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Written by Maka Mutamiri
To do a Masters in the UK, you'll usually need an undergraduate degree with at least a 2:1. Some universities may accept a 2:2 or relevant professional experience instead. Entry requirements vary by course and institution, and you may also need to submit a personal statement, attend an interview or provide references. It is sometimes possible to do a Masters without a degree, depending on the subject and your background.
Thinking of applying for a Masters? Good on you. But before you dive headfirst into seminars and questionable library snacks, let’s talk requirements.
In this guide, I’ll be sharing the key things universities look for and how you can meet the entry requirements. If you want the answers to whether you can do a Masters with a second class lower, and even the age-old question: can I do a Masters without a degree? (Spoiler: maybe) then let this guide be your source of answers and ease as we dive in. . .
Not sure what your course needs? Just check the entry requirements on FindAMasters – we’ve made it easy to find everything in one place.
To get onto a Masters course, you’ll usually need a Bachelors degree (or equivalent). It proves you’ve got the academic foundation to take on postgraduate study without panicking at the first seminar.
Most UK universities ask for a degree in a relevant subject, typically with a 2:1. Some courses are happy with a 2:2 – and in a few cases, even a third might be considered, especially if you’ve got relevant experience or a solid reason (life happens).
In the UK, undergraduate grades are usually labelled as follows:
Undergraduate Degree Classifications | |
---|---|
First Class (1st) | The top degree classification. Usually requires an overall mark of 70%+. |
Upper Second Class (2.1) | Usually requires an overall mark of 60%+. |
Lower Second Class (2.2) | Usually requires an overall mark of 50%+. |
Third Class (3rd) | Usually requires an overall mark of 40%+. |
Fail | May result from an overall mark below 40%. |
If you studied outside the UK, you’ll need a qualification that matches UK standards from a recognised university.
Some universities keep it vague and ask for a ‘good honours degree’ – which generally means a 2:1 or higher, but it’s worth checking the small print just in case.
Surprisingly, yes – sometimes you can do a Masters without a Bachelors degree. It’s not the usual route, but if you’ve got plenty of relevant work experience or a strong professional or creative portfolio, some universities will consider your application. This is more common for MBAs or vocational and arts-based programmes.
That said, it's always best to check the specific entry requirements for the course you're interested in – no one likes surprises (except maybe on birthdays).
So, what are the other ways you could meet the entry requirements without a degree?
If you don’t have the usual academic background, don’t panic – especially if you’re a mature student or returning to study after some time away. Some universities are open to applicants without a Bachelors, as long as you’ve got solid experience or other qualifications.
This is particularly true for vocational subjects like Education, Creative Writing or Journalism, where practical skills matter just as much as grades. Already worked in the industry? Had something published? That kind of hands-on experience can really strengthen your case. Ideally, you’ll have a mix of relevant experience and academic ability – but strong practical knowledge can go a long way.
Universities want to see that you’re genuinely invested in the subject. Volunteering, short courses, or even self-directed learning can help show your dedication – and your transferable skills.
These help boost your academic skills and confidence before starting a Masters. Often aimed at international students, but UK students can benefit too – especially for courses like the Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) for teacher training.
If you’re not quite ready for a full Masters, you might be offered one of these shorter postgraduate qualifications first. You can often progress to a full Masters by completing a dissertation.
If English isn’t your first language and you’re applying for a Masters taught in English, you’ll probably need to prove you can follow the course without reaching for a dictionary every five minutes. It’s a standard part of the entry requirements for international students pursuing a Masters abroad.
Most universities ask for a recognised English language test, such as:
Your results need to show you can handle academic-level English – not just small talk and Netflix subtitles. Score requirements vary by course and university, so always double-check the details.
If you’ve studied or worked in English before, you might be exempt from taking a test – but don’t assume. Admissions teams love documentation, so have proof ready just in case.
Wondering what else you might need to secure a spot on a Masters course? Here’s a quick rundown of other key things some programmes might require:
Remember, you can always check the entry requirements for specific courses using our course finder.
I hope this guide has made Masters entry requirements feel a bit less mysterious. They can seem like a maze at first, but once you know what to look for – academic qualifications, language tests, maybe an interview – it all starts to fall into place.
When I applied, the trickiest part was just figuring out if I ticked all the right boxes. Spoiler: I mostly did. The rest was paperwork and the usual personal statement shuffle.
My tip? Check requirements early. Every course is different, and spotting any extras – like needing a reference or a language score – gives you time to sort them calmly.
And if you're missing something? Don’t count yourself out. Experience and enthusiasm can sometimes fill the gaps.
Good luck!
Not really – your undergraduate degree is what matters most. A-levels aren’t usually part of the entry requirements for Masters programmes, unless you’re applying for something very specialised.
Entrance exams like the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) or GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) are required for some programs, particularly in business or management. However, many UK Masters courses do not require these tests. Always check the specific requirements of your chosen course.
Yes – almost all Masters applications will ask for a personal statement. It’s your chance to explain why you want to study the course, what makes you a good fit, and how it aligns with your goals. Think of it as your academic pitch – tailored for each course, not a copy-and-paste job.
Search from over 22,000 Masters degrees on our website to check specific entry requirements and find one that is right for you
Applying for a Masters can feel a bit daunting. Here is a checklist of all the things you need to do to make sure you have everything covered in your Masters application.
Read moreMasters programmes are delivered in English at universities around the world, but you may need to submit a test score if this isn't your first language. Types of English Language Tests include the IELTS, TOEFL, PTE and Cambridge English.
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