What is the duration and cost of a master's degree in the UK?
A full-time taught Master's degree in the UK takes 12 months. International student tuition averages GBP 17,109 per year, ranging from GBP 9,000 at budget universities to GBP 35,000+ at top-ranked institutions. Including living expenses of GBP 9,000-15,000 per year, the total annual cost ranges from GBP 22,000 (Rs.22.9L) to GBP 55,000+ (Rs.57.3L+) depending on university and city.
The UK's 1-year Master's format is one of its most distinctive advantages over other study destinations. You can complete a full 180-credit postgraduate degree in 12 months - saving a full year of living and opportunity costs compared to Australia, Canada, or the USA. Here is a complete breakdown of what it costs and how long it takes.
UK Master's Degree - Duration by Program Type
| Program Type | Duration | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Taught Master's (MSc, MA, MBA) | 12 months full-time | 180 credits |
| Taught Master's (part-time) | 2-3 years | 180 credits |
| Research Master's (MRes, MPhil) | 12-24 months | Research-based |
| Integrated Master's with placement | 18-24 months | Varies |
UK Master's Degree - Cost by Subject Area (2026)
| Subject Area | Annual Fee Range (GBP) | Approx. Rs. |
|---|---|---|
| Humanities and Social Sciences | GBP 9,000 - 18,000 | Rs.9.4L - 18.7L |
| Business and Management | GBP 18,000 - 55,000+ | Rs.18.7L - 57.3L+ |
| STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering) | GBP 15,000 - 28,000 | Rs.15.6L - 29.1L |
| Medicine and Clinical Programs | GBP 25,000 - 36,000 | Rs.26L - 37.5L |
| Average across all subjects | GBP 17,109 | Rs.17.8L |
UK Master's - Total Annual Cost Including Living
University Type | Tuition (GBP) | Living (GBP/year) | Total Rs. |
|---|---|---|---|
Budget universities (outside London) | GBP 9,000 - 15,000 | GBP 9,000 - 11,000 | Rs.18.7L - 26L |
Mid-tier (outside London) | GBP 16,000 - 25,000 | GBP 10,000 - 12,000 | Rs.26L - 38.5L |
Top universities (outside London) | GBP 25,000 - 35,000 | GBP 10,000 - 14,000 | Rs.36.5L - 51L |
London-based universities | GBP 20,000 - 40,000 | GBP 13,000 - 18,000 | Rs.34.4L - 60.4L |
My Advice
UK Master's degrees represent exceptional value when you factor in the 1-year format - even a Rs.45-50L total spend at a Russell Group university compares favourably to spending Rs.60-80L over 2 years in Australia or Canada. The sweet spot for most Indian students is a mid-tier university outside London in STEM or business - Nottingham, Leeds, Birmingham, and Newcastle all offer strong industry connections, good placement rates, and tuition in the Rs.18-25L range. Add part-time work (20 hours/week allowed during term) and the effective annual cost reduces further by Rs.5-8L depending on your earnings.
Still have doubts?
Speak to a LeapScholar expert — free, no obligations.
More Cost & living questions
- Is it better to spend 12 lakhs in India or go abroad for higher studies in Germany for a Master's?
- Does the agency provide end-to-end services including visa, loan guidance, and accommodation?
- How do US universities evaluate Indian LLM applicants differently from UK or European law schools?
- What is the fee range for a one-year MBA course compared to a two-year course in UK?
- Do I need to show living expenses in my bank account for visa purposes, and can I withdraw it after reaching Ireland?
- What is the minimum budget required for studying abroad in Canada or Ireland for two years?
- Can you provide the best UK university options for a Master's within my budget?
- What are the tuition fees for studying in Germany for a Master's/Bachelor's?
More UK questions
- Can I study in the UK without IELTS, and which universities accept other English tests?
- Is the USA the best country option for my AI or data science master's program, or should I consider other countries in UK/Canada?
- What scholarships are available for Cybersecurity Master's programs in UK universities?
- Which universities in the UK offer MS Accounting & Finance for a B.Tech Computer Engineering graduate and ₹40 lakhs budget?
- Which course are you planning to do abroad in UK for a Master's/MBA?
- Is it better to apply for UK or consider other countries for my master's in business analytics in Australia/Canada?
- What is the approximate scholarship amount I can get with around 90% or 9.2 CGPA in UK/Canada for a Postgraduate?
- Which universities in the UK offer MS International Business for a BBA graduate, IELTS 7.0 and ₹60 lakhs budget?