Masters Student Guides

There’s a lot to think about when you’re planning your postgraduate journey. You’ll need to decide what kind of Masters you want to study, which university to attend and how to improve your chances of application success. You’ll probably want to understand what studying a Masters is actually like and how it’ll be different to your undergraduate degree.

One of the most important factors is how you’ll fund your Masters course, whether through a postgraduate student loan or an international scholarship scheme. Another key consideration is the impact a Masters will have on your employability and how it could boost your earnings potential.

We’ve written hundreds of dedicated guides to all of these topics (and much more besides).

How to get Academic References for your Masters Application

Applications Advice

Applying for a Masters degree and unsure about what an postgraduate reference is or who to ask for one? This guide explains how they work.

Your Guide to Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) for Masters Study

United Kingdom Funding

Worried about the impact of a disability, learning difficulty or chronic illness on your Masters? See how the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) could help you.

2026 Postgraduate Loans in Northern Ireland

United Kingdom Student Loans Funding

You can get a Northern Irish postgraduate loan of up to £6,500 for a Masters, PGCert or PGDip from Student Finance NI. Learn exactly how this funding works in our guide.

Funding in Scotland: Postgraduate Loans 2026

United Kingdom Student Loans Funding

You can get a Scottish postgraduate loan of up to £13,900 for a Masters degree or PGDip from SAAS. Learn how this funding works in our guide.

Masters Study With a Disability, Illness or Learning Difficulty

Masters Study Advice

Discover essential guidance for postgraduate students with disabilities or chronic illnesses. Learn about academic support, financial aid, practical tips, and frequently asked questions to successfully navigate your Masters degree.

PGCE Funding and Teacher Training Bursaries

United Kingdom Education Funding

Our guide explains what financial support is available for postgraduate teacher training courses, including bursaries for PGCE and scholarships.

Postgraduate Funding from Charities

Funding

Charities can be an excellent source of funding for postgraduates. Our guide covers some of the ways you could get financial support from charities.

PTE Academic English Test

Tests International Study Applications Advice

Need to prove your language skills? Our guide to the PTE Academic English test covers everything you need to know, from minimum scores and exam structure to typical fees.

Cambridge English Certificates for Postgraduate Study

Tests International Study Applications Advice

Applying for an English-taught Masters and need to prove your language skills? Our guide to the Cambridge English certificates covers everything postgraduates need to know about these English language tests, from minimum scores and exam structure to typical fees.

TOEFL for Masters Study

Tests International Study Applications Advice

Applying for an English-taught Masters and need to prove your language skills? Our guide to the TOEFL covers everything postgraduates need to know about this English language test, from minimum scores and exam structure to typical fees.