MS in UK Cost : Requirements, Best Courses & Top Universities

Thinking about MS in the UK cost? Masters’ courses in the country are usually one or two-year full-time degrees and three-year part-time degrees. They are course or research-based or even a combination of the two. Universities in the UK offer varied specializations and courses to choose from. The approximate MS fees in the UK can be anywhere between 15,000 GBP (great British pound) to 35,000 GBP. This makes the cost of MS in the UK for Indian students to be roughly around INR 15-30 lakh. There are numerous scholarship options for international students which may waive off up to 100% of tuition fees for selected applicants.

Read More: How to settle in UK

MS in the UK Cost – Key Requirements & Master’s Program Types

While looking at MS in the UK cost, you should also keep an eye on the additional requirements that have to be met. These include the following:

1. International students should have proficiency in English.

2. GMAT/GRE scores are needed for getting admission into some MS courses from the UK.

3. Three or four-year bachelor’s degrees in related fields with at least 60%-75% marks are required. 

Some popular courses/degrees available as MS (Master of Science) in the UK include M.Sc., M. Phil or Master’s in Philosophy, MBA or Master’s in Business Administration, Master’s in Law, and many others. Maximum applications are obtained for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and management-based courses. More than 35% of international students make up the overall student population for MS in the country. Coursework of 160 credits will be needed for completing the program.

Read More: Job Opportunities after masters in UK

Types of Master’s Programs

1. Taught masters in the UK

Four degrees in the UK are offered in the form of master’s taught programs. These include M.Sc, MA, MEng and MBA. The assessments for courses may be done via examinations, dissertations, or specific projects.

2. Research masters in the UK

MPhil, MRes and specific M.Sc. degrees in the UK are majorly research-based courses. Academic supervisors are sometimes allocated for students who are pursuing these courses. They are like PhDs although they are less academically stringent and cover a smaller time.

MS Fees in the UK – Why study in the UK?

Along with considering MS fees in the UK, it is important to consider why it is worth studying in the United Kingdom (UK). The UK is one of the most popular destinations for studying abroad after the US. As per reports, 8.6% of the total international students select the UK as their preferred study abroad destination after the USA where 19.4% choose it as their preferred destination. Some reasons for studying in the UK include the following:

1. Leading global universities

Some of the leading global universities for MS programs are in the United Kingdom including Oxford University and University of Cambridge. QS News and THE rankings have featured numerous UK institutions in their rankings.

2. Livability

The QS News Ranking of 2019 for the Best Student Cities featured 14 cities from the UK in the list of top 120 cities from across the globe. Seven cities found a place in the top 50 list with London coming in at number one.

3. Program tenure

Masters in the USA, Canada and most other countries require anywhere between 1.5-2 years for completion. In the UK however, the duration is 1 year in many cases. Some programs like MRes and MEng need 2-4 years for completion.

4. Grants and scholarships

Studying abroad is an expensive affair and many students can benefit from several scholarships and grants available for pursuing MS in the UK. Awards offered may cover up to 100% of tuition fees and living expenditure, thereby lowering the cost of MS in UK for Indian students. These scholarships/grants are offered by private organizations, institutions, and the government alike.

5. Futuristic approach

MS graduates in the UK may earn up to a handsome 35,000 GBP annually. This is 29% more than what graduates of bachelor’s degrees earn in other countries. With experience of 5-10 years, the salary will go up by roughly 40%. Some leading MS recruiters include global corporations like JP Morgan Chase & Co, Amazon, NHS, and many others.

Read More: Cost of studying in UK

University-Wise Cost of Studying MS in UK for Indian Students

The university-wise cost of studying MS in UK for Indian students is given below in a brief table. This will help aspirants work out the average cost of doing MS in the UK along with the popular courses offered at numerous universities. They will also get an idea of the position occupied by these leading institutions in accepted global rankings.

On that note, here’s taking a closer look at the list:

Salaries After MS in the UK 

The average salary you can earn after completing a master’s in the UK, as a fresher, is around INR 29,91,896 per annum. Note that your earnings depend on the specialization you have taken in your masters. The salaries after masters in the UK are attractive and can go up to INR 42,73,501- INR 55,00,000. Here’s a comparison of salary and the MS in the UK cost in Indian rupees for you to understand the return on investment (ROI). 

Exams to be Eligible for MS in the UK 

There are various types of exams one needs to take to pursue MS in the UK, such as GRE, GMAT, IELTS, PTE, and more. Different universities require different test scores to analyze students’ strengths. Here are different types of exams you may have to appear before applying for MS in the UK in your dream university- 

Exams for Particular Subjects 

Exams to Prove Language Proficiency 

Health Insurance in the UK 

In the United Kingdom, international students do not have to sign up for a private healthcare plan. The country offers the National Health Service (NHS), one of the best healthcare systems globally. To gain access to the NHS, learners will have to pay INR 40,136 per year.  

