Masters in the UK for Indian Students in 2025

Pursuing a master’s (MS) in the UK as an Indian student helps you enhance your subject knowledge and develop your professional skills, giving you the competitive edge needed to advance in your field of study or career. You can best benefit from a master’s programme that builds on your undergraduate degree or complements your career path—so when choosing a master’s degree in the UK, you need to do your research, evaluate your options and make an informed decision.

So to help you start your research and shortlist your choices, we’ve compiled a list of master’s programmes in the UK you can follow as an Indian student. We cover top MS subjects, best universities for masters and their popular degree programmes, and the career opportunities you get with a master’s from the UK. Following that, we’ll also go over applying to a master’s in the UK, covering eligibility and visa requirements, costs of studying in the UK, and available scholarships to fund your studies. 

Whether you want to follow a master’s right after completing your undergraduate studies or you want to take your career to the next level, you can take your first step right here—so let’s begin by understanding why you should follow a master’s programme in the UK.

Why Follow a Master’s Programme in the UK as an Indian Student

Master’s programmes in the UK are globally recognised, as the UK has a reputation for providing world-class education that can open up multiple career pathways for their graduates. Let’s find out how following a master’s in the UK as an Indian student can benefit you:

• Top-ranking universities: The UK is home to globally top-ranking universities based on academic reputation, learning experience, employability, and more. 
• World-class education: Higher education institutions in the UK are regularly assessed for academic standards and UK universities are known to deliver education that consistently meets the quality standards.  
• Diverse fields of study: Universities and colleges in the UK offer a large selection of courses in diverse fields of study across many disciplines. You have ample opportunity to explore and find a master’s programme that best fits your goals.
• One-year master’s degrees: The UK’s most popular type of master’s programmes, the one-year master’s degree allows you to gain academic credentials quickly and enter the workforce as a qualified professional. 
• Research excellence: The academic research conducted by the UK universities is geared towards addressing real-world challenges, and the academia continuously contributes to the latest industry developments in the world. 
• Global recognition: Graduates from the top-ranking universities in the UK are sought after in the workforce and the global recognition of their alma mater can help accelerate your career.
• Graduate visa: As an international student in the UK, you have the opportunity to obtain the graduate visa—or post-study work visa—and extend your stay in the country for two years. With the graduate route, you can work and gain professional experience in the UK, while also networking and shaping your career pathway. 
• High employability: Master’s degree holders from UK universities are highly employable in many different fields like business and management, medicine and health, law, mathematical sciences, performing arts, forensic sciences, sustainability, and more. 
• Cultural diversity: With a diverse international community and many student-led activities, you have the opportunity to build and benefit from a global network of peers from around the world that you can leverage as you build your career.   

Choosing the UK as a study destination to pursue your master’s can be much easier when you consider these factors, but it’s important to explore your options more to find the best-fit master’s degree for your academic and career goals. Let’s start by identifying the types of master’s programmes you can follow in the UK. 

Types of Master’s Programmes in the UK 

Before you decide on which master’s course to enrol in, you need to identify the type of programme that complements your goals, as master’s courses differ according to the nature of its curriculum: 

• Taught master’s programmes: These courses are delivered through lectures and classwork, and you will be assessed via examinations, projects, and a dissertation.

• MA: A Master of Arts course is a taught programme covering humanities, social sciences, and fine arts.
• MBA: A Master of Business Administration course is a taught programme aimed at professional development and fostering leadership skills. 
• MEng: A Master of Engineering degree builds on your knowledge gained from your undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.  

• MSc: A Master of Science taught programme is a postgraduate degree in science, mathematics, medicine, and healthcare fields.

• Research master’s programmes: These master’s programmes are heavily research-focused, with a supervisor allocated for you to guide and advise on your research. 

• MPhil: A Master of Philosophy programme is a completely research-based postgraduate degree that provides you with advanced research skills and knowledge in your field of interest. It’s often considered a stepping stone for a PhD.  
• MRes: A Master of Research programme can be a postgraduate degree that places special emphasis on research. This can be awarded in any discipline. 

• MSc: Similar to a taught MSc, this Master of Science degree is awarded in science, mathematics, medicine, and healthcare disciplines, but the programme is research-based rather than taught. 

If you are interested in further studies or getting into academia, a research master’s can help prepare you for your career, and if you would like to build a career in your preferred field, a taught master’s can help you gain the knowledge and develop professional skills. Once you decide on the type of MS programme you wish to pursue, you can start looking at a field of study to get into. In the next section, let’s have a glance at the most sought-after fields of study in the UK for a master’s. 

Popular MS Subjects in the UK

The field of study or the subject you want to follow for your master’s can be an extension of your undergraduate course of study or a subject that complements your bachelor’s qualifications. Here’s a snapshot of the most popular subjects that you can follow for your master’s in the UK:

The field of study you choose for your master’s can make a great impact on the trajectory of your career—it’s best to opt for a subject you are eager to learn more about and provides you with multiple career pathways. It’s also good to check on the salary potential your field of study can offer, so let’s have a look at that next. 

Fields of study for master’s with high salary potential

Your earning potential can increase significantly with a successfully completed master’s from a top-ranking university in the UK. We’ve listed down the median salary of graduates five years after graduation, in a few in-demand fields so you can make an informed decision about which field of study to pursue for your master’s:

Having gone over the salary potential in a few fields of study, let’s now look at popular master’s programmes in the UK in the most in-demand fields of study. 

Most Popular Master’s Programmes for Indian Students

These master’s programmes help you prepare for in-demand roles in many fields of work, so they are quite popular among international students who study in the UK. Let’s have a look at each, covering their field of study, duration of the programme, and the career opportunities you can access after completing your master’s.

1. LLM (Master of Laws)

The Master of Laws (LLM) allows you to further your knowledge in legal studies. If you are a law student or a professional practising law, an LLM can help you strengthen your subject expertise and improve your career prospects. To be considered for an LLM programme, most universities require an undergraduate degree in law and professional experience, but a few universities may accept undergraduate degrees in related areas in the humanities field.

Duration: One year

Career opportunities: Legal counsel, attorney, corporate lawyer, legal consultant, international business lawyer, legal journalist

2. MA in Creative Writing

A master’s degree in creative writing is ideal for improving your storytelling, critical thinking, and research capabilities focused on literary study. You may need an upper second class honours degree for your bachelors in a humanities subject, and a flair for writing to follow this programme.

Duration: One year/ two years

Career opportunities: Author, journalist, digital content writer, advertising copywriter, editor, proofreader, social media manager, communications specialist, lecturer

3. MA in Digital Media

A Digital Media MA programme allows you to learn and improve your skills in interactive media content creation, interactive design, digital media production, social media management, digital media project management, and more. If you are a student who followed a similar undergraduate course or a professional looking to accelerate your career, this programme might be a good fit. 

Duration: One year/ two years

Career opportunities: Video game developer, social media marketer, web designer, graphic designer, digital marketing specialist, animator, art director, content strategist, PR specialist, communications specialist

4. MA in International Relations

An MA in International Relations helps you gain differing perspectives on global politics and civil society, also covering globalisation, ethics, and human rights. You can enhance your analytical skills and critical assessment abilities, setting you up for a professional career in governance, international relations, social policy, and advocacy. 

Duration: One year/ two years

Career opportunities: Diplomat, policy analyst, consultant, economic analyst, foreign services officer, public administration officer, international development consultant, intelligence specialist

5. MBA

A Master of Business Administration programme is designed to enhance your management skills, foster leadership capabilities, and develop innovative thinking towards career advancement. You have the opportunity to pursue your MBA as a full-time student or part-time alongside your career commitments. 

Duration: One year/ two years

Career opportunities: Management consultant, project manager, operations manager, chief executive officer, business strategist, chief financial officer, entrepreneur, business development manager

6. MRes in Risk and Disaster Management

A Risk and Disaster Management MRes is a research-led programme that delivers knowledge with hands-on research on the management and reduction of risk and disasters, helping you develop an analytical worldview to understand risk and disasters from scientific, socio-economic, political, environmental, and cultural perspectives.

Duration: One year/ two years

Career opportunities: Lecturer, professor, researcher, consultant, emergency management specialist, disaster monitoring, analysis officer

7. MSc in Artificial Intelligence

The programme generally covers technology, programming, data science, and analytics in relation to artificial intelligence and its application. You may need a background in computer science, mathematics, or engineering to apply for this programme

Duration: One year/ one year and a half 

Career opportunities: Machine learning engineer, data scientist, robotics engineer, data engineer, software engineer, business intelligence developer, research scientist, AI product manager

8. MSc in Computer Science

MSc in Computer Science programmes have a broad scope, and the coursework may depend on the UK university that offers the programme. Generally, a master’s degree in computer science would cover software engineering, system development, natural computation, mathematical foundations, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.

