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One Year Masters Programme in UK

Last updated14th Jan 2026
7 mins read
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Devi Mukherjee
Published by Devi Mukherjee

UK & Ireland Education Specialist | Client Relations & Training Manager

Many universities across the United Kingdom offer international students an opportunity to enroll themselves in a 1-year Master's program. This 1-year program not only allows students to speed up their academics but also is cost-effective for many students who don't have the economic resources to appear for education programs that last for 2-3 years. These 1-year Master's programs, in addition to the Specialisation courses offered by these UK universities predominantly include subjects like Business Administration, Engineering, Arts, Finance, and Artificial Intelligence. The 1-year Master's program in UK also allows students to enter the job market earlier than other students with the added advantage of possessing advanced knowledge and skills within a short period of time.

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Types Of 1-Year Master's Programmes In UK

Here is a list of some of the most prominent One Year Post Graduation Courses available in the UK:

  • MA (Master of Arts)

This is a degree offered to students after they have completed postgraduate study in relevant fields of humanities and/or social sciences. Subjects like literature, history, and linguistics can be taken as examples.

  • MSc (Master of Science)

This is a postgrad degree offered to students after they have completed a higher level of study in any specific science subject. MSc is one of the top choices for Masters in UK for International students.

  • MRes (Master of Research)

This 1-year postgraduate degree primarily focuses on training international students to become efficient and authentic researchers. In comparison to the MA and MSc programs, this degree contains extensive research and is considered to be one of the most useful courses for academic scholars who wish to establish their careers as researchers.

  • MSt (Master of Studies)

This 1-year course is offered by some UK universities as a master's course. This degree is recognised as equivalent to an MA or MSc degree.

Other major 1 Year Courses in UK include:

  • MSc Artificial Intelligence
  • MSc Computer Science
  • MSc Finance
  • MSc Economics
  • MA International Relations
  • MBA (Master of Business Administration)
  • MSc Engineering

Top UK Universities Offering One-Year Programmes

Here is a list of the UK's most popular universities that offer 1-Year Courses in UK:

  • University of Bath
    • Courses Offered: MSc courses in Accounting and Finance, Applied Clinical Psychology, Applied Economics, Automotive Technology, and Biotechnology
    • Specialisation Courses Offered (1-year): MRes courses in Advanced Quantitative Methods in Social Sciences and Artificial Intelligence for Engineering and Design; MSc Automotive Engineering with Business Management (Fee ~£33,200 for 2026 intake)
  • University of Warwick
    • Courses Offered: Accounting and Finance (MSc), Advanced Legal Studies (LLM), Applied Theatre: Arts, Action, Change (MA), Business Analytics (MSc)
    • Specialisation Courses Offered (1-year): Career Coaching and Counselling (PGA), Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (MA), MA for Research in Film and Television Studies (MA)
  • University of Wolverhampton
    • Courses Offered: Business, Education, Civil Engineering and Built Environment, Law
    • Specialisation Courses Offered (1-year): Cyber Security, Health Sciences, Nursing
  • University of Birmingham
    • Courses Offered: AI and Government (MSc), Shakespeare and Creativity (MA), Accounting and Finance (MSc), AI and Sustainable Development (MSc)
    • Specialisation Courses Offered (1-year): Adult Learning Theory and its Application to Multidisciplinary Healthcare Simulation Learning and Teaching, Advanced Clinical Decision Making, Advanced Computer Science Masters
  • University of Manchester
    • Courses Offered: MSc in Business Analytics, MSc in Biotechnology
    • Specialisation Courses Offered (1-year): Data Mining, Predictive Analytics, Business Intelligence, Genetic Engineering, Biopharmaceuticals, Bioinformatics
  • University of Plymouth
    • Courses Offered: ResM Dental Studies, MSc Oral Surgery
    • Specialisation Courses (1-year): MSc Orthodontics, MSc Periodontology, MSc Restorative Dentistry
  • University of Leeds
    • Courses Offered: MSc in Human Resource Management, MSc in Data Science
    • Specialisation Courses Offered: Talent Management, Employee Relations, Organisational Development, Machine Learning, Big Data Analytics, Data Visualisation
  • University of Bristol
    • Courses Offered: MSc in Economics, MSc in Aerospace Engineering
    • Specialisation Courses Offered (1-year): Economic Policy, Financial Economics, Development Economics, Aerodynamics, Space Systems, Structural Mechanics
  • University of Bolton
    • Courses Offered: Accountancy, Civil Engineering, Dental Technology, Nursing and Midwifery
    • Specialisation Courses Offered (1-year): Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Theatre and Performing Arts, Youth & Community
  • University of West London
    • Courses Offered: Consultancy for Innovation and Change (MBA), Record Production, Advertising, Branding and Communication, Human Resource Management
    • Specialisation Courses Offered (1-year): Dementia Studies: Contemporary Approaches to Practice, International Fashion Brand Management: Fashion Buying and Merchandising, Advanced Music Technology

Cost of Studying 1-Year Master's Programme in UK

Although pursuing a 1-year Master's programme in UK can depend on the university for international students. Here is a basic framework of 1 Year Masters Programs UK Cost that students can refer to:

  • Tuition Fees: Average tuition fees for international students for 2025/2026 range from £12,000 to £45,000+.
    • Standard Masters: £16,000 – £32,000
    • MBA/Clinical/Lab-based: £25,000 – £50,000+

Eligibility Criteria For One-Year Master's in the UK

Here is a list of some of the more universal admission requirements an international student needs to fulfil in order to get into 1-year master's programmes in the UK:

  • A bachelor's degree from a recognised university. Cut-off will vary from course to course and university to university. The only exception is if a student is applying to a conversion programme. In this case, a student's field can be different in their bachelor's and master's.
  • Most UK universities are test-oriented. Depending on the course, the faculty, and the university that the student has chosen, they might be required to clear an entrance test. However, many UK universities give admission on the basis of scores of standardised tests such as the GRE or GMAT, although they are not always relevant.
  • If an international student wishes to pursue any of the above-mentioned one-year Postgraduate courses in the UK, they need to submit proof of English language proficiency in the form of IELTS, TOEFLPTE, or any other globally accepted test.
    • English Proficiency:
      • IELTS: Generally 6.5 overall (with no band less than 6.0).
      • TOEFL iBT: Typically 88-92+.
      • PTE Academic: Typically 62-67+.
    • Academic: A Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 60-65% (First or Upper Second Class equivalent).
  • Specific courses such as the MBA or MArch might require you to have relevant work experience before being approved for a 1 Year Masters UK.

Students are advised to research and choose their options for courses and universities carefully. Once both of these have been finalised, students must go through their admissions criteria and have all the necessary documentation ready.

Here is a list of documents typically required for Ms in UK admissions:

  • Passport
  • Transcripts of all academic qualifications
  • Statement of Purpose/Personal essay
  • Updated resume
  • Standardised test scores, if required
  • IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or other English test proofs
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Proof of funds
  • Proof of work experience (if required)

Post Study Work Opportunities after a 1-Year Master's Programme in UK

Once an international student completes their 1-year Post Graduate Course from any recognised UK university, they have a wide job market open to them within the country itself. The UK as a nation has a lot of reputable companies that actively seek postgraduates from the above-mentioned programmes on an annual basis.

Here is a list of top job opportunities (with their approximate salaries in INR) for students who have successfully completed any 1 Year Masters in UK:

  • Data Scientist: £45,000 - £67,000 per annum
  • Business Analyst: £35,000 - £55,000 per annum
  • Software Engineer: £40,000 - £65,000 per annum
  • Financial Analyst: £35,000 - £50,000 per annum
  • Project Manager: £40,000 - £60,000 per annum
  • Marketing Manager: £30,000 - £45,000 per annum
  • HR Manager: £35,000 - £50,000 per annum

Related Article: Post Study Work Visa in UK

Important Point to Note:

Graduate Route Visa (Post-Study Work Visa) International students who successfully complete a 1-year Master's degree in the UK are eligible for the Graduate Route Visa. This allows you to stay in the UK for 2 years to work or look for work at any skill level. No job offer is required to apply.

The number of students seeking a 1-year Master's programme in UK is slowly increasing every year. It is transformative, time-saving, and cost-effective towards a pupil's successful career.

Pursuing these one-year post-graduation courses in UK also provides students with an opportunity to increase their knowledge (from their undergraduate degree), in addition to equipping students with advanced special skills and employability characteristics. If you wish to get more information, contact AECC today for all your international education/career queries. You have access to experienced counsellors who can help you in your educational journey in a foreign country.

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Devi Mukherjee
Published by Devi Mukherjee

UK & Ireland Education Specialist | Client Relations & Training Manager

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With a career spanning over 20 years in the study abroad industry, Devi Mukherjee is a leading specialist for students aiming to study in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Her deep expertise is built on a solid foundation of helping students navigate every step of their educational journey, from initial counselling to final university placement.

Devi's career is marked by leadership roles at prominent education consultancies like AECC and SI-UK Education Council. At Kangaroo Studies Pvt Ltd, she was responsible for setting up the entire UK market, giving her a foundational understanding of how UK universities operate and what they look for in an applicant.

As the current Senior Manager for Client Relations and Development (UK and Ireland) at AECC, Devi possesses the most up-to-date knowledge on admissions trends, visa policies, and university requirements for the region. Her background in training other counsellors also means she excels at breaking down complicated topics into simple, actionable advice.

Devi can help you with

  • Navigating the UK & Ireland Systems: Use her specialised expertise to understand the unique application processes for universities in the UK and Ireland.
  • Building a Strong Application: Get expert advice on how to craft a compelling application that highlights your strengths, based on her experience in student counselling and university relations.
  • Making Strategic University Choices: Benefit from her business development background to choose a university and course that aligns perfectly with your long-term career goals.
  • Simplifying Complex Information: Leverage her skills as a trainer to get clear, easy-to-understand answers for your most challenging questions.

Devi holds an MSc in Physics from the prestigious Hindu College, bringing a sharp analytical mind to every student's case. When you read her articles, you're getting guidance from a true industry veteran. 

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