A master's course follows the successful completion of an undergraduate degree, and many students choose to study for a master's in the UK due to the high quality of teaching and the short period it takes to complete a postgraduate programme.
While a master's degree often improves job prospects, it does not guarantee that it will help you secure your dream job when you are ready to begin full-time employment. However, research has shown that studying a master's course with work placements in the industry—through internships or sandwich courses—gives students the extra advantage needed to get a head-start in their careers.
There are various options available to students, some of which depend on the type of role and sector you are interested in. While some placements are paid, most are not, and this must be considered before applying.
Internships can last anywhere between six weeks to six months. Sometimes, you will be pointed towards specific roles or be expected to apply to different companies.
Many universities have integrated years that are a compulsory part of the programme and are tied closely to the subject you are studying.
More commonly found on undergraduate degrees, students will study full-time for two years, then take a year-long placement, followed by the final year of their course.
Students pursuing postgraduate courses in UK universities with internships and industrial placements stand to gain numerous benefits, making it an attractive option for their academic and professional growth. Here are some key advantages:
Skill Enhancement: PG courses at UK universities offer opportunities to enhance skills acquired at the undergraduate level. Through internships and industrial placements, students can further develop their practical abilities, gaining valuable hands-on experience in real-world settings.
Work Experience: Industrial placements provide invaluable real-world work experience, particularly beneficial for fresh job seekers and students seeking international exposure. This experience enhances their CVs and adds substantial value to their professional profiles, making them more competitive in the job market.
Financial Benefits: While internships offer experiential learning, many industrial placements come with a fixed salary. This financial remuneration alleviates the financial burden on students, especially when combined with the comparatively lower tuition fees offered by UK universities, thereby making the education more affordable.
Fast Career Growth: PG graduates with internship and industrial placement experience tend to have better job prospects and faster career growth. Employers prefer candidates with practical job experience as it reduces training costs and ensures quicker integration into the workforce.
If you want to study a master's course at a UK university, arrange your free consultation with SI-UK India today. Our expert education consultants can help you find the perfect master's course with placement, helping you advance in the international job market.
Master's students are expected to create a portfolio showing how they have taken what they have learned in class and applied it to a real work environment. This portfolio will include an 8,000-word research-based paper and a 2,000-word reflective diary. You must explain how your research for your employer might benefit the organisation. A work placement module is designed to help you develop the professional skills potential employers seek. At the same time, you’ll also have the opportunity to learn key communication, research, and personal skills.
Each university has a different policy. If you fail the placement year, you can apply again or appeal the decision.
The deadline for the September intake is August, and for the January intake, it is December.
If you cannot secure a placement, you’ll be automatically transferred to the 1-year course option, where you must submit a dissertation instead of a work portfolio.
On average, a placement fee is around £1,250.
I sincerely thank SI-UK for getting me accepted to UCL. The MSc in Urban Development and Planning is extremely competitive, but the right guidance provided by SI-UK made my dream of studying at University College London a reality. The services were exceptional from beginning to end.
Rashmi Lakshanya Urban Development and Planning at University College London