Duration: One year/ two years

Career opportunities: Computer network architect, database administrator, data scientist, IT consultant, programmer, cybersecurity manager, business intelligence officer, machine learning engineer

9. MSc in Criminology and Criminal Psychology

An MSc Criminology programme delivers knowledge on the views, thoughts, intentions, actions and reactions of criminals and suspects, across topics like drugs, transnational crime, and civil conflict.

Duration: One year/ two years

Career opportunities: Forensic science technician, criminologist, social worker, private investigator, detective, forensic psychologist, victim advocate, crime laboratory assistant, crime scene technician 

10. MSc in Cyber Security

MSc in Cyber Security focuses on relaying the latest industry knowledge on cyber crime, cyber security, computer science, and cryptography, helping you gain the technical skills needed to mitigate cyber crime and protecting information and data stored in digital devices, databases, and servers.  

Duration: One year/ two years

Career opportunities: Cyber security analyst, security engineer, security architect, cybersecurity manager, IT auditor, chief information security officer, digital forensics analyst, vulnerability assessor, cyber security trainer

11. MSc in Finance and Investment Management

An MSc in Finance and Investment Management generally covers personal finance, credit and investment, security analysis, portfolio analysis, and investment management. With this programme, you will have the chance to gain a deep understanding of finance, financial markets, and investment. 

Duration: One year/ two years

Career opportunities: Financial analyst, wealth manager, investment banking analyst, portfolio manager, corporate controller, finance and insurance manager, forensic banking accountant

12. MSc in Public Health

A master’s in public health includes a broad spectrum of subjects across health and social care, health promotion, healthcare research, and voluntary work. If you are a professional engaged in public health in any capacity, this programme can help you advance in your career as a professional who can advocate, enable and mediate change in public health in your community and beyond. 

Duration: One year/ two years

Career opportunities: Health policy analyst, epidemiologist, health policy advisor, community health educator, environmental health specialist, healthcare administrator, public health project manager, healthcare consultant, healthcare strategy director

13. MSc in Psychology

An MSc Psychology programme shares the science behind human behaviour, mental health problems, and positive psychiatry, developing the skills needed to become well-rounded practitioners in the field. As a taught course, it also fosters critical thinking, observation, presentation skills, and scientific writing skills. 

Duration: One year/ two years

Career opportunities: Clinical psychologist, mental health counsellor, forensic psychologist, sports psychologist, social worker, therapist, developmental specialist, career counsellor, addiction counsellor, researcher

14. MSc in Renewable Energy

An MSc in Renewable Energy aims to share knowledge and the latest industry developments in the renewable energy sector. You have the opportunity to explore and research viable sustainable and renewable sources of energy conversion using multidisciplinary skills to analyse current and future energy problems.

Duration: One year/ two years

Career opportunities: Energy sector economist, sustainable design consultant, environmental social governance consultant, renewable energy consultant, planning engineer, researcher

Completing a master’s programme successfully can help you become an expert in your field and fast-track your career towards a professional role that creates an impact in your community and your field of research. The first step towards your goal is to select your master’s programme while considering your academic and professional goals, because the university, faculty, and even the specialisation of your programme are important in your journey to becoming a well-rounded professional. So up next, we’ll look at the top 10 UK universities renowned for their master’s programmes. 

Top Universities in UK for Master’s

Among the many higher education institutes offering MS programmes in the UK, these 10 universities rank high in academic reputation, research excellence, and learning experience that you can leverage as a postgraduate student. We’ve also included the most sought-after master’s programmes in each university—you just might find a course that aligns with your plans as you go through.

This list of popular master’s programmes in the UK can help you shortlist your choices or inform your own research as you look into MS courses that align with your academic and career goals. Counsellors at SI-UK can help you continue your research and identify a master’s in the UK for you to apply—you can reserve a free consultation to discover more options, exploring whether the course can create career opportunities for you in the UK as well as in your home country.

Career Prospects with a Master’s from the UK as an Indian Student 

A master’s qualification from the UK opens up many opportunities to further your career, whether you are stepping into a professional role for the first time or looking to advance in your field of work. Here are a few ways you can get started, especially if you are extending your stay in the UK with the graduate visa: 

• Look into recruiters: You can explore internship programmes and work opportunities in multinational companies that may be recruiting from your postgraduate course. 
• Look for international job opportunities: With an MS qualification from the UK, you already have the benefit of global recognition, so you can start applying to job postings in a country of your preference. 
• Build a start-up: If you are eager to start your own business as an entrepreneur, you can benefit from the resources in the UK’s start-up ecosystem and the support from your network to put your business together. 
• Opt for a career in your home country: If you wish to return home once you complete your master’s programme, you can leverage the knowledge you gained and lean into your global network of peers to find a job role that fits right into your career plan. 

