How long is a master's degree in the UK?

Most taught master's programs are one calendar year (September to September), compared with two years in the US. Research-based master's (MRes, MPhil) can run 12–24 months depending on the program.

Can I work in the UK after my master's?

The Graduate Route visa lets international graduates stay and work (or look for work) in the UK for two years after a bachelor's or master's degree, without needing a job offer first.

What is a CAS number and why do I need it?

A CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) is a reference number your university issues once you've firmly accepted your offer. It's a mandatory part of the Student Route visa application — you cannot apply without one.

Do I need IELTS specifically, or is TOEFL accepted?

For the visa itself, the UK Home Office requires an approved "Secure English Language Test" such as IELTS for UKVI. Universities may separately accept TOEFL or Duolingo for admission purposes, but the visa application has its own, stricter requirement — check both separately.

Study destination

Study in the UK

UK master's programs are typically one year — roughly half the time of a US degree — which makes the country attractive if you want a faster route back into the workforce without giving up a globally recognised qualification. The trade-off is a compressed timeline once you arrive, so preparation before you land matters more than it does for a two-year program.

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Why study in the UK

Most taught master's programs run 12 months, reducing both total cost and time out of the workforce compared with a two-year degree elsewhere.
The Graduate Route visa allows international graduates to stay and work in the UK for two years after finishing (three years for PhD holders) without needing a job offer first.
A century-old research and teaching tradition across a small number of world-recognised universities, concentrated in a compact geography.
English-taught programs throughout, with no separate language-of-instruction barrier for most applicants.

Popular fields

Finance & Business
Law (LLM)
Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
Public Health & Global Health
Media, Publishing & Creative Industries

Best universities for a master's in the UK

UK postgraduate admissions are program-specific rather than centralised, so "best university" really means best department for your subject. A university strong in one discipline can be middling in another — check the specific department's research output, module list and industry links rather than only the institution's overall reputation.

Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London — strong across STEM, medicine and research-intensive fields

London School of Economics (LSE), UCL — strong for economics, policy, social sciences and law

University of Edinburgh, University of Manchester — large research universities with broad program depth outside London

King's College London, University of Warwick — strong reputations in specific fields (health sciences, business) at typically lower cost than the most selective London institutions

As with any country, treat this as a starting shortlist, not a ranking — evaluate the specific department, not just the university name.

What it costs

Tuition

Roughly £15,000–£35,000 for a one-year master's, with London-based and specialist programs (business, medicine) at the higher end.

Living costs

The Home Office sets minimum monthly living-cost figures for visa purposes, higher for London than for the rest of the UK — check the current figures on the official UK government site before budgeting.

Total cost of a one-year master's

Because the degree is one year rather than two, total cost is often comparable to — or lower than — a two-year program elsewhere, even with London's higher living costs.

The Student Route visa: what it requires

These are the core pieces of the process — always confirm current requirements and fees on the relevant embassy or immigration website before you apply, since exact figures and forms are updated periodically.

CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)

A reference number issued by your university once you firmly accept your offer and meet any conditions. You need a valid CAS before you can apply for the Student Route visa.

Financial evidence

You must show you can cover tuition (or the remaining balance after any deposit) plus a fixed monthly living-cost allowance, held in your account for a minimum consecutive period before you apply.

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

A mandatory upfront payment giving access to the UK's National Health Service for the length of your visa, paid as part of the online application.

Tuberculosis (TB) test

Required for applicants from a list of specified countries, from an approved clinic, with results valid for six months.

The application process, step by step

Shortlist departments

Compare specific departments and modules, not just university-wide reputation.

Apply directly to universities

Most postgraduate applications go straight to the university, not through a centralised portal.

Accept your offer & get a CAS

Firmly accept, satisfy any conditions, and receive your CAS reference from the university.

Apply for your Student Route visa

Complete the online application, pay the IHS, and submit financial evidence and biometrics.

Arrive and register

Collect your BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) or eVisa access and register with your university within the required window.

Intake timing: September is the primary intake for almost all UK master's programs. A handful of business and law programs also offer a January intake, but course choice is significantly narrower.

Paperwork checklist

What most applicants for the UK need to have ready before their visa application:

Valid passport
CAS reference number from your university
Proof of funds for tuition and living costs (held for the required period)
Academic transcripts and degree certificates
English proficiency scores (IELTS for UKVI, or equivalent)
Immigration Health Surcharge payment confirmation
TB test certificate, if applicable to your country
Admission/offer letter
Biometric appointment confirmation