How Long Does it Take to Get a Master's Degree in London?

A master's degree is valuable for graduate students who want to advance their knowledge and skills. These programmes can help progress your career, increase earning potential and position you as an industry expert.

How long it takes to earn a master's degree depends on the type of degree you study, your previous experience, and other factors. At LIS, our interdisciplinary master's programme offers flexible study options, giving you more control over the process.

This guide will explore how long it takes to earn a master's degree in the UK, the primary factors influencing your degree length, and what makes LIS's master's programme a standout option.

Table of Contents:

• How Long Does it Take to Get a Master's Degree in the UK?
• Term Structure and Academic Calendar in the UK
• Factors That Affect How Long a Master's Takes in the UK
• Understanding Master's Degree Credits in the UK
• Is a Master's Degree Worth the Time?
• How Challenging Is It to Get a Master's Degree?
• How LIS's Master's Degree Can Help You 
• LIS Is Your Path to a Master's Degree in London

A master's degree is a graduate degree that equips students with advanced knowledge and skills in a specific field. How long it takes to complete a master's degree programme depends on a few factors, but importantly, on what study mode you opt for. 

Here's an overview of the length of full-time and part-time master's degree programmes and the term structure in the UK. 

Full-Time Master's Programmes Length

A full-time master's degree programme requires one to two years of study in the UK. The exact length of your full-time degree will boil down to what subject you're studying, what grad school you study at and the type of master's degree you choose. For example, a taught master's degree (MA, MSc) usually take one year of full-time study, whereas a research-based programme (MRes, MPhil) can take two. 

This study mode is ideal for students who:

• Want to complete their degree much quicker.
• Have the time and energy to invest in full-time studying.
• Don't prioritise flexibility in their graduate degree programme. 

Part-Time Master's Programmes Length

A part-time master's degree takes between two and four years to complete. These programmes provide more time to study because they are more flexible. Depending on the graduate school you attend, most offer part-time options for various master's degrees. 

This study mode is ideal for students who:

• Have professional or personal commitments.
• Prefer to study at a slower pace.
• Need more flexibility in their graduate programme. 

For postgraduate students, particularly those enrolling in taught master's degrees (such as MA, MSc, or MBA programs), the academic calendar in the UK typically follows a three-term system across 12 months.

Let's take a closer look at these terms. 

Autumn Term

• Start: Late September or early October
• End: Mid-December

Most master's programmes begin in this period. The first term usually includes core modules, lectures, seminars, and coursework. Students are also introduced to their research project or dissertation topic.

Spring Term

• Start: Early January
• End: Late March or early April

Students continue with advanced modules this term and may begin focused research or group projects. Some assessments and exams also take place toward the end of this term.

Summer Term

• Start: Late April
• End: June or July (for teaching)

Teaching generally concludes early in this term. The remainder of the period is dedicated to research and dissertation writing, a key component of most master's programmes in the UK.

Dissertation and Final Submission

Most taught master's degrees conclude with a dissertation, typically due between August and September. The dissertation period is often self-directed, with supervision meetings scheduled throughout the summer.

Holiday Breaks

Even though the course runs year-round, there are short breaks:

• Winter Break: Around 3 weeks in December
• Spring/Easter Break: Around 2–3 weeks in March or April

These breaks are not always free time; students often use them to revise, complete assignments, or conduct research.

Multiple factors affect how long a master's programme takes in the UK. Let's look at a few factors and how they impact your degree programme length. 

Taught vs. Research-Based Master's Programmes

Taught and research master's degree programmes differ in structure, emphasis, and length. A taught master's programme focuses on gaining knowledge through assessments and coursework, whereas a research degree emphasises independent research and a dissertation or thesis. 

A full-time taught master's degree requires one year of study; part-time study takes around two to three years. A research degree emphasises independent research with minimal structured modules and teaching. As a result, these programmes are more flexible and typically take one to two years to complete. 

Previous Academic Experience and Entry Routes

You need a bachelor's degree to pursue a master's degree programme. However, suppose your bachelor's degree is unrelated to your master's degree, or you don't meet other entry requirements, such as work experience. In that case, you may have to complete a preparatory or foundation course. These courses require additional time, which can take a term to a year, depending on how much you have to progress your skills. 

International Student Considerations

International students must consider multiple factors in determining how long it will take to complete a master's degree. For one, changing visa regulations may impact when students can start their programme, while some students may be required to attend pre-sessional English courses to fulfil language proficiency requirements. 

