Guide

Where to Start: Pursuing UK Master's Degree (Part 1)

3:46 AM

When I first decided that I want to continue my studies, there are 3 things that appeared in my To Do List immediately.


Yes, I started with these 3 basic things. Mind you, I am the first of my immediate family to continue Master's overseas so this is a whole new territory for me. I did not know where to start basically; so I came up with this. 

For those who are clueless on this matter, fret not, this is my simple guide on where to start.

  1. Decide on which Course You want to Pursue 

    What is it that you are most passionate about? What do you aspire to be (career-wise) after you're done with your studies?

    If you are conflicted even at this part, or in a dilemma on which to choose, perhaps you could take a personality test to see which career is most compatible with you. One website that I particularly like is 16 Personalities.com. Go ahead and try it out because you may be able to find out career paths that you didn't even think of pursuing!

    The website is aesthetically pleasing too, for me.

  2. Choose Your Preferred University to Attend 

    Check the Times World University Ranking for the top universities in the world

    You could go and study anywhere actually. Personally speaking, if I'm going to study overseas, might as well I go to a good school. I believe we would all want to go to a university that has a good ranking because quality matters, especially after graduating.

    Also, a good ranking university is important particularly if you are thinking of applying for external scholarships later on. Just a head's up, for JPA or MARA applications, one of their requirements is: your chosen university should be Top 50 in the ranking.

    However, do bear in mind that with higher ranking, comes higher tuition fee. This is also something to consider when deciding on which university you want to go. List down a few options of universities that you would like to attend.

  3. Check whether They have the Course and the Requirements for it 

    Now that you have listed down the universities that you would prefer to go to, check on their official website whether they offer the course that you want.

    If yes, then read further on the entry requirement.The official university websites are typically easy to navigate; if not, make full use of the search bar provided.

    An entry requirement usually looks like this:
    Suitable for graduates in a wide range of disciplines, including arts and science subjects as well as the usual business-oriented degrees.

    Applications will be considered from recent graduates with an upper second class Honours degree, or higher, from an approved university or those with a similar level of qualification gained by other methods. Non-graduates with approved professional qualifications or work experience may also be considered under certain circumstances.

    Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to pass an IELTS exam, obtaining a minimum score of 6.5 with a subscore of 5.5 in each paper.
    Above excerpt is taken from Cardiff University's entry requirement for MBA.
  4. See Scholarships Offered for that Particular School of the University 

    Most of the universities do offer scholarships for international students. It is all listed on their website. Another alternative website would be scholars4dev (short for Scholarships for Development) where they have a listing of international scholarships from various universities across the world. 

    Do take note of the application deadlines because you surely do not want to miss it. This is why I would advise anyone to plan everything beforehand so that you can get everything done in time. Give yourself one year or even more to organize these matters especially if you will be needing financial aid.

  5. If Scholarships not Offered, Search for External Loans or Scholarships 

    If somehow you have missed the university's deadline for their scholarship application or your particular school do not offer any, do not give up. There are still external loans or scholarships to look out for.

    There are usually financial aid provided by the government for their citizens to study overseas or even corporate bodies that offer full scholarships in return for your service in the company after you have graduated.

    A good place to start for Malaysian students to search for scholarships:

  6. English Language Requirements 

    Generally, universities will state their English language requirements so I knew I had to get my test done.

    Example of English Language Requirements by University of Exeter
    Unfortunately, MUET (Malaysian University English Test) is not accepted as it is only largely recognised in Malaysia and Singapore. There are, however, a handful of overseas university that accepts it so make sure you ask the university beforehand to save money.

    SPM English 1119 Certificate
    Other than that, your SPM English Language 1119 (General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level)  may be acceptable too, if it is still valid. Do ask the admissions office regarding this.

    Alternatively, if you are like me and want to take the safest (but most expensive) route, you can take IELTS (International English Language Testing System) in British Council Malaysia. IELTS is the most widely accepted English language test, recognised by over 8,000 organisations worldwide.

    Just like MUET, you will have to sit for one-on-one speaking test, as well as writing, reading and listening tests. Once you have successfully completed the test, your certificate will be valid for 2 years.

    When I had my IELTS Academic Module done, it was around RM600+. But now I believe the price has further increased to be RM750. More information can be found here: IELTS Test dates, fees and locations.
  7. Once You have Decided, Apply for Everything 

    Start applying and good luck! 
I will continue in another post on how to apply for university course online.

READ PART 2 HERE: Online UK University Application

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