Considering studying a Masters degree? See our advice for researching courses, applying and funding.
Masters degrees
Masters degrees are taught postgraduate courses. You’ll study the subject of your first degree at an advanced level, or expand your study by taking a different subject.
Some employers highly regard Masters degrees in the UK. See how studying a Masters can benefit your career.
Other postgraduate courses
Postgraduate taught courses can also include:
- conversion course if you're new to the subject (eg. Psychology MSc, Engineering MSc, Graduate Diploma in Law)
- teacher training courses, such as PGCE
- professional qualification (eg. SQE, NCTJ-accredited course)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Think about if a Masters is for you
If you’re considering a Masters, it may help to think about:
- your motivation and if you are passionate about the subject area
- your career plans and if the qualification will be valued by employers
- time and cost and if you can fund your studies
- when and how you need to apply.
Studying your Masters at Sussex
Important: Sussex offers a discount for students who have previously studied at Sussex, choosing to return to study a full time Masters degree. There are unlimited awards available and any Sussex graduate is eligible, however long ago you first studied at Sussex. Find out more about our Sussex Alumni Award.
Where to look for Masters courses
You can search for Masters courses using:
Postgraduate study fairs and open days
Attending a postgraduate study fair can help you learn more about institutions, courses and what it’s like to study there. With many organisations all in one place, they’re a great opportunity to ask questions.
To find study fairs and open days explore:
- FindAMasters Fairs (November-February)
- Masters open days and events at Sussex
- prospects' searchable directory of open days and events.
Funding
See our information about Masters loans and funding or use:
- UK Government Postgraduate Loans Scheme
- Prospects postgraduate funding guide
- FindAMasters funding
- alternative guide to postgraduate funding (Sussex has a subscription, so current students just need to register with email address).
Applying for a Masters
Research when institutions are accepting applications, the deadlines and how you need to apply. Most universities open for applications a year in advance and it is advisable to apply early as applications can close at short notice. See our advice for applying for a Masters at Sussex.
You may be required to provide a transcript of your marks as part of your application. You should provide results for all modules completed. You can get an interim transcript if you are a current undergraduate student.
Many universities ask prospective students to write a personal statement and to submit their application via an online system. Some PGCE courses require applications to be made via the Department of Education (England) or UCAS (Scotland and Wales). See advice from UCAS about writing a personal statement for teacher training courses.
You can get your personal statement checked by a Careers and Employability Consultant before you submit it. Book an appointment via CareerHub or send it to us via Ask a Question.
Graduate Management Test (GMAT)
Some postgraduate courses (mainly business and some courses in the USA) require you to sit a GMAT as part of the application process. Find out more about GMATs.
You can practice for your GMAT using: