A full-time degree in the UK can cost ₹25–40 lakhs, not including living expenses, and the visa process can feel like a second job. For many Indian students and working professionals, the idea of spending 2–3 years and huge savings on a single qualification just doesn’t fit their goals. As a result, many put their global dreams on hold.
That’s where short-term courses in the UK make a real difference. These programs, lasting from a few weeks to a few months, focus on high-impact, in-demand skills across fields like business, law, data science, and design. They’re affordable, flexible, and designed to boost your global exposure without the long-term commitment.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to plan your short-term study in the UK, explore the top courses for 2026, and craft an application that stands out to universities and employers alike.
Top Short-Term Courses in the UK by Field
The UK offers a wide range of short-term courses across fields like business, IT, arts, healthcare, and law, allowing students to upgrade skills and gain global exposure in a short duration. The following are the best short courses in UK for Indian students.
Choose your dream country
UK
USA
Germany
Australia
Ireland
Canada
UAE
France
Sweden
Italy
Other
When do you want to study abroad?
What's your highest level of education?
Select you current city
How Leap will help you
Personalised University Shortlist
Express Applications with Quicker Admits
End-to-End Application Support
1. Business & Management
Short term courses in UK in business and management courses in the UK help Indian students build core leadership, strategy, and entrepreneurship skills without enrolling in a full MBA. Options range from top-up bachelor's degrees to intensive leadership certifications offered by highly ranked institutions.
| Course Name | Institution/Platform | Duration | Course Fee |
| BA (Hons) in Business Management | London School of Planning and Management 8 | 8 months / 10 months | GBP 4250(INR 4,94,449) |
| BA (Hons) Business Management (Top-up) | Imperial College Business School | 1 year | GBP 9,535(INR 11,09,311) |
| Entrepreneurship & Leadership | European School of Economics | 3-month | GBP 6,400(INR 7,44,582) |
Disclaimer: Fees in INR are approximate, based on 1 GBP = 116.3 INR, and may vary with exchange rates and university updates.
2. IT, Data Science & Computer Science
Short-term tech courses in the UK offer intensive industry-relevant training. You’ll find many UK universities with certificate programs in areas like data science, AI, cybersecurity, and programming.
| Course Name | Institution/Platform | Duration | Course Fee |
| Advanced AI, Computer Vision, and Cyber Security | University of the West of England, Frenchay | 12 weeks | GBP 896(INR 1,04,241) |
| MScData Science | University of South Wales | 13 months | GBP 17,900(INR 20,82,503) |
| Information Technology for Business BSc (Hons) | Oxford Brookes University | 12 months | GBP 17,750(INR 20,65,052) |
Disclaimer: Fees in INR are approximate, based on 1 GBP = 116.3 INR, and may vary with exchange rates and university updates.
3. Creative Arts & Design
UK universities are global leaders in creative education, and short-term design courses offer a practical entry point for Indian students interested in animation, branding, or innovation.
| Course Name | Institution/Platform | Duration | Course Fee |
| Advanced 3D Animation | Buckinghamshire New University | 12 months | GBP 15,550(INR 18,09,102) |
| MA Design Innovation | Buckinghamshire New University | 12 months | GBP 15,500(INR 18,03,285) |
| Design and Branding Strategy MA | Brunel University of London | 12 months | GBP 24,795(INR 28,84,675) |
Disclaimer: Fees in INR are approximate, based on 1 GBP = 116.3 INR, and may vary with exchange rates and university updates.
4. Healthcare & Medicine
Short-term healthcare courses in the UK are designed for medical, sports science, and public health professionals looking to upgrade skills or specialise.
| Course Name | Institution/Platform | Duration | Course Fee |
| Allergic skin disease and drug allergy | Imperial College London | Live online and in-person teaching, plus 10 weeks of access to course materials. | GBP 425(INR 49,444) |
| Applied Sport and Exercise Medicine MSc | University of Nottingham | 12 months | GBP 30,800(INR 35,83,302) |
| Healthcare Practice, MA | University of Greenwich | 1 year | GBP 1,967 (INR 2,28,842) per 30 credits |
Disclaimer: Fees in INR are approximate, based on 1 GBP = 116.3 INR, and may vary with exchange rates and university updates.
5. Law, Marketing, and Communication
Short-term law and communication courses in the UK provide practical legal and industry-focused skills for Indian students pursuing careers in law, digital marketing, and media.
| Course Name | Institution/Platform | Duration | Course Fee |
| Crime and Criminal Justice (Level 6) BSc (Hons) | University of Gloucestershire | 1 year | GBP 17,950(INR 20,88,320) |
| Artificial Intelligence, Law and Technology LLM | Brunel University of London | 1 year | GBP 22,320(INR 25,96,731) |
| BA (Hons) in Marketing | London School of Planning and Management | 8 months / 10 months | GBP 4250(INR 4,94,449) |
Disclaimer: Fees in INR are approximate, based on 1 GBP = 116.3 INR, and may vary with exchange rates and university updates.
Leading UK Universities for Short-Term Programs
Several top-ranked UK universities offer short-term programs designed for international students who want to gain global experience without committing to full-time degrees. Below are some of the best universities in UK offering short term courses, looking to build skills in a short time.
| University | Key Focus Areas | Official Short Course Portal |
| University of Cambridge – ICE | Law, Leadership, Creative Writing, Sustainability | ice.cam.ac.uk |
| University of Oxford – Continuing Education | Law, Public Policy, Economics, AI Ethics | conted.ox.ac.uk |
| LSE – Summer School | Finance, Law, Economics, International Relations | lse.ac.uk/summer-school |
| UCL – Summer School | Law, Engineering, Health, Public Policy | ucl.ac.uk/summer-school |
| University of London | Law, Politics, Business, Human Rights | london.ac.uk/courses |
Eligibility & Admission Requirements for Short Term Courses in UK
To apply for short term course in UK, applicants need a valid passport, proof of admission from a recognized UK institution, and evidence of financial support for the stay and course duration.
Academic Requirements
Most short-term courses in the UK require a minimum of a completed high school diploma or bachelor's degree, depending on the course level.
| Course Level | Academic Requirement | Additional Criteria |
| Undergraduate-Level Short Courses | Completion of Class 12 or equivalent with 55%–60% minimum marks | N/A |
| Postgraduate-Level Short Courses | Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with at least 55% aggregate from a recognised Indian university | N/A |
| Professional/Executive Programs | Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline | 2+ years of relevant work experience (may be required) |
English Proficiency (with & without IELTS)
Most short-term courses in the UK require an IELTS score of 6.0 to 6.5, but some universities offer IELTS waivers for Indian students who meet specific academic or language background criteria.
| Test | Minimum Score Required |
| IELTS (Academic) | Overall 6.0 to 6.5 (no band < 5.5) |
| TOEFL iBT | 72–90 (varies by university) |
| PTE Academic | 42–50 minimum |
Disclaimer: Minimum test scores may vary depending on the university and specific course requirements.
Application Documents Checklist
Most short term professional courses in UK have a simple application process. However, submitting a complete and error-free set of documents increases your chances of acceptance.
- Passport
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- English proficiency scorecard
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Letter of Recommendation
- Proof of funds
UK Short-Term Study Visa: Requirements & Fees
You can apply for a UK short term study visa if you're taking an English language course in the UK that lasts more than 6 months but less than 11 months. This visa allows you to stay for the length of your course plus up to 30 extra days, as long as the total stay is under 11 months.
- Visa fee: GBP 214 (INR 25,025)
- Healthcare surcharge (IHS): GBP 776 (INR 90,744) (gives access to NHS services)
- Total stay allowed: Up to 11 months.
- Work rights: Not permitted. You cannot work, do internships, or engage in any business.
- Dependants: You cannot bring family members on this visa
- Restrictions: You cannot switch courses, extend the visa, or apply for public benefits
If your course is 6 months or shorter, apply for a Standard Visitor Visa. If it's longer than 11 months, you'll need to apply for a student visa.
Cost of Studying: Fees & Living Expenses
The total cost of studying in the UK includes tuition fees and living expenses, which vary depending on the course, location, and lifestyle choices. If you’re on a budget, you can explore the cheapest short courses in UK for Indian students that provide strong academic value.
Average Tuition Fees (Short-Term Courses)
Here is the average cost of short term courses in UK:
| Program Type | Duration | Estimated Fees |
| Summer Schools & Certificate Courses | 2–6 weeks | GBP 1,000 - GBP 9,000(INR 1,16,938- INR 10,52,442) |
| Executive/Professional Development Programs | 1–3 months | GBP 3,000 – GBP 12,000(INR 3,50,814- INR 14,03,256) |
| Short term diploma courses in UK or Top-Up Degrees | 6 months – 1 year | GBP 7,000 - GBP 15,000(INR 8,18,566- INR 17,54,070) |
Disclaimer: Fees and durations are approximate and may vary by university and program; INR values are based on GBP 1 = INR 116.9.
Living Expenses in the UK (Monthly Estimates – 2026)
Students applying to study in the UK must show proof of funds to cover tuition and living costs for up to 9 months, unless they’ve stayed in the UK on a valid visa for at least 12 months.
| Category | Requirement | Details |
| Course Fee | Must have funds to pay tuition for 1 academic year (up to 9 months) | Amount listed on your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) |
| Living Expenses (London) | £1,483 (INR 1,73,419) per month (up to 9 months) | Proof of funds required unless already in the UK with a valid visa for 12 months |
| Living Expenses (Outside London) | £1,136 (INR 1,32,842) per month (up to 9 months) | Applies to all cities outside London |
Career Opportunities & ROI after UK Short-term Courses
”Can I get a job after a short course in UK?” is a common question among international students exploring practical programs. A short course at a globally recognised UK university strengthens your resume and helps you stand out in a competitive job market. Many students see job upgrades or better opportunities within 12 to 24 months.
Here’s how they deliver value:
- High-demand skills: Courses in AI, data science, digital marketing, and business strategy match top hiring sectors in India.
- Faster career growth: Students often get better interview responses, higher starting salaries, and quicker promotions.
- International credibility: UK academic credentials are well respected by Indian and multinational employers.
- ROI within 1 to 2 years: Most students recover their investment through better roles and increased income.
- Pathway to further study: These courses strengthen your profile for future master’s or MBA applications.
Why Choose a Short-Term Course in the UK?
Short term courses in UK for Indian students don’t have to mean years of commitment or a high tuition bill. Studying in the UK offers a smart, flexible option for Indian students looking to gain international exposure in a shorter time frame.
1. Flexible Duration and Entry Options
The demand for UK short courses for working professionals has grown due to their flexibility and skill-focused learning. Short-term courses typically range from 2 weeks to 6 months, making them ideal for students, early professionals, or career switchers who can’t commit to long-term study. Many courses offer rolling UK intakes, online or hybrid formats, and do not require a prior UK degree.
2. Global Recognition
The benefits of short term courses in UK include global networking, updated skills, and better career opportunities. These courses are often designed and delivered by the same faculty teaching full-time master’s programs, ensuring strong academic value and global credibility.
3. Affordability
Compared to full-time degrees, short term courses in UK are significantly cheaper. Course fees typically range between INR 30,000 and INR 20,00,000, depending on the university and subject. This makes it easier for Indian students to access high-quality education without long-term debt.
Ready to Make the Most of Short Term Courses in UK?
Short term courses in UK offer Indian students the chance to build global skills all in a fraction of the time and cost of full-time degrees. They’re a practical option for students who want to learn fast and gain valuable credentials from top UK universities.
Need help finding the right course, preparing your application, or understanding visa requirements? Leap Scholar can guide you through every stage of your UK study journey — from choosing universities to securing admission.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Are there any 6 month courses in UK for international students?
Yes, many UK universities offer 6-month certificate or diploma programs in fields like business, data analytics, English language, and design. These are ideal for upskilling or preparing for further study.
-
What is the shortest degree to get in the UK?
The shortest full degree is usually a 1-year master’s. However, some top-up or foundation degrees can be completed in 6 to 9 months, depending on your prior education.
-
Which short-term course has the highest salary?
No, students on a Short-term Study Visa or Visitor Visa are not allowed to work, intern, or take up any paid or unpaid employment in the UK.
-
What is the difference between short-term study visa and a visitor visa?
Yes, most short courses from accredited UK universities are well recognised by Indian employers, especially if they’re from top-ranked institutions.
-
What is the difference between short-term study visa and a visitor visa?
A Short-term Study Visa is for English language courses lasting 6 to 11 months. A Visitor Visa is used for short academic or training courses under 6 months, with no work or study extensions allowed.
-
Is it possible to study short term courses in UK without IELTS?
Most short-term courses require IELTS 5.5–6.0, but some universities waive this if you studied in English or scored 70%+ in Class 12 English (CBSE/ICSE).
Have Questions? Get Guidance to reach your Dream University
Connect with India's finest counsellors and biggest study abroad community.
Get Guidance