How much does a master's degree cost in the UK?

Published on 16-Mar-2025

Deciding to pursue a master’s degree in the UK is like investing in your future. It requires a clear budget, careful financial planning, and an understanding of the costs involved throughout your academic journey.

Have you ever wondered:

How much does a master’s degree cost in the UK?
How many years does it take to complete a master’s degree in the UK?
What GPA is required for a master’s program in the UK?
How much does studying in the UK cost if I’m self-funded?
How much money do I need in my bank account for a UK student visa?

This guide will answer all these questions and more, helping you make an informed decision about studying in the United Kingdom.

How Long is a Master’s Degree in the UK?

The duration of a master’s degree in the UK depends on the type of program and field of study.

1. Taught Master’s Programs

Duration: 1 year (most common option for international students).
Includes lectures, case studies, and short research projects.

2. Research Master’s Programs

Duration: 2 years or more.
Focuses on independent academic research rather than traditional lectures.

3. Executive Master’s Programs

Designed for working professionals.
Duration: Flexible (2–3 years, part-time study).

💡 Are there intensive programs? Yes! Some universities offer fast-track master’s degrees that can be completed in 9-10 months, but they require full-time dedication.

What GPA is Required for a Master’s Degree in the UK?

Admission to UK master’s programs is competitive, and your GPA (Grade Point Average) plays a key role in determining your acceptance.

University Ranking	Minimum GPA Requirement
Top Universities (Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Imperial)	3.5/4.0 (or First-Class Honours equivalent)
Prestigious Universities (Manchester, Edinburgh, Warwick)	3.0 - 3.3/4.0 (or Upper Second-Class Honours equivalent)
Mid-Tier Universities	2.5 - 3.0/4.0 (or Lower Second-Class Honours equivalent)

What If My GPA is Lower?

✔ Gain relevant work experience or professional certifications to strengthen your application.
✔ Some universities offer Pre-Master’s programs for students with lower GPAs.

How Much Does It Cost to Study a Master’s in the UK?

The cost of a master’s degree in the UK varies based on:

The university (top-ranked universities are more expensive).
The field of study (MBA and medical programs cost more).
The location (London is more expensive than other cities).

Field of Study	Annual Tuition Fees (£GBP)
MBA (Master of Business Administration)	£25,000 - £50,000
Engineering & Technology	£20,000 - £35,000
Medical & Health Sciences	£22,000 - £40,000
Law & Political Science	£18,000 - £30,000
Humanities & Arts	£15,000 - £25,000
Computer Science & Data Analytics	£22,000 - £38,000

💡 Tuition fees at Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial are among the highest.
💡 Cheaper options are available in cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh.
💡 Additional costs include study materials, administration fees, and health insurance.

How to Save on Study Costs?

Look for scholarships such as the Chevening Scholarship, Gates Cambridge, and university-specific scholarships in the UK.
Choose universities with lower tuition fees, especially those located outside London.
Work part-time during your studies (up to 20 hours per week) to help cover some expenses.

How Much Money Do I Need in My Bank Account for a UK Student Visa?

To obtain a Tier 4 Student Visa, you must prove you have enough funds to cover tuition and living expenses for at least 9 months.

Location	Minimum Bank Balance Required (£GBP)
London	£12,006
Other Cities (Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham, etc.)	£9,207

Bank Account Requirements:
✔ The money must be in your account for at least 28 consecutive days before applying for a visa.
✔ The account must be in your name or a parent’s name (with proof of financial support).
✔ Use a recognized bank to avoid rejection.

🚨 Tips to Avoid Visa Rejection:

Ensure the funds remain in your account until you receive your visa.
Use a bank statement from a recognized bank.
Provide official documentation if using a parent’s account.

How to Fund Your Master’s Degree in the UK?

Since studying in the UK can be expensive, here are the best ways to finance your education:

1. Scholarships for Master’s Degrees in the UK

Scholarship	Coverage	Eligibility
Chevening Scholarship	Full tuition, living expenses, flights	High-achieving students from developing countries
Gates Cambridge Scholarship	Full funding (tuition, monthly stipend, research costs)	Exceptional academic students
Clarendon Fund (Oxford)	Tuition + living stipend	Students accepted at Oxford
Edinburgh Global Masters Scholarship	50%-100% tuition fee reduction	High-achieving international students
GREAT Scholarships	Up to £10,000 funding	Students from specific countries
Warwick Chancellor’s Scholarship	Full tuition + stipend	Outstanding postgraduate students

💡 How to Improve Your Chances?
✔ Write a strong personal statement explaining why you chose the program.
✔ Get powerful recommendation letters from professors or employers.
✔ Achieve high scores in IELTS/TOEFL.
✔ Highlight leadership skills and volunteer experience.

