However, the British are also famous for their black humor and polite understatement. The influence of the former colonial power on world affairs and cultural developments is still clearly noticeable today. These peculiarities of British culture are also visible in the world-renowned British study system. One of the most common reasons why many international students opt for a Master's degree in the UK is the short duration of study of just one year.
Requirements for a Master's degree in Great Britain
Graduates of a Bachelor's degree program at an accredited German university or university of applied sciences generally meet the requirements for admission to graduate studies at a British university. Since the Bologna reform, it has also been possible to change countries without restrictions.
Reasons for a Master's degree in the UK
The Master's degree course in the UK is also attractive due to its shortened duration of just one year in some cases, up to a maximum of two years. There is a wide range of high-quality Master's programs in the UK that have been tried and tested over many years.
The fact that many British universities are ranked very highly in international rankings also speaks in favor of a Master's in the UK. A Master's in the UK therefore looks good on any CV, not least because of the language skills and intercultural competencies that you acquire during your studies.
Change of subject possible!
A Master's degree in the UK is also interesting for students who, after completing their Bachelor's degree, would like to deepen their knowledge and interests in a minor or elective subject of the B.A. program or expand their undergraduate studies with a Master's degree in another subject area.
In Germany, a change of subject is only possible to a limited extent, as the admission requirement is often a subject-specific Bachelor's degree. At many British universities, on the other hand, proof of previous subject knowledge or a portfolio is sufficient.
Many students therefore take the opportunity to follow up their Bachelor's degree in Germany with a Master's in a new subject area in the UK.
The Master's programs in Great Britain
In the UK, in addition to the Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Science (M.Sc.), Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Education (MEd), there are also specialized Master's degree courses. These are specifically tailored to subjects such as Psychology, Law, Engineering or Health, such as the Master of Laws (LLM) or the Master of Public Health (MPH).
Practical relevance or research?
Depending on the type of Master's program, students choose either a course-based or research-based Master's program. A course-based Master's, the Master of Coursework, involves attending courses and completing small written assignments, as is familiar from the Bachelor's program.
In the Master by Research, on the other hand, the focus is on the completion of a largely independent research paper. The latter Master's course is therefore highly recommended for all students who wish to pursue an academic career after graduation.
Combined degree programs
Many Master's programs also combine seminars and lectures with independent research. In some postgraduate programs, for example, a Master's degree is a combination of a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma, a research module and a written thesis.
Creative degree programs
Also worth mentioning are the artistic courses in the fields of music, fashion, design, art and film, which are mainly offered in London. These are usually very practically oriented and focus on the production of your own artistic project, such as a film script. Some of these Master's programs are characterized by relatively short attendance phases, and sometimes it is even possible to complete part of the course online.
Recognition of a Master's degree in the UK
Recognition of a Master's degree obtained in the UK is generally possible without any problems after graduation due to the Bologna Agreement. However, the equivalence of the foreign university degree should be checked before starting your studies abroad.
Information for doctoral candidates
The formal admission requirements for doctoral studies include the successful completion of a Master's degree in the UK or an equivalent qualification. As a rule, it is not decisive for a doctorate whether a Master's degree was obtained in one or two years or whether a certain number of ECTS has been achieved.
If you are already planning to do a doctorate at a specific university in Germany before starting your Master's degree in the UK, it is advisable to check the individual requirements of the doctoral degree regulations at the university of your choice.
What do I need for a Master's degree in the UK?
A prerequisite for a Master's degree in the UK is a Bachelor's degree or a comparable qualification such as a Diplom. In addition, a portfolio or professional experience is often required for artistic degree courses.
Sufficient knowledge of English must be demonstrated by a standardized language test, for example the IELTS or TOEFL.
Costs and financing of a Master's degree in the UK
The cost of a Master's degree in the UK ranges from around £3,500 to £20,000 (equivalent to around €4,000 to €23,000). The cost of living can be estimated at around €1,000 per month.
BAföG abroad for a Master's degree in the UK
Under certain conditions, a Master's degree in the UK can be funded by BAföG abroad. The desired course of study must not exceed a standard period of study of one year and must be completed full-time. Eligible students receive a grant of up to €5,600 towards tuition fees as well as further grants towards living costs, health insurance and travel expenses.
DAAD and other German scholarships
Students with good grades in particular have the opportunity to receive financial aid. In Germany, for example, the DAAD and various foundations offer scholarships for particularly good students.
British university scholarships
The British universities themselves award scholarships (scholarships or funding) to international students in the Master's field.
German and British student loans
It is also possible to take out an educational or student loan to realize your dream of a Master's degree in the UK.
Visa and work permit
International students who wish to study in the UK for more than six months in order to complete a Master's degree must apply for a student visa in advance.
If you have a valid student visa, you are generally able to work part-time in the UK. The number of hours permitted depends on whether the work is carried out during or outside semester periods.
Health insurance for Great Britain
German students are also automatically insured by the British National Health Service via their visa during their Master's studies in the UK, provided they register in good time. However, this statutory health insurance does not cover all costs incurred in full.
