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The United Kingdom- World-class Masters and PhD programs
Shorter course lengths
A further element adding to the appeal of studying in the UK is the length of time it takes to complete a UK Masters or PhD program. Most Masters offered in the UK are one year or less, while PhD programs are generally completed after three years. For those international students investing their own funds to meet their tuition and living costs, the attraction is obvious: finishing a Masters degree in half the time it takes for students to complete the same degree in the USA, Canada or in many European countries greatly reduces all of the related costs and means that entry to the world of work is a year earlier.
Genuine employment opportunities
There is perhaps another, more significant, factor behind the increasing popularity of the UK as a study destination for international students. With the pressure of long-term skills shortages impacting on a number of sectors in the UK labour market, there is now a stronger relationship between those students graduating from Masters and PhD programs and the world of work in the UK. Developments in Scotland and, more recently, in the rest of the UK have enabled more international students to remain in the UK and work after graduation.
The Fresh Talent initiative was launched by the Scottish Executive in 2004, and has already tempted 5,700 international students to stay in Scotland after graduation, many of whom have secured highly skilled positions in sectors as diverse as oil and gas production, fine art preservation and biotechnology. Carrie Ann Anderson is one such student. She graduated with her Masters in Museum and Gallery Studies from St Andrews University and says: “I think the Fresh Talent initiative has helped level off the job situation for people from abroad. Some employers don’t want to be involved in obtaining a work permit. I have been lucky because my area is a shortage subject so there are more work opportunities and people are more likely to accept me.”
Although the labour market continues to be competitive in the UK, an increasing number of students are securing work.
A similar scheme is being introduced in the UK. The International Graduates Scheme (IGS) will give more graduates of Masters and PhD programs the opportunity to work on completion of their degree. Although the labour market continues to be competitive in the UK, an increasing number of students are securing work. The opportunity to gain vital work experience adds an attractive element to the overall pull of UK Masters and PhD degrees.
With a well-established university system and a reputation for quality, it’s easy to see why so many international students are putting the UK high on their list of study destinations. Coupled with an exciting social and cultural life, shorter graduate programs and new opportunities for graduate employment, the UK is certainly one of the places students should be considering for their Masters or PhD degrees.
