A UK postgraduate or Master’s degree typically takes just one year to complete, much shorter than the two-year programmes offered in many other countries. For Filipino students, this means saving time and money while earning a globally respected qualification. You’ll be able to fast-track your career, gain international experience, and return to the Philippines (or work abroad) with a competitive edge.
Why Study a Master’s in the UK?
The UK is home to some of the leading universities in the world, renowned for their quality of teaching and research. A UK postgraduate degree is held in high esteem by employers, and for Filipino students, it’s a fantastic opportunity to improve your English and immerse yourself in a multicultural and exciting community of academics and students. Studying a Master’s in the UK means you’ll:
- Improve your career prospects
- Gain an internationally recognised qualification
- Earn more over the course of your career because of the weight a UK Master’s carries
- Be able to shape your study around your schedule
According to HESA’s Graduate Outcomes data, 80 per cent of postgraduate-taught graduates were on permanent or open-ended employment contracts, a higher share than any other qualification level, reflecting the strong employer confidence in a UK Master’s.
Types of Master’s Degrees in the UK
Taught Master’s
There are four main types of taught programme: Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MSc), Master of Business Administration (MBA), and Master of Engineering (MEng), with each lasting 1–2 years full-time.
On a taught programme, students are expected to attend weekly seminars, tutorials, and lectures, much like an undergraduate degree, and assessment can be via exam, dissertation, or project.
Research Master’s
A research degree will see students take more responsibility for their work and schedule, basing their study around a thesis while being supervised by an academic. The most popular research degree is a PhD, which can take 3–4 years to complete and consists of writing a thesis between 60,000 and 100,000 words, which is then presented in an oral examination.
Other types of research degree include the Master of Science (MSc), Master of Philosophy (MPhil), and Master of Research (MRes). These degrees are similar to a PhD but not as academically demanding, with papers being much shorter.
| Feature | Taught Master’s | Research Master’s |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Seminars, tutorials, lectures | Independent, thesis-based |
| Duration | 1–2 years | 1–2 years (PhD: 3–4 years) |
| Assessment | Exam, dissertation, or project | Thesis and oral examination |
| Best for | Career-focused students | Aspiring academics and researchers |
Expert View
“Most Filipino students default to a taught Master’s without realising a research route could better suit their career goals — it’s worth weighing both before you shortlist universities.” – Joanna Alejandro, Country Manager, StudyIn – Philippines.
How Much Does a Master’s in the UK Cost?
The average cost of a postgraduate Master’s in the UK for an international student typically falls between £15,000 and £25,000 per year, though this varies significantly by subject, university, and location. Specialist programmes, such as MBAs at top business schools, can cost considerably more, while some universities offer taught Master’s for closer to £12,000.
Postgraduate study in the UK can also work out significantly cheaper overall than a comparable programme in the USA, largely because the UK’s one-year format means you pay tuition and living costs for a single year rather than two.
Entry Requirements for a Master’s in the UK
Entry requirements vary by university and course, but most Master’s programmes in the UK will ask for:
- A relevant Bachelor’s degree, typically with at least a 2:2 or equivalent classification
- An English language proficiency score, such as IELTS or PTE, if your undergraduate studies weren’t taught in English
- A personal statement outlining your motivations and career goals
- Academic and/or professional references
- A CV, particularly for MBA and other career-focused programmes that value work experience
Some competitive courses, particularly MBAs, may also require a GMAT or GRE score, or a formal interview as part of the selection process.
Postgraduate Study Visa and Working While You Study
To study a Master’s in the UK, Filipino students will need a Student visa, which allows you to work part-time during term (usually up to 20 hours per week) and full-time during scheduled breaks.
Many students then apply for the Graduate Route visa after finishing their studies, which allows eligible graduates to stay and work in the UK for a further two years, giving you time to gain valuable international work experience before deciding on your next step.
Study a Master’s in the UK
If you wish to learn more about studying a Master’s in the UK, arrange your free consultation today.
FAQs
How long does a Master’s in the UK take to complete?
Most taught Master’s programmes in the UK take one year to complete full-time, compared to two years in many other countries. Some taught programmes and most research Master’s can take up to two years, while a PhD typically takes three to four years.
How much does a Master’s in the UK cost for international students?
The average cost of a Master’s in the UK for international students typically falls between £15,000 and £25,000 per year, depending on the subject, university, and location. Specialist programmes such as MBAs can cost considerably more.
What are the entry requirements for a Master’s in the UK?
Most Master’s programmes require a relevant Bachelor’s degree, an English language proficiency score such as IELTS or PTE, a personal statement, academic references, and sometimes a CV or additional test scores such as the GMAT for MBA applicants.
Can I work while studying a Master’s in the UK?
Yes, the UK Student visa allows you to work part-time, usually up to 20 hours per week, during term time, and full-time during scheduled breaks.
Can I stay in the UK after completing my Master’s?
Yes, eligible graduates can apply for the Graduate Route visa, which allows you to stay and work in the UK for a further two years after completing your Master’s degree.
What is the difference between a taught and a research Master’s?
A taught Master’s follows a structured programme of seminars, tutorials, and lectures, with assessment through exams, dissertations, or projects. A research Master’s is thesis-based, with students working more independently under academic supervision.
