The UK is one of the most popular destinations in the world for international students looking to upgrade their skills, switch careers, or specialise in a niche field. With globally recognised universities, flexible one-year master’s degrees, and strong links to employers, postgraduate (PG) courses in the UK offer a fast, high-impact route to career growth.
Whether you’re interested in business and management, engineering, law, healthcare, computer science, or emerging fields like data and AI, there’s a UK postgraduate programme to match your profile and goals.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the main types of postgraduate courses in the UK, the most popular subject areas, eligibility and costs, scholarships, how to apply, and what to expect from jobs and post-study work opportunities after graduation.
Table of Contents
- Postgraduate courses in the UK for international students
- Types of postgraduate courses in the UK for international students
- 5 Popular postgraduate courses in the UK for international students
- Eligibility for postgraduate courses in the UK for international students
- How to apply for postgraduate courses in the UK for international students
- Step 1: Research and shortlist courses and universities
- Step 2: Check entry requirements
- Step 3: Prepare your application documents
- Step 4: Submit your online application
- Step 5: Pay the application fee
- Step 6: Wait for a decision
- Step 7: Accept your offer and meet conditions
- Step 8: Apply for your UK student visa
- Cost of postgraduate courses in the UK for international students
- Scholarships for postgraduate courses in the UK
- Jobs and post-study work options after a UK postgraduate course
- Frequently asked questions
- What are the eligibility requirements for postgraduate courses in the UK for international students?
- How much do postgraduate courses in the UK cost for international students?
- How long do postgraduate courses in the UK take?
- What are the benefits of doing a postgraduate course in the UK as an international student?
Postgraduate courses in the UK for international students
Postgraduate courses in the UK are designed for students who have already completed an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) and want to gain advanced academic or professional training. These programmes are more focused and specialised than undergraduate degrees, helping you build expertise in a specific area and stand out in the global job market.
International students can choose from a wide range of options, including one-year taught master’s degrees, research-based programmes, and shorter qualifications such as postgraduate diplomas and certificates. Many courses are designed in collaboration with industry, professional bodies, and research centres, so you graduate with skills that employers actively look for.
Most PG courses in the UK run for one year full-time (for taught master’s programmes) or 2–4 years for research degrees like MPhil or PhD. After completing an eligible postgraduate degree, you may also be able to stay in the UK and work under the Graduate Route (post-study work visa).
Also read: Is it safe to study in the UK for international students?
Types of postgraduate courses in the UK for international students
Postgraduate courses in the UK are usually divided into two broad categories: taught courses and research courses. Both options are available across a wide range of subjects, but they differ in structure, teaching style, and assessment.
1. Taught courses
Taught postgraduate courses follow a structured format that’s similar to undergraduate study but at a more advanced level. You’ll attend lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials, and you’ll be assessed through exams, essays, projects, and a dissertation or final project.
Most taught postgraduate courses in the UK take 12 months to complete if you study full-time, making them a time-efficient option for international students.
Common types of taught PG courses include:
- Master’s degree (MA, MSc, MBA, LLM etc.) – These are the most popular postgraduate qualifications. They usually last one year full-time and combine taught modules with a dissertation or project. Examples include MSc Data Science, MBA, MSc Engineering, MA International Relations, and LLM in Law.
- Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) – A PGDip typically includes the taught modules of a master’s degree but usually excludes the dissertation. It’s ideal if you want advanced knowledge in a subject in a shorter time.
- Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) – A PGCert is shorter than both a master’s and a PGDip and focuses on specific skills or knowledge in one area. It’s a good option for upskilling or testing a subject before committing to a full master’s degree.
Also read: What Are The Most Popular Degree Courses in The UK?
2. Research courses
Research postgraduate courses are centred around independent research rather than taught modules. You’ll work closely with a supervisor or research team and focus on producing original work in your chosen area.
These programmes are ideal if you’re interested in academia, research careers, or very specialised professional roles.
Typical research postgraduate options include:
- Master of Research (MRes) – A one-year, research-focused master’s degree where you complete a substantial research project alongside some taught research training.
- Master of Philosophy (MPhil) – A more extensive research degree than an MRes. It usually lasts two years full-time and can sometimes be a pathway to a PhD.
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – The highest academic qualification, focused on producing an original thesis that contributes to knowledge in your field. PhDs typically take 3–4 years of full-time study.
