Masters Study – UK vs Europe

The UK has always stood out as a study abroad destination within Europe, but how do its universities compare to their continental neighbours when it comes to postgraduate study? You might be surprised to learn that there are actually some big differences between British and European Masters degrees.

It's worth knowing about these if you're thinking of studying abroad. The best course for you might not be where you think and you could be overlooking some great opportunities by only considering one country. This blog will give you the information you need to make the right choice.

Postgraduate courses are often longer on the continent, where two-year Masters degrees are quite common. In the UK, meanwhile, a full-time Masters is almost always a one-year course.

A longer European Masters isn't 'worth more' though. You'll just study at a different rate: A UK Masters runs for a full 12 months, with dissertation work taking place over the summer 'holiday' (which isn't really a holiday!). Students in Europe often take on internships in the break between their first and second years.

The best option for you probably depends on whether you prefer a shorter, more intense, Masters or a longer course with more time to fit in other things.

The UK is home to some of the world's most famous and historic universities, but did you know that the oldest European university is actually the University of Bologna? – it pre-dates the University of Oxford by around a decade.

These days British and continental university systems are quite similar, as both are part of the wider European Higher Education Area.

The biggest difference is that some European countries have two types of university: research universities and universities of applied sciences. The second group offer courses with a more practical and professional focus. They provide excellent Masters degrees, but don't tend to offer PhDs. Universities of applied sciences have different names in different countries: fachhochschulen in Austria and Germany, hogescholen in the Netherlands, högskolor in Sweden, and so on.

Most UK universities offer a full range of Bachelors, Masters and PhD degrees, though their specific courses and expertise will vary.

It's true that the 'best' UK universities tend to take quite a few of the top spots international rankings (along with those in the USA) but you shouldn't overlook the performance of European institutions.

In fact, once you focus on specific subjects, European universities emerge as some of the best in their fields.

We'll be taking a look at the latest international rankings and what they mean for postgraduates as soon as the results are released each year. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated.

So, is it cheaper to study a Masters in the UK, or elsewhere in Europe?

It's difficult to compare the cost of study in one country (the UK) with lots of other countries (the rest of Europe) but European Masters degrees are sometimes cheaper. Some don't charge fees at all. Others don't charge a higher international rate (or charge less than the UK).

When it comes to funding, things are actually fairly similar. Both the UK and Europe tend not to offer postgraduate loans to international students. However, they do have their own scholarships for overseas study. You can read about international funding in the UK and check for funding in our individual guides to different European countries.

It won't surprise you to learn that UK universities teach in English (yes, really) but did you know that several other European countries also offer English-language Masters degrees? It's worth checking, but you might be surprised to learn that a second (or third) language isn't always a requirement.

If it is, you'll (probably) need a language test. We've looked at the process for English language requirements as well as French language tests, German language tests and so on alongside our study guides.

Learning a new language can also be a great way to enhance your study abroad experience, even if it isn't required for your Masters.

So, how easy is it to get a visa to study a Masters in the UK or Europe? And can you remain there after your degree?

Because of Brexit, students who are going from the UK to Europe (and vice versa) will need a visa and / or a residence permit. You'll normally need to apply through the Student Route to study a Masters abroad in the UK. Once you've finished your Masters you can apply to the Graduate Route.

Post-study work visas are also offered in many European countries. For example, the Netherlands, Austria and Germany all allow international Masters graduates to stay for a year or more. Check our guides for information on other destinations.

Bear in mind that you won't normally need a visa to study elsewhere in the EU if you're an EU citizen. Sadly, Brexit means this no longer applies to most UK nationals.

So, is the UK or Europe a better place to study a Masters abroad? It depends.

The UK tends to offer shorter courses and is obviously home to some very prestigious universities. But other European universities also provide Masters degrees, often with lower fees and more generous post-study arrangements.

The best thing to do is to compare different options – and our search is perfect for that. Good luck!

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