Master's Programs in the UK: Deadlines and Intakes

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Apr 25, 2023 08:37 AM

Introduction

If you're considering pursuing a Master's degree in the United Kingdom, you've come to the right place. Navigating the admissions process can be overwhelming, with numerous deadlines and intakes to keep track of. But fear not! In this complete guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about deadlines and intakes for Master's programs in the UK. Each year, the nation receives a multitude of students during two primary admissions periods: January and September. Additionally, certain universities in the UK offer a May intake to accommodate those who were unable to join during the initial two periods. From understanding the different application cycles to ensuring you submit your application on time, we've got you covered. So, let's dive in and explore the world of Master's programs in the UK!

The Various Intakes in the UK

In this blog, we talk about the deadlines and the intakes in the UK for Master Programs.

The United Kingdom has mainly two intakes – Winter (January) intake and September (Fall) intake. A limited number of universities in the UK provide a May (Spring) intake option for certain courses.

Fall Intake (September)

September intake is the central intake of all the intakes in the UK and is also known as the fall intake. Majority of courses are offered in this intake and the deadlines for application close between February and May. However, the deadlines are based on the courses and the universities. For the confirmed dates of deadlines, you can check the official websites of the colleges or universities.

Winter Intake (January)

The Winter or January intake is the second intake period in the UK, but it typically offers a limited selection of courses compared to the September intake. Though it is the secondary intake, it provides an opportunity for the students who have missed the admission in the September intake. Thus, it provides students with some time to work on the application and for a second try too. Deadlines for this particular intake will fall between June and September and varies from university to university, and course to course.

Spring (May) Intake

While the Spring or May intake is generally less popular among intakes in the UK, it still offers a selection of courses for those interested. Few universities like Southampton Solent University, Coventry University, University of Bedfordshire, etc. offer May intake courses for international students.

Universities offering different intake in the UK (actual may vary depending upon the course chosen)

University Name	Winter/January Intake	Fall/September Intake	Spring/May Intake
Birmingham City University	Yes	Yes	No
Bucks New University	Yes	Yes	No
University of Central Lancashire	Yes	Yes	No
University of Reading	No	Yes	No
University of Hertfordshire	Yes	Yes	No
University of Surrey	Yes	Yes	No
University of Derby	Yes	Yes	Yes
University of Westminster	Yes	Yes	Yes
University of Wolverhampton	No	Yes	No
Keele University	Yes	Yes	No
University of Leeds	Yes	Yes	No
Kingston University	Yes	Yes	Yes
London Metropolitan University	No	Yes	No
University of Bradford	No	Yes	No
Swansea University	Yes	Yes	No
Bangor University	Yes	Yes	No
Brunel University	Yes	Yes	No
Edge Hill University	Yes	Yes	No
Northumbria University	Yes	Yes	Yes

Guide for various Intakes:

1. Shortlisting Colleges

The first step is to start shortlisting the colleges and universities that suit your career and academic goals. Thorough research is needed on which course to take up and your eligibility as per the courses and universities. Visit the official websites of the universities and see the details of the course before you opt for it. Keep checking the university website often to know their deadlines for intake you wish to apply for.

2. Aptitude tests

For getting into the course in any of the colleges and universities, you need to crack the mandatory exams. There are different aptitude tests that the UK universities look for, such as GRE, GMAT and other essential language proficiency tests such as IELTS and TOEFL. Preparing for these tests takes much time so start preparing as early as possible. In case the results are not up to the mark, you can appear for these exams again and so keeping a buffer time in your hand makes sense as you might miss the particular intake.

3. Starting Applications

Next step is to start preparing the applications for various universities and courses. You also need to prepare your Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letter of Recommendations and other paperwork a month before the deadlines. In the SOP or Application Essay describe your academic background and the reason for choosing a particular college or university. For LORs, start contacting your professors and managers to recommend you positively and help them in writing the LORs for you. The deadline for each university is different, so make sure that you apply before the due date.

The colleges send you a reply if your application gets accepted and you need to revert with a confirmation if you are willing to take up the course in the university. Send them a confirmation email as early as possible, and do not wait for the last date. The colleges and universities ask for a non-refundable confirmation fee, so make up your mind about the colleges and confirm your admission before the deadline.