International students must communicate with their graduate school and understand their requirements. They must also know how to streamline this process to understand precisely how long it will take them to complete a master's degree.

Part-Time, Online, and Accelerated Study Options

As mentioned, part-time master's degree options allow more flexibility but take longer to complete. However, there are other study options for your UK master's degree: online and accelerated. Online master's degree programmes typically allow students to study independently, but how long you can access the study material depends on the provider and structure.

In addition, some students may opt for an accelerated master's degree. Some grad schools offer intensive accelerated programmes that allow students to complete their master's degree faster, sometimes in as little as nine to ten months. 

In the UK, master's degree programmes are structured using a credit system. This system defines the work required to complete a degree, making it easier to track progress and compare degrees from various institutions. 

Here is an overview of the credit requirements for master's degrees in the UK and how they work and compare internationally. 

Credit Requirements for Different Types of Master's Degrees

The credit requirements for taught and research-based degrees are typically the same. However, your credit hours differ for your dissertation, thesis or final project. 

Taught master's degree credit requirements:

• Modules and Coursework: 120 credits 
• Dissertation/Final Project: 60 credits
• Total Credit Hours: 180 credits 

Research master's degree credit requirements:

• Research Project: 100 - 140 credits 
• Taught Components: 60 credits 
• Total Credit Hours: Maximum of 180 credits 

Integrated master's degree credit requirements:

The number of credit hours required for an integrated master's degree depends on your study subject. However, there is a total of 480 credit hours required over four years, equivalent to 120 credits per year. 

Yes, a master's degree is worth the time if you want to advance your career and increase your earning potential. Here are the top advantages of why a master's degree is worth spending time to complete.

Career Progression

Completing a master's degree paves the way to senior roles and leadership positions. Organisations, especially those in competitive industries, value the knowledge, skills and experience of master's degree graduates for high-level roles that require this expertise. Whether you're aiming for a promotion or want to make a career change at a senior level, there are many career opportunities for master’s graduates. 

Higher Earning Potential

Opportunities for career advancement come with higher earning potential. With a master's degree, your average annual starting salary is £35,000, and this degree increases your salary by approximately £3,500 compared to a bachelor's degree. 

Specialised Knowledge

Ultimately, your master's degree equips you with in-depth, expert knowledge and skills in your area of interest. This advantage works for your professional and personal development, especially for individuals who value progressing their skills and are passionate about the field they study.

Competitive Advantage 

Master's degree holders have a competitive advantage over undergraduate students because they have more refined skills and extensive experience. Postgraduates are 12% more likely to be in a professional position than first-degree graduates. In addition, 78% of postgraduates are in high-skilled employment compared to 66% of graduates. 

A master's degree is challenging to complete. Not only is the actual material difficult, but these programmes are intensive. Whether you've opted for a part-time programme, you'll still need to study for your degree, complete the coursework, or work on your research project.

Here are a few reasons why a master's degree is so challenging.

• Time Management Pressure: Even if you choose a more flexible programme, you will still face time management pressure. Balancing lectures, coursework, independent study, and projects can become overwhelming and challenging. 
• Increased Academic Expectations: Master's students must go far beyond memorising information; they must synthesise and critically analyse theories to form independent perspectives and arguments. 
• Dissertation or Major Research Project: Your dissertation counts for a third of your degree and requires months of research. This goes unsaid for a major research project. These components make your master's degree more challenging to complete. 
• Mental and Emotional Strain: The high expectations and fast pace can quickly lead to stress or burnout, which can be mentally and emotionally challenging for many students.

At LIS, we understand how challenging completing a master’s programme can be, so we offer expert support and wellbeing resources. Throughout your studies, you can meet with a dedicated academic advisor one-on-one and get the guidance you need to succeed. 

Here's how LIS's master's programme can help you, what the modules offer, how it works for various students and the various study options.

Modules Designed Around Complex Problem-Solving 

While traditional master's degree programmes focus on one discipline, LIS's master's degree is interdisciplinary. This approach allows students to advance their skills in areas built around complex problem-solving and critical thinking. The MASc degree is an intense problem-solving course that exposes students to quantitative and qualitative skills they can apply to any career.

This programme consists of one problem elective, two core modules, four methods modules and one capstone project. For your capstone project, you can apply independent research to any problem you are most interested in, allowing you to tailor this MASc programme to your professional goals.

