1 Year Masters Programs in UK: Best Universities, Popular Programs, and Admissions

1 Year Masters Programs in UK: Best Universities, Popular Programs, and Admissions

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Shahid Murshed

Content Writer - Study Abroad | Updated On - Jun 10, 2024

Highlights:

  • Popular one year MS in UK: Data Science, Computer Science, Accounting and Finance, MBA, Law are among the popular one year MS programs in UK
  • Equivalency: 1 year masters degree in UK is equivalent to 2 year MS degree in USA, Canada, Australia and other countries.
  • Tuition Fees: The annual tuition fee for classroom-based masters programs can range from 6,500 to 51,360 GBP. On the other hand, tuition fees for laboratory-based masters programs can range from 7,500 to 54,500 GBP per year
  • Admission Requirements: A bachelor degree with more than 60% marks and minimum IELTS score of 6.5 is required. You also need to submit academic transcripts, standardized test scores (varies), financial statements and other supporting documents for admission to one year masters course in UK.

Popular 1 year masters programs in UK include Data Science, Computer Science, Business Administration, Psychology, Architecture, Law and others. These programs allow you to apply for a graduate route and work in the UK for up to 2 years after completing your studies in a UK university. 1 year masters programs in UK are awarded as following

  • MA (Master of Arts)
  • MS (Master of Science)
  • MRes (Master of Research)
  • MBA (Master of Business Administration)

The tuition fees for classroom-based 1 year masters in UK range from 6,500 to 51,360 GBP. For laboratory based courses, average annual fees vary from 7,500 to 54,500 GBP per year. Are you looking for an affordable one year masters program in UK? As per QS ranking, Royal Veterinary College, University of Chester, University of Bedfordshire are among the best universities in UK for an affordable one year masters in UK.

Why Study a 1 year Master Degree in UK?

Here we have listed some of the probable reasons behind choosing one year masters to study in UK

  • Short duration: Pursuing this course will enable you to obtain a master’s degree within a year. You will be able to stay ahead in the competition with an extra year in hand by gaining professional experience or pursuing another advanced degree.
  • Low investment: As the programs are only for 1 year, the investment is relatively lower than in other countries. As an example, the cost of attending an MS in Data Science in USA comes to around 70,97,946 INR, and in UK it is approximately 53,06,424 INR.
  • Graduate route/ Post study work visa: All the UK 1 year masters programs allow you to get a graduate route visa or post-study work visa in USA. Hence, you can be eligible to work in UK only after 1 year.

Popular 1 Year Masters Programs in UK

Here we have mentioned some of the popular 1 year masters programs in UK

  • 1 year MBA programs in UK
  • 1 year Executive MBA in UK
  • 1 year social work masters degree UK
  • 1 year online masters programs UK

Popular Universities for One Year Masters Programs in UK

90 UK universities are ranked in the latest QS world university rankings 2025. Imperial College London, University of Oxford, University of Cambridge are among the top 3 universities that offer 1 year masters programs in UK for international students. Below, we have listed some other universities with their latest rankings, popular programs and average tuition fees.

Universities QS Rankings 2025 Popular UK 1 year Masters Average Tuition Fees (GBP/ year)
Imperial College London #2 MSc Statistics

MSc Data Science

MSc Business Analytics

MSc Advanced Computing

45,400
University of Oxford #3 MSc in Advanced Computer Science

MSc in Social Data Science

MSc in Pharmacology

MSc in Environmental Change & Management

36,000
University of Cambridge #5 Masters in Architecture

Master of Finance

MPhil in Advanced Computer Science

Master of Advanced Study in Applied Mathematics

41,694
University College London #9 MSc in Computer Science

MSc in Data Science

MSc in Civil Engineering

MSc in Machine Learning

44,160
University of Edinburgh #27 MS in Data Science

MBA

1 year Masters in Architecture in UK

40,900
University of Manchester #34 MBA in UK

M.Sc. Biochemistry

M.Phil in Bioinformatics

M.Sc. in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology

48,000
King’s College London #40 MA in International Relations

MSc in Economics and Finance

MSc in Data Science

MSc in Robotics

33,450
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) #50 LLM

MSc Accounting and Finance

MSc in Behavioral Science

MSc in Finance

MSc in Statistics

36,168
University of Bristol #54 MSc in Data Science

MSc in Management

MSc in Accounting and Finance

MSc in Computer Science

34,200
University of Warwick #69 MSc in Data Analytics

1 year MBA UK

MSc in Business Analytics

MSc in Computer Science

31,450

Note: 1 GBP= 106.62 INR as of June 10, 2024

Affordable 1 Year Postgraduate Courses in UK

Apart from the listed above, there are some universities in UK that offer affordable one year masters UK programs. These affordable 1 year masters programs UK cost around 50,000 GBP per year including the cost of living in UK. Some of the universities and their popular affordable one year master degree in UK are given below