4. Funding

Start gathering information about bank loan and scholarships for funding your studies. You need to visit the banks with the acceptance letter from the university and start processing your loan and UK Student Visa. For the UK Student Visa, apply at least three months before the starting of your class. Since both the Student Visa and education loan takes time, it is better to start applying for them as early as possible. Also, check out the UK Students scholarships. Scholarships are granted when you provide proof of funds during the Visa process.

5. Final Preparation

The last step is booking the flight tickets and gathering all the essential documents. Start looking for accommodation for staying in the UK. If you are not looking to stay on the campus, you will have to look for private rooms. Thus, it is better to arrive a few days before your course starts. Arrange for an international debit or credit card and make a pre-departure checklist to be sure not to miss anything important behind.

Timeline for each step for various Intakes:

Parameter	Ideal time to start (Winter/January Intake)	Ideal time to start (Fall/September Intake)	Ideal time to start (Spring/May Intake)
Shortlisting Colleges	By January	By September	on or before May
Aptitude tests	February/March	October/November	June/July
Starting Applications	May/June	January/February	September/October
Funding	as soon as you receive an admit	as soon as you receive an admit	as soon as you receive an admit
Final Preparation	as soon as your Visa is approved	as soon as your Visa is approved	as soon as your Visa is approved

Conclusion

Since the September intake is the main intake and most courses are offered during this period, it is the most popular among the intakes in the UK. Nevertheless, January and May’s intakes are also favourable for some courses. If your situation and academic scores are not promising, it is better to skip the immediate intake and apply for the next possible intake. One of the most common dilemmas students encounter is deciding which intake to choose. Though it is confusing, one easy way is to select the intake that suits your situation and the desired course. There are other factors like, Availability of the course you are applying for, Academic records, Entrance exams scores, Acceptance rates of the universities, Job opportunities available, and Your readiness to join the program.

FAQs

1. What are the intakes for Master's programs in the UK?

The main intakes for Master's programs in the UK are the Winter/January intake and the Fall/September intake. Some universities also offer a Spring/May intake for certain courses.

2. What is the difference between the Winter/January and Fall/September intakes?

The Winter/January intake is the secondary intake and offers a limited selection of courses compared to the Fall/September intake. It provides an opportunity for students who missed admission in the September intake. The Fall/September intake is the primary intake and offers a wide range of courses.

3. When are the application deadlines for the Winter/January intake?

The application deadlines for the Winter/January intake vary from university to university and course to course. Generally, the deadlines fall between June and September. It is important to check the official websites of the universities for specific deadlines.

4. When should I start preparing for the Winter/January intake?

It is recommended to start shortlisting colleges and universities and preparing for aptitude tests (such as GRE, GMAT, IELTS, and TOEFL) at least several months in advance. The application process, including preparing documents like the Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letters of Recommendation (LORs), should begin around May or June.

5. When are the application deadlines for the Fall/September intake?

The application deadlines for the Fall/September intake generally close between February and May, depending on the courses and universities. It is advisable to check the official websites of the colleges or universities for the confirmed dates.

6. How many universities should I shortlist for the Fall/September intake?

It is recommended to shortlist at least six to eight universities for the Fall/September intake. This allows you to have options and ensures you are aware of their details and deadlines. Conduct thorough research and prioritize universities based on your academic goals and preferences.

7. What exams do I need to prepare for the Fall/September intake?

For the Fall/September intake, you may need to prepare for standardized entrance tests such as GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, SAT, or IELTS, depending on the requirements of the course and university. Allocate sufficient time for test preparation and consider any potential retakes.

8. When should I start applying for scholarships and student loans for the Fall/September intake?

It is advisable to start applying for scholarships and student loans as soon as you receive an acceptance letter from the university. This process can take time, so it is best to begin at least three months before your classes start for the September intake.

9. Is the May/Spring intake popular in the UK?

The May/Spring intake is generally less popular compared to the Winter/January and Fall/September intakes. However, some universities, such as Southampton Solent University, Coventry University, and the University of Bedfordshire, offer May intake courses for international students.

10. How do I decide which intake to choose?

The choice of intake depends on various factors, including the availability of your desired course, your academic records, entrance exam scores, acceptance rates of universities, job opportunities, and your readiness to join the program. The Fall/September intake is the most popular as it offers the widest range of courses, but January and May intakes may be suitable for specific situations. Consider your individual circumstances and consult with academic advisors or university representatives for guidance.