UK Postgraduate
Graduate School Application Process / Timeline Planning in the UK
Master’s degree programs in the UK are usually completed within 12 months, making them very popular among international students.
Postgraduate in UK
There are mainly two types of postgraduate (master’s) applications in the UK:
Taught Course
Examples include degree titles such as MA, MSc, MBA, MLitt, MEd, MEng, and MMus.
MSc stands for Master of Science, which is a science-based master’s degree.
MLitt and MA are both arts-based master’s degrees, standing for Master of Letters and Master of Arts, respectively.
Although taught courses are delivered by professors, there are many opportunities for group discussions in class. Therefore, Bear recommends that students take at least a three-month Pre-Master’s course to prepare early for academic requirements such as coursework, essays, presentations, and exams.
授課式碩士一般修課進度
➜ The academic year starts around mid-September or early October
➜ All courses finish by May of the following year
➜ From June to September (summer break), begin writing the thesis
➜ Submit a master’s thesis of about 15,000 words in September
Research course
A research-based master’s degree is a type of master’s obtained by writing a research thesis (Master by Research, also known as M.Phil – Master of Philosophy) and typically takes one to two years to complete. There are no subject exams, and attendance is not strictly required, but reports and the thesis carry significant weight. It is often regarded as a stepping stone to a doctoral degree (PhD).
Typical course progression for a research-based master’s degree
➜ Discuss research topics with your supervisor during the first 9 months
➜ Attend research methodology courses during the following 15 months
UK Doctoral Degree Application
Traditional doctoral system
Compared to doctoral programs in other countries, the traditional UK doctoral program (pure research) does not include a teaching component.
The traditional doctoral program focuses on purely theoretical research (research training) and requires at least three years to complete. The duration may be extended depending on the research field and the difficulty of data collection.
Typically, students begin with a literature review on new ideas in their research area, then proceed to conduct research, analyze results, and write detailed reports on their findings.
The most challenging part of applying for a UK doctoral program is finding a suitable supervisor.
New Doctoral System
The new UK doctoral program system began in 2001. It combines research, taught courses, and professional skills training.
Unlike the traditional doctoral programs, which have uncertain durations for degree completion, the new UK doctoral program is designed to be completed within four years.
This new system offers a streamlined path for university graduates (or those with equivalent qualifications) to obtain a doctoral degree within four years through an integrated program.
Application Timeline
It is recommended to start planning your study abroad journey at least one year before your intended enrollment. Most UK schools offer both autumn and spring intake options.
For example, for a September (autumn) intake:
the year before enrollment
January - May
Begin planning your personal study abroad timeline
Prepare for professional exams and application documents in advance.
September to December
Submit applications
Send application documents and certified transcripts, and complete each school’s application procedures.
In the year of enrollment
January - May
Comfirm application result
Hune - August
Apply for a visa, arrange accommodation, and book flight tickets.
Departure !
Requirements
GPA
Which universities can you apply to with your current academic GPA?
GPA 3.7 ↑
85% ↑
Aim for the UK's elite G5 universities for graduate studies!
GPA 3.3 – 3.7
75 – 85%
Top 10 should be no problem!
GPA 2.8 – 3.3
65 – 75%
Try other graduate program!
GPA 2.8 ↓
65% ↓
It is recommended that you first enroll in an academic bridging program such as a Pre-Master's or Graduate Diploma course.
TOEFL
UK universities primarily consider IELTS scores. Which schools can you apply to with your current IELTS results?
If your scores don't meet the requirements, you'll need to take IELTS UKVI!
IELTS 7.0 – 9.0
im for the UK's elite G5 graduate programs!
IELTS 6.0 – 7.0
You should have no problem getting into a Russell Group university—the UK's equivalent of the "Ivy League"!
IELTS 5.0 – 6.0
I'd suggest first enrolling in the Pre-Sessional English course offered by UK universities.
IELTS 4.0 – 5.0
Consider taking an academic pathway program first—like a Pre-Master's or Graduate Diploma!
GMAT
Most applicants to business graduate programs are required to submit GMAT scores.
This exam assesses a student's understanding, analysis, and communication skills in general business environments. The test consists of three sections: Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), with a total possible score of 800 points.
GMAT 700
Go for the UK's prestigious G5 graduate programs!
GMAT 600
You're well-positioned to gain admission to the Russell Group—the UK's equivalent of the Ivy League!
GMAT 500
Consider applying to business schools that don't require GMAT scores!
