Postgrad Study: UK vs USA

When it comes to popular destinations for study abroad, two countries really stand out. The UK and USA host nearly 1.5 million international students between them and are home to some of the most famous universities in the world.

What's interesting though is that, when it comes to postgraduate study, they're actually quite different. Indeed, the term 'postgraduate' isn't actually used in the US, where Masters degrees are part of broader 'graduate' programmes (or programs, to use the American spelling).

So what other differences are there between Masters study in the UK and USA? And how do they compare for international students?

We've taken a look.

UK university tuition averages at £18,000 per year for international students, though this can be higher or lower depending on the course. If you're an EU national with settled status in the UK, you may be eligible for tuition fees at the lower domestic rate (typically between £8,740 and £10,310).

Unlike the UK, USA universities don't charge international tuition fees. Public universities charge one rate to students from the same state and another, higher, rate to all other students, whether they're from a different state or a different country. Private universities can charge what they like and don't usually distinguish between US and international students.

You'll probably pay more to study abroad in the USA, but not necessarily because you're an international student. Typical fees are around $20,000-35,000 per year at public universities (potentially more at private providers). You can expect this to vary a lot though.

As we've said, UK Masters tend to be distinct courses of study leading to a potentially terminal qualification (one that you can go off and do something with without further study).

USA Masters are often part of broader graduate programmes where it's common for students to continue on to a PhD. In fact, some US PhDs award a Masters along the way.

Partly because they tend to be standalone degrees, UK Masters are usually shorter and more specialised. A US university might offer a two-year programme in Biological Sciences. A UK university might offer several one-year courses Cell Biology, Plant Genetics, or so on.

Both approaches have their strengths. The UK system is obviously great if you want to specialise early and quickly, but the US option can provide a broader grounding in your subject with the potential for a smooth transition into PhD research.

There are around 160 or so universities for Masters study in the UK. That sounds like a lot, but there are ten times as many institutions offering graduate programmes in the USA.

Now, you probably aren't going to closely consider Masters study at 160 universities, let alone 1,500+. What's more important is the difference between the types of institutions available.

Most UK universities are public institutions. They receive some funding from the UK Government and they charge broadly similar fees.

Universities in the USA can be either public or private. Private institutions make most of their income from student fees rather than state funding. There isn't any difference in quality between the two categories (but the more complex US system does mean that (post)graduate fees vary a lot more.

International students aren't usually eligible for public student loans in either the UK or the USA. The exception is EU nationals in the UK, who may be able to get a postgraduate loan for a Masters if they have 'settled status' through the EU Settlement Scheme post-Brexit.

International funding is available through universities and exchange schemes in both countries but how much you can get will probably depend on what and where you're studying within a country as much as which country you pick. That said, it is more common for American universities to provide funding to their students (particularly private institutions). University funding is available in the UK, but it's rarely offered to all students.

Admission to a UK Masters degree usually just requires a good Bachelors degree. The equivalent of a UK 2.1 or higher should be fine, though lower grades can be accepted.

Admission to a graduate programme in the USA is often a little more challenging. You'll still need a good first degree, but you'll probably find that graduate entry tests such as the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) are also required.

Universities in both countries will expect you to apply directly to them, so the best bet is to check the specific requirements before you do.

Both the UK and the USA offer a post-study work option for Masters students.

The UK system is a bit simple. Students completing a UK degree get up to two years to look for a job after their course.

Pathways also exist in the USA, but they'll depend on what you've studied and what you want to do. You may also need extra endorsement from your university or a prospective employer.

It goes without saying that both countries are great options for PhD study. In fact, as we've covered, a Masters in the USA can lead quite smoothly into a doctorate.

So, how do the USA and the UK compare for Masters study? It seems fair to say that very little divides the two countries on quality. Both have a proud tradition of (post)graduate education at some of the best universities in the world (at least so far as rankings are concerned).

Graduate study in the USA is perhaps little bit more complex than post-graduate study in the UK: you'll study for longer, go through a more complex admissions process and potentially pay a little more for your course. On the other hand, you'll be thoroughly prepared for a PhD and may even be able to go straight into one.

The UK offers a faster and potentially more affordable option with generally shorter courses and slightly lower fees (at least in comparison to the USA). It may be best suited to students who are already prepared to specialise and narrow down their subject specialism at Masters level.

Clichéd as it is, the best option for you will probably depend on... you. Hopefully this blog has helped you weigh up the two options. Whichever you pick you'll be on course to a high quality and globally respected qualification. After all, nearly 1.5 million international students can't be wrong.

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