How to apply for a master's degree in the UK

You’ll almost certainly need to include a cover letter and CV/résumé. In addition, evidence of personal, professional and educational experience may be taken into account. At master’s degree level, each UK university application differs, but the requirements should be clearly stated on the department website.

Each university will also have its own funding deadlines, and this is where you may need to plan furthest ahead. You may be required to secure a form of funding before you can be offered a place at university.

Here’s a handy crib-sheet for the key dates and deadlines you need to make sure you’ve written in your calendar. Missing one of these can turn a promising university application into a whole mess of trouble, so keep a close eye on these!

• Deadline for submitting application form and supporting documents – make sure you have the paperwork you need well in advance.
• Deadline for responding to your offer – what could be worse than getting an offer, then missing out due to getting back to the university too late?
• Deadline for paying your deposit – make sure you’re able to put through this initial payment.
• Deadline for paying for your accommodation – starting a master’s degree is a lot more fun if you’re not homeless!
• The start of Freshers’ Week! – OK, maybe master’s students can’t really call themselves “freshers”, but a party is a party, right?

What are the best universities in the UK?

Consistently, the top two universities in the UK are The University of Oxford and The University of Cambridge who, year by year, jostle for the top place on UK rankings list. However, the UK contains many top-scoring universities. To find out more, click here.

Is IELTS required to study a master's in the UK?

If English is not your first language, yes. It is important that all students are able to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, as well as read and understand the advanced academic reading material. It is therefore important that international students from non-English-speaking countries complete an IELTS test before applying for their course so that the admissions team can establish their language proficiency.

Why should I study a master's in the UK?

A master's degree allows a student to broaden their knowledge, improve their research skills and improve their employability and earning potential when embarking on a career.

The UK contains many high-ranking universities which offer a wide variety of high-quality master's programmes.

Furthermore, many international students choose to study in the UK because they admire the landscape and culture. London has been named the best student city of 2024, ranking highly for its student voice as well as its employer activity. 

What is the cost of studying a master's degree in the UK?

The cost of studying a master's degree in the UK varies depending on the type of course, the length of the course, institution you are studying at and whether you are a British or international student. A university's website will be able to supply information on the cost of the course that you are interested in and so it is important to research thoroughly before applying.

Are there any scholarships available to study a master's degree in the UK?

Yes. Many companies and universities offer scholarships to study in the UK, including QS.

Choose and apply to a highly ranked university with just one simple application, with QS. Get help choosing from over 500 institutions across the world, get admissions advice on writing your application and manage your offers in one place. We'll help you with everything you need to find the right university for you. Get in touch!