Also Read: Guide to Choose the right course to Study Abroad
5 Popular postgraduate courses in the UK for international students
The UK offers thousands of postgraduate programmes, but some subject areas are especially popular with international students because of their global relevance, strong career prospects, and links with employers.
1. Business and management
Business and management is one of the most in-demand PG fields in the UK. Courses cover topics such as leadership, marketing, strategy, entrepreneurship, and global business operations. Many programmes include internships, consulting projects, or live case studies with companies.
Graduates go on to roles in consulting, banking, marketing, operations, start-ups, and multinational corporations.
Related courses: Business Administration | Business Analytics
2. Law
Postgraduate law degrees in the UK, such as LLM programmes, allow you to specialise in areas like commercial law, international law, human rights, intellectual property, and more. The UK’s legal system and universities are highly regarded worldwide, making UK law qualifications attractive to employers and organisations globally.
Graduates often work in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, NGOs, and international organisations.
Related courses:
3. Engineering
The UK has a long tradition of excellence in engineering and technology. Postgraduate engineering courses cover areas such as civil, mechanical, electrical, aerospace, automotive, chemical, and environmental engineering.
Many programmes are accredited by professional bodies and offer access to advanced labs, industry partnerships, and real-world projects, helping you build a strong portfolio for roles in sectors like energy, construction, manufacturing, transport, and technology.
4. Computer science
With digital transformation and AI reshaping every industry, computer science and related disciplines are a top choice for international students. UK universities offer postgraduate courses in software engineering, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, cybersecurity, and more.
Graduates can pursue careers in tech companies, financial institutions, start-ups, healthcare, government, and research.
Related courses:
- Computer science courses in UK
- Undergraduate computer science courses in UK
- Postgraduate computer science courses in UK
5. Medicine and healthcare
The UK is home to leading medical schools, hospitals, and research institutes, making it an attractive option for postgraduate study in medicine and health-related fields. Popular programmes include public health, clinical medicine, nursing, pharmacy, biomedical sciences, and healthcare management.
Postgraduate healthcare qualifications can lead to roles in hospitals, public health organisations, research centres, academia, and the pharmaceutical and biotech industries.
Eligibility for postgraduate courses in the UK for international students
Exact entry requirements vary between universities and courses, but most postgraduate programmes in the UK expect international students to meet the following criteria:
- Academic qualifications: A recognised bachelor’s degree (usually equivalent to a UK 2:1 or 2:2), in a relevant subject. Some courses may accept professional experience instead of a related degree.
- English language proficiency: Most universities accept tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic or equivalent. Typical minimum scores for master’s programmes are around IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall, with no band below a set score.
- Additional tests (if required): Certain programmes, particularly MBA or specialised business courses, may ask for GMAT or GRE scores.
- Professional experience: Some postgraduate courses (e.g. MBA, certain healthcare or education programmes) prefer or require relevant work experience.
- Supporting documents: A strong personal statement, academic references, CV, and sometimes a portfolio (for creative courses) or research proposal (for MRes/MPhil/PhD).
Always check the specific entry requirements for each course and university, as they can differ by subject, institution, and level of study.
Related articles
How to apply for postgraduate courses in the UK for international students
Applying for postgraduate courses in the UK is usually done directly through the university’s online application system (or through UCAS for some courses). Here’s a step-by-step overview to guide you:
Step 1: Research and shortlist courses and universities
Start by identifying your career goals, budget, preferred location, and preferred start date (usually September or January). Use university websites and trusted study-abroad platforms to compare entry requirements, course content, fees, ranking, and graduate outcomes.
Step 2: Check entry requirements
Carefully review the academic and English language requirements for each course. Make sure your degree and grades match the minimum criteria, and check if you need additional tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, GMAT or GRE.
Step 3: Prepare your application documents
Common documents include:
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Personal statement or statement of purpose
- CV or résumé
- Academic or professional reference letters
- Portfolio or research proposal (if required)
Step 4: Submit your online application
Create an account on the university application portal and complete the form with your personal details, education history, and course preferences. Upload all required documents and double-check everything before submitting.
Step 5: Pay the application fee
Most universities charge a non-refundable application fee. This is usually paid online by debit/credit card at the end of the application process.