It is therefore advisable to find out about insurance cover abroad from your German health insurance provider and, if necessary, take out supplementary insurance for your Master's degree in the UK.
Requirements for a Master's degree in Great Britain
Graduates of a Bachelor's degree program at an accredited German university or university of applied sciences generally meet the requirements for admission to graduate studies at a British university. Since the Bologna reform, it has also been possible to change countries without restrictions.
Reasons for a Master's degree in the UK
The Master's degree course in the UK is also attractive due to its shortened duration of just one year in some cases, up to a maximum of two years. There is a wide range of high-quality Master's programs in the UK that have been tried and tested over many years.
The fact that many British universities are ranked very highly in international rankings also speaks in favor of a Master's in the UK. A Master's in the UK therefore looks good on any CV, not least because of the language skills and intercultural competencies that you acquire during your studies.
Change of subject possible!
A Master's degree in the UK is also interesting for students who, after completing their Bachelor's degree, would like to deepen their knowledge and interests in a minor or elective subject of the B.A. program or expand their undergraduate studies with a Master's degree in another subject area.
In Germany, a change of subject is only possible to a limited extent, as the admission requirement is often a subject-specific Bachelor's degree. At many British universities, on the other hand, proof of previous subject knowledge or a portfolio is sufficient.
Many students therefore take the opportunity to follow up their Bachelor's degree in Germany with a Master's in a new subject area in the UK.
The Master's programs in Great Britain
In the UK, in addition to the Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Science (M.Sc.), Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Education (MEd), there are also specialized Master's degree courses. These are specifically tailored to subjects such as Psychology, Law, Engineering or Health, such as the Master of Laws (LLM) or the Master of Public Health (MPH).
Practical relevance or research?
Depending on the type of Master's program, students choose either a course-based or research-based Master's program. A course-based Master's, the Master of Coursework, involves attending courses and completing small written assignments, as is familiar from the Bachelor's program.
In the Master by Research, on the other hand, the focus is on the completion of a largely independent research paper. The latter Master's course is therefore highly recommended for all students who wish to pursue an academic career after graduation.
Combined degree programs
Many Master's programs also combine seminars and lectures with independent research. In some postgraduate programs, for example, a Master's degree is a combination of a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma, a research module and a written thesis.
Creative degree programs
Also worth mentioning are the artistic courses in the fields of music, fashion, design, art and film, which are mainly offered in London. These are usually very practically oriented and focus on the production of your own artistic project, such as a film script. Some of these Master's programs are characterized by relatively short attendance phases, and sometimes it is even possible to complete part of the course online.
Recognition of a Master's degree in the UK
Recognition of a Master's degree obtained in the UK is generally possible without any problems after graduation due to the Bologna Agreement. However, the equivalence of the foreign university degree should be checked before starting your studies abroad.
Information for doctoral candidates
The formal admission requirements for doctoral studies include the successful completion of a Master's degree in the UK or an equivalent qualification. As a rule, it is not decisive for a doctorate whether a Master's degree was obtained in one or two years or whether a certain number of ECTS has been achieved.
If you are already planning to do a doctorate at a specific university in Germany before starting your Master's degree in the UK, it is advisable to check the individual requirements of the doctoral degree regulations at the university of your choice.
What do I need for a Master's degree in the UK?
A prerequisite for a Master's degree in the UK is a Bachelor's degree or a comparable qualification such as a Diplom. In addition, a portfolio or professional experience is often required for artistic degree courses.
Sufficient knowledge of English must be demonstrated by a standardized language test, for example the IELTS or TOEFL.
Costs and financing of a Master's degree in the UK
The cost of a Master's degree in the UK ranges from around £3,500 to £20,000 (equivalent to around €4,000 to €23,000). The cost of living can be estimated at around €1,000 per month.
BAföG abroad for a Master's degree in the UK
Under certain conditions, a Master's degree in the UK can be funded by BAföG abroad. The desired course of study must not exceed a standard period of study of one year and must be completed full-time. Eligible students receive a grant of up to €5,600 towards tuition fees as well as further grants towards living costs, health insurance and travel expenses.
DAAD and other German scholarships
Students with good grades in particular have the opportunity to receive financial aid. In Germany, for example, the DAAD and various foundations offer scholarships for particularly good students.
British university scholarships
The British universities themselves award scholarships (scholarships or funding) to international students in the Master's field.
German and British student loans
It is also possible to take out an educational or student loan to realize your dream of a Master's degree in the UK.
Visa and work permit
International students who wish to study in the UK for more than six months in order to complete a Master's degree must apply for a student visa in advance.
If you have a valid student visa, you are generally able to work part-time in the UK. The number of hours permitted depends on whether the work is carried out during or outside semester periods.
Health insurance for Great Britain
German students are also automatically insured by the British National Health Service via their visa during their Master's studies in the UK, provided they register in good time. However, this statutory health insurance does not cover all costs incurred in full.
It is therefore advisable to find out about insurance cover abroad from your German health insurance provider and, if necessary, take out supplementary insurance for your Master's degree in the UK.