Studying a master's in the UK
Master's degrees in the UK
Master's (MA, MSc, MBA, LLM): 1 year taught, 1 to 2 years research. Taught master's run September to September with a dissertation over the summer.
The UK packs a full master's into twelve months and a bachelor's into three years, which cuts the total cost of studying abroad more than any scholarship can. Degrees are quality-assured by the Office for Students and QAA, teaching is in English, and the Graduate Route lets you stay and work for two years without a sponsor. It is also the destination we know best: Oasis is based in Birmingham and our counsellors have walked most of these campuses.
Cost
Tuition of £14,000 to £30,000. Medicine, dentistry and MBAs run higher, often £30,000 to £50,000. Living costs of £1,000 to £1,400 a month outside London; £1,500 to £2,000 in London.
Entry requirements
A recognised bachelor's degree, usually at second-class honours or 55 to 65 percent depending on the university, English at IELTS 6.5 or equivalent, and a statement of purpose. Some programmes add work experience or a portfolio.
Popular master's subjects
After the master's
Graduate Route: 2 years after a bachelor's or master's, 3 years after a PhD. Unsponsored. You can work in any job or be self-employed. Apply from inside the UK before your student visa ends.
Figures are indicative for the 2026/27 cycle, change with exchange rates and policy, and should be confirmed with the university or the relevant government before you decide.
Get this checked for your case
Rules change and every application is different. A counsellor confirms the current position for your country and course. Free.
Talk to a counsellorRelated questions
How much study gap is accepted for a UK master's?
Most universities accept a gap of two to five years if you can explain it: work, family, an exam attempt, or a business. Gaps longer than that are still possible with relevant work experience. We help you write the explanation the university and the visa officer both want to see.
How much money do I need to show for a UK student visa?
Your first year's tuition fees (minus anything already paid) plus living costs of £1,483 a month in London or £1,136 elsewhere for up to nine months. The money must sit in your or your parents' account for 28 days before you apply. Education loans from recognised lenders are accepted.
Can I get permanent residence after studying in the UK?
Not directly from a student visa. The usual path is Student visa, then Graduate Route, then a Skilled Worker visa with an employer, and after five years on qualifying visas you can apply for settlement. The rules changed in 2025 and may change again, so treat this as the current picture, not a promise.
Do I need IELTS for the UK?
Many universities accept a Medium of Instruction letter, or your school English marks, instead of IELTS, especially for students from India, Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya. Others insist on IELTS, PTE or the Duolingo English Test. We check each course before you spend money on a test.