Here's an overview of the available modules for the LIS master's programme. 

Problem Electives

You can select one problem elective from these three modules:

• AI Futures: This module covers AI technologies, blending technical skills with ethical understanding and creative exploration. Students gain hands-on experience with algorithms, explore ethical aspects by comparing regulatory frameworks, and engage creatively with AI models.
• Designing for Life: Students explore how natural and manmade systems impact our lives, bridging gaps in understanding social, spatial, and environmental conditions.
• Acting Human: This module explores how we coordinate individual and group interests, and how imaginative culture enhances our social processing abilities.

Methods Modules

You can pick four methods from five options:

• Experimental Methods: Students learn about different types of quantitative methods, the scientific method, and how this approach to research can enhance our understanding of real-world complex problems.
• Re:Form: This module will teach students how to understand visual thinking and the ways in which media (photography, 3D modelling, illustration) help us communicate.
• Cracking the Code: Students will learn to code by exploring practical applications of Python libraries to data science problems. 
• The Right Word: This module explores the meaning of language (semantics) and its function in social context (pragmatics), as well as why narrative is a powerful tool in communication.
• Everything Counts: A quantitative module that acquaints students with different approaches to statistics (Bayesian and Frequentist) to show how we can use numerical data to answer questions and inform decision-making.

Core Modules

There are two compulsory core modules for this programme:

• Complexity: This module will allow learners to discern high-level patterns of behaviour in seemingly dissimilar systems through quantitative sciences.
• Integration: Learn how synthetic and novel results can be achieved by integrating various bodies of knowledge. 

Capstone Project 

The Capstone Project is where students pursue an original area of research. Students will identify a problem and a set of strategies or solutions to tackle it, before creating a professional or industry-standard product to communicate what they have found.

Key skills and knowledge areas: 

• Project management
• Independent research
• Design thinking

This master's programme requires 180 credits, with your capstone project counting for one-third at 60 credits. 

Adapting to Different Backgrounds and Goals

Students from diverse backgrounds opt for LIS's master's degree programme because we don't specialise in one discipline. Whether you have an undergraduate degree in art, science, finance, humanities or education, our master's programme can work for you. We have many inspiring stories of our master's degree students with different academic qualifications using the MASc programme to further their careers and explore their personal interests.

Although our master's degree is not easy, it is accessible. The minimum requirements for potential students are a 2:1 or above in an undergraduate degree from the UK or an international equivalent in any subject. 

Let's take a closer look at our application process:

1. Apply via our website with no application fee.
2. Submit your critical reflection, an essay of 500 to 750 words expressing a problem or phenomenon you're passionate about and how an interdisciplinary approach could solve it.
3. We'll get back to you four weeks after submission with an answer.
4. If your submission is successful, you can attend various on-campus and online events to decide if LIS is best for you.

Study Options That Fit Around Your Life

At LIS, we want to help you earn a master's degree regardless of your schedule or commitments. Because of this, students can opt for part-time or full-time enrollment, and we also offer remote studying options.

Part-time, online learning with LIS:

• £7,000 / a year for two years
• Two years of study time.
• Eight to ten hours per week.
• Two to three hours of live workshops per week.
• On-campus intensive lectures once per term.

Full-time learning with LIS:

• £14,000 / a year
• One year to complete.
• Five to ten hours of live classes per week.
• Flexible online self-prep.

Our part-time option is best for students who have other commitments, prefer to study more slowly, want to work full-time while studying, or can't commute regularly for in-person lectures. On the other hand, full-time enrollment may be better suited for students who want an immersive and social experience and prefer to complete their master's degree quickly. 

A master's degree takes one to four years to complete, depending on the type of degree you choose and your study mode. A full-time degree is much quicker, while a part-time degree gives you more time to complete your work. Whether you're an international or home student, your previous academic experience also impacts how long it takes you to complete your master's degree.

Although a master's degree is challenging, many advantages make it worthwhile. With this qualification, you can easily advance your career, increase your earning potential, and gain a competitive advantage in the job market.

At LIS, our master's degree takes two years to complete if you're studying part-time and one year to complete for full-time students. Our interdisciplinary approach equips you with critical problem-solving skills, and you can tailor what you learn to align with your career goals. 

Ready to start your master's degree? Contact LIS, and we can help you.