2. Can International Students Get Loans for Studying in the UK?

While UK student loans are limited to domestic students, there are alternatives:
✔ Education loans from banks in your home country.
✔ University installment plans or interest-free loans.
✔ Private lenders like Prodigy Finance.

Advice from YouApply:
Make sure to carefully review the terms and benefits before taking out a loan, and ensure you'll be able to repay it after graduation.

3. Can I Work While Studying for My Master’s in the UK?

Yes! International students can work part-time while studying.

UK Student Work Rules:
✔ Up to 20 hours per week during term time.
✔ Full-time work during holidays.
❌ You cannot work as a freelancer or be self-employed.

💡 Best Jobs for International Students:

Café/restaurant work (£8 - £12 per hour).
Retail jobs (£9 - £12 per hour).
Tutoring (£15 - £30 per hour).
University research assistant (£12 - £20 per hour).

📌 Find jobs on: Indeed, StudentJob, LinkedIn.

4. How to Reduce Living Costs While Studying for a Master's?

Even if you're funding your studies independently, there are many ways to cut costs without compromising your quality of life.

5 Effective Ways to Reduce Living Expenses in the UK:

1️⃣ Choose a city with lower living costs – Avoid London if you're looking for more affordable options. Consider cities like Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham, or Liverpool instead.

2️⃣ Live in university accommodation or shared housing – Sharing rent with roommates significantly lowers housing costs.

3️⃣ Use student travel cards – Get a 16-25 Railcard or a Student Oyster Card to save up to 30% on public transport.

4️⃣ Shop at budget-friendly stores – Buy groceries from ALDI, Lidl, or other discount supermarkets instead of high-end stores.

5️⃣ Take advantage of student discounts – Websites like UNiDAYS and Student Beans offer great deals on clothing, food, and tech products.

Is a Master’s in the UK Worth It?

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1. Comparing Master's Degree Costs in the UK vs. Other Countries

Master’s Degree Cost Comparison by Country

Country	Annual Tuition Fees	Study Duration
UK	£15,000 - £35,000	1 year
USA	$30,000 - $60,000	2 years
Canada	CAD 20,000 - CAD 40,000	2 years
Australia	AUD 25,000 - AUD 50,000	2 years

2. Job Opportunities After Graduation: Can You Recover Your Investment?

Why is a UK Master’s a Smart Investment?

The demand for UK university graduates is high worldwide, as British universities are known for providing advanced education and modern curricula.

The UK offers the Graduate Route Visa, which allows you to stay and work for two years after graduation, making it easier to enter the job market.

Salaries in the UK align with in-demand fields, meaning you can recoup your study costs quickly.

Average Salaries for UK Graduates by Field

Field of Study	Average Salary (per year)
Engineering & Tech	£30,000 - £50,000
Business & MBA	£40,000 - £70,000
Computer Science & AI	£35,000 - £55,000
Medicine & Healthcare	£32,000 - £50,000
Law	£28,000 - £45,000

Can You Recover Your Study Expenses?

In most industries, you can recover the cost of your studies within 2 to 5 years of working, especially in fields like technology and business.

If you plan to stay in the UK after graduation, the strong job market and competitive salaries make it a smart investment in your future.

3. Can You Stay and Work in the UK After Graduation?

If you're concerned about life after graduation, the UK offers flexible options for international students to stay and work after completing their master's degree.

Key Work Visas Available After Graduation:

(Graduate Route Visa)

Allows you to stay and work in the UK for two years after completing your master’s degree.

You can apply for jobs in any field without needing employer sponsorship.

(Skilled Worker Visa)

Requires a job offer with a minimum salary of £26,500 per year.

Offers a long-term stay and potential pathway to permanent residency in the UK.

(Innovator Visa)

For those with innovative business ideas who want to start their own company in the UK.

Studying in the UK is more than just a one-year academic journey—it can be a stepping stone to building your career in one of the world's strongest economies.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking for high-quality education, a short study duration, and the opportunity to work in a globally competitive job market, then the UK could be the perfect choice for you.

Now, it's your turn—are you ready to take the next step toward your academic and professional success? Start exploring universities, plan your finances, and make the UK your gateway to a brighter future.