Now that we’ve gone over what a master’s in the UK can offer you as an Indian student, let’s learn about what needs to be done from your end to qualify for a master’s programme in the UK. 

Master’s in the UK: Eligibility for Indian Students

Master’s programmes in the UK have competitive entry, so you need to meet all the eligibility criteria and go through a rigorous admission process to be considered for a place in the programme. We’ve covered eligibility criteria, documents you need for your application, and the admission process so you have a clear understanding of what you need to do when applying. 

Eligibility criteria for studying an MS in the UK

• Undergraduate qualification: To be eligible for a master’s in the UK, you need at minimum an upper second-class honours degree as your bachelor’s qualification. Some programmes accept lower second-class honours as well, but you may be asked to show certain years of professional experience in a relevant field as an added requirement. 
  • Work experience: Most master’s programmes designed to upskill students in a professional capacity may need you to show three to seven years of full-time work experience. The required years of work experience may differ by programme, and students who enrol immediately after completing their bachelor’s would not be asked for work experience—although having the experience could increase your chances of acceptance. 
• Proficiency in English: You need to have proficiency in English to be considered for entry. Although some programmes waive this requirement if your undergraduate course was delivered in English or you have worked in an English-speaking professional environment, you generally have to sit for a university-recommended language test (IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, and more) and obtain the score required by the university. 
• Standardised tests (GMAT/ GRE/ SAT): Some programmes need you to complete the standardised tests they recommend and obtain the required score to show your critical skills, strategic thinking, and leadership capacity.

Documents Needed to Apply for a Master’s in the UK

• Statement of purpose: A personal essay highlighting your academic achievements, career goals, and why you are applying to this particular programme.
  • Letter of recommendation: A letter of endorsement from a professional/ mentor/ supervisor, recommending you for this master’s programme. 
  • Academic transcripts: Your bachelor’s degree transcripts, translated and verified if the originals are not in English.
• Resume: Your updated CV or resume.
• Valid passport: Your passport has been confirmed as valid.

Admission Process When Applying for a Master’s in the UK

• Applying for the programme: You need to submit your application to the university submission portal or email your application including all the required documents, on or before the deadline.
• Obtaining CAS letter: If you are selected for the programme, you have to request a letter Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the university to begin your visa process.
• Applying for student visa: You need to fill in your visa application, collate all the required documents, and submit them via the online portal.

This process may seem lengthy and challenging at first, but if you start preparing your documents early and ensure you don’t miss a detail, you can make your master’s application process go smoothly. If you need support at any point with the application though, counsellors at SI-UK can help. Now, let’s go into how the visa process would look like for an Indian student applying for a master’s in the UK.   

Student Visa for Your Master’s in the UK as an Indian Student

If you are entering the UK as a master’s student, you need to apply for a student visa for the duration of your stay. Applying can be done either online through the GOV.uk site or at a visa application centre accessible to you, submitting all the required documents at the same time. Let’s go over the student visa application process first, and then look at the documents you would need to prepare as an Indian student entering the UK for a master’s. 

Visa application process to follow as an Indian MS student 

• Step 1: Fill in your Student visa application form via the GOV.uk site
• Step 2: Submit your documents, either:
• Online when filling out your application 
• At a visa application centre 
• Step 3: Book a biometrics appointment with your closest visa application centre 
• Step 4: Attend your biometrics appointment and if you’ve chosen to do so, submit your documents on the same day
• Step 5: Attend a visa interview if you’re asked to do so

You may not always be asked to come in for a visa interview, but if you are required to do so, make sure your responses are always genuine and align with what you’ve included in your application. If you need to clarify anything regarding your visa application process, our visa experts will be able to help you—reach out for the visa assistance service whenever you need it. 

Documents needed for visa as an Indian MS student

• A current passport 
• Your CAS from your university 
• Documents to show financial evidence, which can include:
• A letter confirming an educational loan
• Bank documents of current accounts, deposits, savings accounts, pensions, and/or investment accounts
• A letter from your parents or guardian if they’re funding your studies, along with a legal document showing your relationship to them and their financial documents
• A letter from your financial sponsor if you have one which includes their contact details and the amount of money they’ll provide for you
• An ATAS certificate, depending on your chosen study programme 
• Your TB test results 
• Written consent from your financial sponsor (if applicable)

If you need a detailed breakdown of the documents needed for your visa, more information can be found in our guide: UK Student Visa: Checklist of Documents You’ll Need To Apply.

