Why choose the UK for postgraduate study?

Wondering why you should choose the UK for your postgraduate study? It’s a big decision that can be very rewarding. Starting your postgraduate journey goes beyond acquiring advanced knowledge. It’s about deepening expertise, gaining specialised skills and enhancing career prospects.

Postgraduate study is an opportunity to immerse yourself in a specialised field of study after obtaining your undergraduate degree. This could be in a similar field, for deeper specialisation, or an entirely different field to diversify knowledge.

With a master’s degree, you not only become more proficient in your field but also pave the way for significant career advancements, as employers value the depth and leadership capabilities that come with advanced study.

Reasons to study a postgraduate degree in the UK

Choosing the UK for postgraduate study gives you access to world-renowned universities and a wide variety of course options, while also enjoying a rich mix of cultures and making friends from all over the world.

The UK has a global reputation for its prolific education system, marked by high-quality teaching, outstanding academic achievements and great graduate opportunities. An important part of this is the Scottish education system (one of the oldest in the world), which has influenced similar systems in countries like the USA, Canada, China and Hong Kong.

Diverse range of courses

With a multitude of postgraduate courses available across various disciplines, the UK, and Scotland in particular, are a fantastic choice for international studies. From humanities and social sciences to intricate studies in business, engineering, and science, your academic and career aspirations can start here. Scotland hosts over 82,000 international students from over 180 different countries annually, with a remarkable satisfaction rate of 88% across all aspects of their study experience (International Student Barometer 2022).

Research opportunities

The UK is globally recognised for its robust research infrastructure. University of Strathclyde, being home to Scotland’s premier Innovation District, is a hub of creativity, innovation, and groundbreaking research, where almost 90% of its research has been deemed ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally-excellent’ (Research Excellence Framework 2021).

Engaging in postgraduate studies in the UK allows you to contribute to, and be part of, pioneering research projects, enhancing your expertise and creating a lasting impact in your field.

International recognition

Obtaining a postgraduate degree from the UK enhances your CV with a qualification that is respected and acknowledged worldwide. Whether you plan to further your career or academic goals globally, your UK postgraduate degree stands as a testament to a quality education.

Language advantage

Experience the dual benefit of progressing in your field whilst honing your English language skills in the UK. English, as one of the leading languages in various sectors world, can elevate your career and give you an advantage. The UK provides the perfect environment to enhance your language proficiency, along with providing additional language support to international students.

Cultural diversity

Immerse yourself in a variety of cultures in the UK. With a rich, multicultural society, you experience an enriching educational journey, weaving through various cultures, building a global network, and creating international friendships. More than 30,000 students from over 140 countries enjoy a student experience at the University of Strathclyde. Explore diverse cultural nuances and societal norms while enjoying student life.

Work opportunities

The UK provides a fertile ground for work experience, offering various work opportunities during and post-study (via the Graduate Immigration Route, a two-year post-study work visa for international students graduating from a UK university). Improve your CV and gain a competitive edge with invaluable international work experience, enhancing your employability.

Innovation and entrepreneurship

Navigate through the UK’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, with a vibrant and bustling start-up culture. The spirit of innovation is woven into the UK’s educational approach, encouraging students to come up with new ideas and bring their entrepreneurial ventures to life. Scotland’s universities create more than 280 new companies a year (start-ups and spin outs) (The HE business and community interaction survey, published by HESA 2022)

Networking opportunities

Harness the power of global business and academic connections in the UK. Engage in numerous networking opportunities, connecting with industry experts, alumni, and academics, ensuring you build a far-reaching network that you can make use of throughout your career.

Quality of life

Experience the exceptional quality of life Scotland offers to its students. With affordable tuition, multicultural cities and breath-taking landscapes, Scotland emerges the perfect destination for postgraduate students.

Prepare for your postgraduate study at the University of Strathclyde

Established as a top 20 UK University (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024), Strathclyde offers an environment where your ambitions will be nurtured and realised.

Get ready for the world of postgraduate study at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre, your gateway to advanced learning and engaging careers.

Located in Glasgow, the 4th best student city in the UK (UK QS Best Student Cities 2024), the International Study Centre delivers postgraduate pathway programmes in a wide range of subject areas, all designed to improve your academic and English language proficiency and ensure your seamless progression onto your chosen master’s degree.

Immerse yourself in a comprehensive academic preparation course through our Pre-Masters Programme, offering two-term standard and a 12-week accelerated options, both tailored with a choice of subject routes to match your future master’s degree. Upon successful completion of your programme and achieving the required grades, you will then be able to progress to your chosen master’s programme at the University of Strathclyde.

Planning is important for your academic journey, so be sure to familiarise yourself with essential entry requirements, fees, and visa information.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Why is the UK the best for postgraduate study?

The UK hosts a myriad of top-tier universities, offers a vast array of diverse programmes, and opens extensive opportunities for research and career development, making it an unparalleled choice for postgraduate study.

What do you need for a master's degree in Scotland?

To start a master's degree at a university in Scotland such as the University of Strathclyde, you need an excellent or very good classification your undergraduate degree. If you do not meet the University of Strathclyde's direct entry requirements, explore our pathway programmes at the International Study Centre, which offers essential academic and English language support to prepare you for your postgraduate journey.

Find out more about our requirements here: entry requirements and visa information.

What is the difference between undergraduate and postgraduate?

An undergraduate degree (such as a bachelor's) typically takes three to four years to complete, offering a broad overview of a subject. A postgraduate degree like a master's is an advanced study which lasts one to three years.