Why Get Your Master's Degree in the UK

The UK, ranked as one of the best countries for education in 2019, has many reasons that you might want to seek your master's degree here. Since a quarter of all British universities rank highly and sit among some of the most reputed in the world, you will have an awesome selection of choices here. Scotland, Wales, England and Northern Ireland all attract an estimated 500,000 international students every year. Studying in the UK gives you a world-class education in one of the most cosmopolitan places on earth where you will meet people from all walks of life and enrich your experience in studying.

How to Fund Your Education in the UK

Understandably, you may worry about the cost of education in the UK. International students could pay a tuition fee of upwards of $15,000, and that could go up over $50,000 for medical degrees. Taking out a loan from a private lender can help you to pay for the costs. You can work customized payments with them to fit your budget. How much you pay will depend on the university since it varies widely. London schools tend to cost more, but it gives you the experience of the big city.

What is It Like?

UK universities emphasize critical thinking and self-motivated learning. You may only spend a few hours in the classroom each week, but they will expect you to read lots of materials. Some classes will have practical workshops, labs and work experience as part of the learning process. Lecturers and professors will expect you to ask questions and even hope that you would challenge them on the reading materials. Active discussion as part of the learning becomes a large part of the university in UK schools. Beware of one thing—if you simply repeat everything your professor said back to him, you may score bad marks. UK schools will challenge you to do more than that.

Most Popular Study Options in the UK

When it comes to getting a degree in the UK, some of the most popular degrees among them include:

• Medicine
• Law
• Business
• Natural Sciences
• Arts
• Hospitality and tourism
• Sports science
• Media and communication
• Social sciences

The programs above attract a large number of international students because of the quality of education in these programs. However, British universities do well in education in general. Some graduate degrees will take less than a year because British universities offer intensive academic programs for students who want to study for fewer years.

Gain a Globally Recognized Degree

Studying in the UK, you will gain a globally recognized higher education degree since British universities are quite prestigious. For those who know English as a second language, going to a British university offers you the chance to improve your English skills as you work alongside experts in the field. Far fewer people will attain a master's degree than a bachelor's degree. It signifies your commitment to learning and development. You will have access to higher pay and employers will recognize your desire to keep learning, which will make them want to hire you. While the further study may not be cheap, you could consider it an investment in your education and furthering yourself.

Opportunity for Personal Growth

Especially if you have never gone outside of the country, you may find it rewarding to visit another country like the UK. Don't think of it as all easy, however, because unlike an undergraduate program abroad, master's programs abroad will be more intensive and study-focused. You will need to juggle research-heavy and intensive work. Those who speak English as a first language will find the UK a welcome surprise because they won't have to deal with a language barrier while abroad and studying an important course. If you leave the UK during your off time and visit any neighboring countries where this is a language barrier, simply use a translation app and you will be able to easily enjoy your exploration.

How a Master's Program Differs in the UK

Compared to the US, a master's in the UK will have far more independence. Individual study will be required and the courses take on a research-based approach. You will encounter few exams or routine assignments in a UK master's program. Instead, you will regularly meet with advisors. You will need to pace yourself, which offers a level of freedom in your studies. Individuals who procrastinate may find this approach more difficult because you must be self-motivated.

Still, it feels more liberating because you will have a level of freedom with your master's program. Before you set out on getting a master's degree in the UK, you should first check to see that your country will recognize it when you return home to apply for jobs. Whether they do or not will depend on the program and the field of study. Most people in the US go to graduate school to broaden their knowledge, but the UK does it more to develop expertise and further specialize in a subject.