Should I quit my job and do a Masters degree in the UK?
You’ve completed your undergraduate degree, you’re working, and life is stable - but you’re wondering: Should I leave my job to study a Masters degree in the UK?
For many international students, the benefits of studying abroad outweigh the cost of a UK Masters degree. With careful planning, studying a postgraduate degree in the UK is a smart investment.
How to ensure your UK Masters degree pays off?
A key advantage is the length of UK Masters degree - most courses last just one year, helping you return to work more quickly. While a UK Masters degree cost can vary - from £15,000 to over £30,000 depending on the university and course - there are ways to significantly reduce your expenses.
Most UK universities offer partial scholarships for international students, some even offer fully funded scholarships for international students, which can cover tuition fees and living costs. Use our free tool to search for funding:
However beyond financial return, studying in the UK is a life-changing experience. You’ll experience UK culture, broaden your perspectives, meet new people from all over the world, and create exciting personal and professional opportunities.
So how can you make sure your investment pays off? Here’s how to boost your career while studying your postgraduate degree in the UK:
💼 Choose a Masters course with a work placement / internship
To justify the cost of a UK Masters degree, choose a postgraduate course with an integrated internship or work placement. Key terms to look out for are “professional practice” or “integrated placement” in the course titles, as these programmes often include 3 to 12 months of work experience as part of the course itself.
❗Check the wording carefully - and ask the university if the placement is guaranteed, or whether you will have to secure a placement for yourself.
UK work placements are highly valued by employers and can help you stand out in a competitive job market.
🔎 Research the university’s careers service
A strong careers department can truly open doors for international students. Before applying, check what support your university offers - do they host regular employer events, networking sessions, skills workshops, and career fairs? Which employers do they work with? Can you expect to be connected with big name global employers on campus?
Successful students use these opportunities to network, gain experience, and find well paid graduate roles in the UK or overseas before they finish their Masters degree.
💪 Work part time during your studies
According to UK Government rules, international students are usually allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time. This is a great way to:
Support yourself financially
Gain UK work experience for international students
Build your network for future job opportunities
💰How much can international students earn working part-time in the UK?
🧭 How to find part-time jobs for international students in the UK
Many universities post exclusive part time jobs for international students in the UK, giving you access to roles that aren’t advertised elsewhere.
Remember - if you’re planning to work in the UK after your degree with the UK Graduate Visa, working part-time during your course is beneficial as employers often favour those with UK work experience.
🙋♀️Volunteer or apply for unpaid internships
While unpaid work may not be your first choice, it can provide valuable UK work experience for international students, especially during the long university holiday periods (Christmas, Easter, and summer). Volunteering or interning with local companies, charities, or startups not only builds your CV but can potentially lead to a paid job after graduation.
Final thoughts
Quitting your job to study a Masters in the UK is a big decision - but it can open doors to exciting international career paths. If you choose the right UK Masters course, search UK scholarships for international students, and gain work experience during your studies through part time jobs for international students in the UK, you will maximise your investment and set yourself up for future success.
Ready to explore your options?
We understand the challenges that international students face when applying to UK universities. Scholarship Scanner provides expert advice on applying to UK universities, and our scholarship blog shares latest updates on UK university funding opportunities. Our website can also help you to start your UK scholarship search and find the best financial support for your studies.