Step 6: Wait for a decision
Universities may take several weeks to review your application. During this time, they might contact you for additional documents or invite you to an interview (especially for competitive programmes).
Step 7: Accept your offer and meet conditions
If your application is successful, you will receive either a conditional or unconditional offer. For a conditional offer, you must meet specific conditions (such as final exam results or English test scores). Once you accept the offer, you may be asked to pay a tuition fee deposit.
Step 8: Apply for your UK student visa
After you accept an unconditional offer and receive your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), you can apply for a UK student visa. You’ll need to show proof of funds, your CAS details, and other supporting documents. Once granted, you can travel to the UK to start your postgraduate course.
Also read: A list of low-fee universities in the UK
Cost of postgraduate courses in the UK for international students
The cost of postgraduate study in the UK varies widely depending on the university, course, and location. In general, international students pay higher fees than UK students, and subjects such as business, law, and medicine typically cost more than arts or humanities.
Also Read: How to cut cost while studying in the UK
For many international students, tuition fees for postgraduate taught programmes fall within a broad range that can extend from the low tens of thousands of pounds per year to significantly higher amounts for specialised or professionally accredited courses. Research degrees may have a similar or slightly different fee structure depending on the university and funding arrangements.
In addition to tuition, you’ll need to budget for:
- Accommodation: University halls of residence or private housing.
- Living expenses: Food, transport, bills, study materials, and personal costs.
- Additional course costs: Textbooks, equipment, field trips, or professional memberships, if required.
Many universities offer scholarships, bursaries, or discounts for international students, which can significantly reduce your overall costs.
You might also like:
- Masters in shipping and port management courses in UK
- Masters in pharmacy courses in UK
- Masters in cybersecurity courses in UK
- MSc Hospitality Management in UK
Scholarships for postgraduate courses in the UK
To make postgraduate study more affordable, international students can apply for a range of scholarships, grants, and financial awards. These may be offered by the UK government, universities, or external organisations.
Common scholarship options include:
- UK government scholarships: Competitive awards for outstanding international students, often covering tuition fees and living costs.
- University-specific scholarships: Many universities offer merit-based or country-specific scholarships for postgraduate students. These can be partial fee waivers or larger funding packages.
- Subject-based or professional scholarships: Some awards target students in particular fields such as engineering, public health, education, or business.
- External funding: Depending on your home country, you may also have access to government, corporate, or NGO-funded scholarships.
Always check the eligibility criteria and application deadlines early—some scholarships close months before the course start date.
Jobs and post-study work options after a UK postgraduate course
One of the main reasons international students choose the UK for postgraduate study is the strong link between universities and employers. Many courses include internships, industry projects, networking events, and careers support to help you transition into work.
Popular career paths after UK postgraduate study include roles in business and finance, engineering and technology, healthcare, law, education, and research. Your specific opportunities will depend on your subject, skills, previous experience, and visa conditions.
If you complete an eligible postgraduate qualification, you may be able to stay in the UK to work or look for work under the Graduate Route (post-study work visa). This can give you valuable international experience and help you build a global career profile.
Frequently asked questions
What are the eligibility requirements for postgraduate courses in the UK for international students?
Eligibility requirements vary by course and university, but most UK postgraduate programmes expect you to have a recognised bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject and to meet minimum English language requirements (for example IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE scores). Some courses may also ask for work experience, a portfolio, or a research proposal.
How much do postgraduate courses in the UK cost for international students?
Tuition fees for international students differ widely depending on the university and subject area. Business, law, and medical-related programmes are often at the higher end of the fee range, while arts and some social sciences may be lower. On top of tuition, you should also budget for accommodation, living costs, and study materials.
How long do postgraduate courses in the UK take?
Most taught postgraduate programmes in the UK, such as MA or MSc degrees, take one year of full-time study. Some may last up to two years. Research degrees such as MPhil and PhD usually take between two and four years, depending on the project and whether you study full-time or part-time.
What are the benefits of doing a postgraduate course in the UK as an international student?
Studying a postgraduate course in the UK offers several advantages: world-class teaching and research, globally recognised qualifications, shorter course durations, strong links with employers, and the chance to experience life in a multicultural environment. After graduation, you may also be able to stay and gain work experience under the UK’s post-study work options (where eligible).