UCAS  

The University and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS) is the centralized service that helps learners apply at universities. Learners who are willing to apply for undergraduate courses and some of the postgraduate courses in the UK will have to apply through UCAS. For postgraduate courses, every university has a fixed fee. You will have to connect with the university to get information on the fee.  

Student Visa Fees 

To be eligible to travel to the UK, you will have to apply for a student visa. You will have to pay around INR 33,349 as UK student visa fees. You can apply for a visa after receiving acceptance from the university you have applied to.  

University Application Fees for MS in the UK 

Some UK universities charge application fees. The fees for masters and bachelors are different. Here’s the university-wise application fee for learners applying for MS in the UK- 

Transportation Costs 

 For international students travelling from India to the UK, an economy flight ticket can be between INR 55,000 to INR 70,000 one-way. If you want to save money, you can book tickets in advance as the tickets. Please note that few scholarships pay for flight tickets too. 

University Fees after Brexit 

Brexit has benefitted Indian students as the tuition fees are quite affordable now. The value of the pound has significantly decreased after the Brexit. Also, there are various scholarship schemes to attract Indian and EU students. 

Here are the students that won’t be affected- 

– EEA/EU and Swiss students studying in the United Kingdom.  

– Students from Ireland who are already living in Ireland or the UK. 

-If you are not from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, all the Brexit changes will affect you if you take admission after 1st August 2021.  

Scholarships Available for Students Pursuing MS in the UK 

Various scholarship options are available for students applying for MS in the UK. Here are the scholarships for masters in the UK for Indian students-

Student Expenses in the UK 

The cost of living in the UK might be higher than in other countries. For example, living in London can be expensive. The average cost of living in the UK as an international student can be around INR 2,19,392 to INR 2,56,047. Here’s the list of all the necessary items along with the cost- 

Taxes on Part-Time Jobs 

Maximum international students apply for part-time jobs during their education in the UK. Payment for these jobs is calculated on work hours. Students can work for 20 hours/week, and visas must be valid throughout the degree to be eligible for part-time work. Students pursuing courses other than degree programs can only work 10 hours/week. Students studying part-time courses are not allowed to work part-time. Also, students working part-time can’t be self-employed or do any business. Students are liable to pay tax in the UK. However, they are not supposed to pay taxes as long as their earned money is used to pay fees or a personal allowance.  

Tips to Save Money for International Students 

As an international student, it is important to live on a budget. Being on a budget is one of the trickiest things, though there are various ways to save money. Let us tell you a few tips on saving money in the UK as an international student. 

1. Ask for student discounts wherever you shop 

Student discounts are the best method to save money. You can get a student discount in most places in the UK. From textbooks to movies and restaurants, you are eligible to get a good discount everywhere. Just don’t forget to keep your university ID card with you. Even if you don’t have an ID card, your library card is enough to get you a discount.  

2. Try to save big on rent 

The accommodation makes for the biggest part of your monthly budget in the UK. Though rent depends on the area you choose to live in, ask for a lower price than advertised. Before finalizing your accommodation, compare the prices on different sites. If you have already rented a space, try to negotiate while renewing the lease, or you may have to pay increased prices.  

3. Always check for cashbacks 

You may ignore the cashbacks, but they are extremely useful. Few retailers offer cashback on their products and on bills too. You can sign up on different websites that provide heavy cashbacks, but make sure to check their terms and conditions.  

4. Check whether there is a cheaper alternative 

Supermarkets in the UK also offer premium products at reasonably lower prices. From frozen to ready-to-cook items, you can get your hands on the less expensive products’ versions. 

Colleges Offering Lower Fees for MS in the UK 

If you are looking for universities with the cheapest master’s degrees in the UK, various options are available. Though British universities are the most expensive for higher studies, some are reasonably affordable. Please note that just because these universities have lower fees, they are not lesser reputed.  

1. Leeds Beckett University 

The university is widely known for offering quality education at extremely affordable tuition fees. Leeds Beckett University has partnered with numerous industries to ensure that learners get excellent job opportunities upon graduating. Here’s how much the university charges-  

2. Staffordshire University 

The science department at Staffordshire University is renowned for its programs and department as it was featured in the top 10 in the UK. The university has been ranked in the top 100 in the country for several years now. The university also offers the cheapest MBA in the UK for international students.

3. Teesside University

Teesside University has been in the top 10 universities for overall international student barometer 2018-21 and international student satisfaction. The university has also been the only modern university named Times Higher Education of the Year. You can also get a scholarship worth INR 1,51,432 per year as a learner there. Here’s the MS in the UK fees at Teesside University-

Choosing innovative study programs from upGrad Abroad will help students save considerably on tuition and living costs. They can flexibly pursue their courses in the UK while saving money and getting all necessary support with admissions, visa applications, coaching and more.