Get the Offer Letter 

The offer letter will be awarded to students if they succeed in the interview. After that, they can reserve a seat at the university quickly by paying tuition fees. 

Before applying to the best universities in UK for masters, it is of utmost importance to conduct thorough research. One must go through the university websites for further details, talk to students and alumni, and check out the employability rate, graduate rate, etc before deciding on the university. Students should also look after the scholarship opportunities available so that the cost of masters in UK universities is reduced. Therefore a world of possibilities awaits aspirants and they must welcome them with open arms.