Universities Popular Programs Average Tuition Fees/ year
Royal Veterinary College Masters programs in One Health (Infectious Diseases), Veterinary Epidemiology, Wild Animal Biology, Wild Animal Health and Livestock Health and Production 8,925 GBP
University of Chester MBA, MSc in Advanced Computer Science, MPH, MSc in International Business, MSc in Sports Medicine 9,700 GBP
University of Bedfordshire MS in Computer Science, MPH, MSc in Biotechnology, MSc in Data Science 9,900 GBP
University of Suffolk MS in Business Analytics, MS in Marketing, MS in Finance, MBA, MS in Interior Architecture 10,080 GBP
University of Cumbria MS in Business Management, MS in Biomedical Sciences, LLM, MS in Forestry, MSc in Financial Accounting 10,500 GBP

Note: 1 GBP= 106.62 INR as of June 10, 2024

Admission Requirements for 1 year Masters Program in UK

Below are the general admission requirements for international students for one year master's degrees. Make sure the eligibility requirements may vary in each university with inclusion of higher GPA, GMAT scores and GRE tests.

General Admission Requirements:

  • Degree in a related field with a minimum mark GPA as specified by the University
  • GMAT or GRE minimum score as per the University's requirements
  • English language proficiency
  • IELTS- 6.0 - 7.0
  • TOEFL-IBT- 90-100)
  • PTE- 60
  • Work experience (usually required for MBA program)
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Updated CV or Resume
  • Statement of purpose
  • Financial Proof

Cost of Studying 1 Year Masters Course in UK

The average cost of a master's degree in the UK for international students generally includes tuition cost, pre-admission cost, and post-admission expenses. The tuition fee of a master's degree in the UK for international students may cost 26,000 GBP to 55,000 GBP (27.45 lakhs to 58 lakhs INR). However, the cost may vary based on specialization and university. For the cost of living in UK, you can consider the following table

Expenses Average cost (GBP)/Month Average cost (INR)/Month
Accommodations 500 52,806
Food 80 8,448
Travel and Transportation 54 5,703
Groceries 116 12,251

Note: 1 GBP= 106.62 INR as of June 10, 2024

UK one year masters is the most popular master degree. The degree will not only allow you to deal with global business challenges but will also help you choose from a variety of career opportunities. Working professionals and those planning to enter the job market prefer the one year Master's program. It offers the same level of expertise and academic value as the traditional 2-year master's programs while providing several advantages like reduced tuition fees, quicker entry into the job market, and the opportunity to save on living expenses.

FAQs

Ques: What are the entry requirements for a 1-year master’s program in the UK?

Ans: Entry requirements typically include a bachelor’s degree with a 2:1 or equivalent. Some programs may require relevant work experience, a portfolio (for creative courses), or specific subject prerequisites. Non-native English speakers usually need to provide proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL scores).

Ques: How much does a 1-year master’s program in the UK cost?

Ans: Tuition fees vary widely depending on the university and the course. On average, fees range from 10,000 to 26,000 GBP for international students. Additionally, living costs in the UK can range from 12,000 to 15,000 GBP per year.

Ques: Are there scholarships available for international students?

Ans: Yes, many UK universities offer scholarships for international students based on academic merit, financial need, or specific country of origin. Notable scholarships include the Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, and university-specific awards.

Ques: Can I work while studying?

Ans: International students on a Tier 4 (General) student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. However, it’s important to manage your time effectively to balance work and study commitments.

Ques: What is the application process like?

Ans: The application process usually involves submitting an online application form, academic transcripts, a personal statement, reference letters, and proof of English proficiency. Some programs may also require an interview or additional tests (e.g., GMAT for business courses).

Ques: How are 1-year master’s programs structured?

Ans: These programs typically include a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent study. They often culminate in a dissertation or major project. The academic year is usually divided into three terms or two semesters.

Ques: What are the benefits of a 1-year master’s program?

Ans: The main benefits include a shorter duration, which can save time and money, and the ability to quickly enhance qualifications and career prospects. It’s an intensive learning experience that can provide a competitive edge in the job market.

Ques: Can I stay in the UK after completing my master’s?

Ans: Yes, international students can apply for the Graduate Route visa, which allows you to stay and work in the UK for up to 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates) after completing your studies. This is a great opportunity to gain work experience and possibly secure a long-term job.

Ques: Is accommodation provided for international students?

Ans: Most universities offer accommodation options for international students, including university halls of residence and private housing. It’s advisable to apply early for university accommodation as it can be in high demand.

Ques: How do I choose the right master’s program?

Ans: Consider factors such as the university’s reputation, course content, faculty expertise, location, cost, and available resources. Researching graduate employment rates and speaking with current students or alumni can also provide valuable insights.

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