What is a graduate visa?

A graduate visa, also known as a post-study work visa, allows international students to remain in the UK for two more years (three if you followed a PhD) after completing your studies on a student visa. 

This allows you to work, network, and gain professional experience in the UK right after completing your studies—so when you return to your home country, you will have two years of work experience in the UK and a network of peers you can lean on for support to accelerate your career. If you would like to learn more about the graduate visa, our guide on Applying for a Post Study Work Visa can help. 

In the next section, let’s go over the costs involved in following a master’s programme in the UK, so you have an understanding of the expenses you can expect. 

Cost of Studying Master’s in the UK as an Indian Student

Following a master’s in the UK can be expensive—especially if your university is located in an urban area. It’s important to understand these costs so you can prepare your funds well in advance—here’s a breakdown of the costs you can expect:

Tuition fees for a master’s in the UK

Your tuition fee can vary depending on the programme you are applying for, but generally, your course fee can fall anywhere between ₹99,000 to ₹75,00,000. Master’s programmes in humanities subjects are usually more affordable than master’s courses in science or business, with MBAs at the high end of the range.  

Pre-admission fees for a master’s in the UK

These are the costs involved in the application and admission process. These expenses can vary for each student, but a general breakdown may look like this:

• Student visa fee: ₹54,055* 
• Application fee: Between ₹5,516 – ₹11,034* (Some universities do not charge an application fee)
• The initial deposit paid out to the university to confirm your place in the programme: Depends on the programme (Some universities do not charge this fee)

[*As of 13th September 2024]

Cost of living in the UK

The cost of living in the UK can vary depending on the region, so to approximate your cost of living as a master’s student in the UK, you may need to shortlist a few universities and look into the cost of living in the respective locales. 

Until then, here are some expenses that you can expect in your monthly cost of living:

• Accommodation: ₹55,000 – ₹1,50,000
• Food: ₹16,000 – ₹28,000
• Personal expenses: ₹11,000 – ₹22,000
• Transportation: ₹5,500 – ₹1,10,000
• Utilities: ₹11,000 – ₹16,000

These approximations can give you a general understanding of the costs you have to cover but keep in mind that actual costs can vary depending on the programme you are applying for, the city you will be living in, and your lifestyle. As you weigh your options for a master’s and do your research, it’s best to factor in the costs you may incur as well. 

Scholarships to Fund Your Master’s in the UK as an Indian Student

While the costs for your preferred programme can be intimidating, you can get support funding your master’s in the UK with scholarships available for Indian students. There are scholarships funded by the government, benefactors, and universities that you can apply for if you are eligible. Let’s have a look:

These scholarships are usually awarded to high-performing students who show financial need, so you need to meet the eligibility criteria if you are applying for a scholarship. You can learn more about scholarships you may be eligible for in our article on UK Scholarships for Indian students to study in the UK.

Following a master’s programme in the UK can help you access world-class education and earn globally valued credentials, setting you up for success as an expert in your field. If you are taking the first few steps towards a master’s education in the UK, our counsellors can help you explore your study options, evaluate eligibility, and support you in the application process. We wish you the best of luck in your journey towards a rewarding learning experience at a top-ranked university in the UK. 

FAQs

Is a Master's in the UK good for Indian students?

Yes. UK universities allow international students to pick their preferred master’s programmes from a wide range of fields which makes it an attractive destination for Indian students. Master’s in engineering, general science, and computer science are some of the most sought-after courses in the UK.

Can I get a job in the UK after completing my Master’s degree?

Yes, international students graduating from a UK university can begin their careers in the UK as the graduate visa route allows qualifying students to work in the UK for two years after finishing their master’s.

How much does a Master's cost in the UK?

As of 2024, the average cost of pursuing a Master’s degree in the UK is between £7,000 to £36,000 per year (INR 7 to 36 lakhs). This number varies depending on numerous factors, such as the location of the university and the course of study. 

Is the UK costly for Indian students?

The average cost of living in the UK is around £15,000 per year in London and £12,000 in the rest of the UK. This means that the average international student can expect to spend between £24,000 and £26,000 per year living and studying in the UK.

Is IELTS required for a UK Master’s?

Generally, yes. The IELTS score is a requirement for admission to most UK universities, but if you do not wish to take the exam or if you’re not confident of your IELTS score, you’ll be able to prove your English competencies using alternative methods. These include taking alternative tests such as TOEFL or providing evidence of previous studies in the English language.

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