1. An Introduction to Masters study
Professor Wei Sha
Dean of Postgraduates
Engineering & Physical Sciences
Queen’s University Belfast

2. What is the Russell Group?
The Russell Group represents the 24 leading UK universities who are committed to maintaining the very best research, outstanding teaching and learning experiences and have unrivalled links with business and the public sector.
All 24 Universities are present today

3. Why study in the Russell Group?
All 24 Russell Group institutions are ranked among the top 200 universities worldwide (QS 2019)
Graduates from Russell Group universities earn on average around 10% more than graduates of other universities over a lifetime
£930m invested in Russell Group facilities between 2012 and 2017
Quality of postgraduate courses
Interdisciplinary teaching and research
Courses delivered by international experts
Internationally recognised by industry
Point 2: Citation: 2003 study from the Centre for the Economics of Education:

4. Why postgraduate study?
Develop specialist knowledge
Progress your career
Opportunities to network with potential employers
Explore a subject in greater academic depth
Focus on a new subject area
Professional skills
As a preliminary to a research degree and academic career
DEVELOP SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE – Some Masters (e.g. Science, engineering related) are designed to build on your UG specialism to provide greater depth and breadth of knowledge in your chosen subject discipline. Some industry sectors such as engineering, geology now require a Masters as standard.
Specialist knowledge from a Masters will enhance your professional competence – the high-level personal and analytical skills and specialist industry knowledge you develop as a PG student are increasingly sought after by employers. Talk about wide range of vocational courses with strong links to industry – guest speakers; Example MSc Mechanical Engineering with Management.
CHANGE DIRECTION – and develop new skills by studying for a programme that differs from your previous subject area – EXAMPLE e.g. MSc Materials Science and Engineering.
PASSION FOR SUBJECT – you studied at UG level and want to take it further.
PRELIMINARY TO RESEARCH – Masters isn’t just a step towards a better job, it can be excellent prep for higher level research degrees such as MPhil or PhD and a career in academia.

5. What to expect Intensive study Challenging but rewarding
Independent learning and thinking
Research-based teaching
Cutting-edge learning
Hands on experience
INTENSIVE, CHALLENGING BUT REWARDING – 12 month programmes, higher workload than undergraduate courses, you receive plenty of support such as careers advice, key skills training.
INDEPENDENT LEARNING AND THINKING - Masters study is not such a huge step change from your UG degree. Build on your skills of critical thinking and independent learning. As a postgraduate student, you will combine traditional seminars, lectures, lab work, field based study, and tutorials with independent project-based investigation. Combination of teaching will depend on your subject.
RESEARCH BASED - The high point of your Masters is the research project/dissertation in your final semester. For many students this is the most satisfying part of the course and enables you to take what you have learnt and explore further, developing your specific interests by applying it to your own piece of research. Your project is chosen by you and is usually associated with a world-class research institute in your chosen university. You will work individually on your project but are assigned a project supervisor.
CUTTING-EDGE LEARNING – learning surrounded by internationally recognised facilities and support. Easy access to texts and journals with modern, well equipped study spaces. High quality laboratories and specialist software for relevant courses.
HANDS ON EXPERIENCE – work experience opportunities and placements. For example, our Planning courses offer the options of work shadow experience on the planning appeals process after the end of Semester 2 examinations and work placement for the thesis module, and many of our programmes offer the opportunity to undertake consultancy projects working on real-life problems for a range of organisations.

6. Things to consider The Course Location Facilities Opportunities
The School
Academic expertise
Teaching quality
The University
Content
Accreditation
Pre-requisites
Things to consider
THE COURSE – the same/similar courses at different institutions may have varying pre-requisites, content and accreditation.
THE SCHOOL – within each institution, individual faculties, schools and departments will have particular strengths and academic expertise.
THE UNIVERSITY – Russell Group institutions offer you high quality learning opportunities, with world-class facilities, at locations across the UK.
OVERALL – The experience of masters study will bring you together with like-minded students in a diverse postgraduate community. You will be dedicating time, energy and money to your studies, so make sure the course, school and university is the right fit for you!

7. Making your application
Check course entry requirements and application deadlines
Scholarship and funding deadlines
Applications made online or by post to individual institutions
Supporting documents – references, degree transcripts, English language qualifications and personal statements
Interview preparation
Know your fee status
Unlike UG study, there is no central application system. You will need to apply to each institution separately, and the application processes may vary.
Check course entry requirements and application deadlines – most courses at Russell Group universities will ask for a good undergraduate degree (2:1 or above). Like undergraduate study, you are able to apply before you get your results. Ask the course director questions.
FUNDING – know when the deadlines are, you may need to have completed your academic application before you can apply for funding.
Supporting documents – these will vary by institution and course, but generally include: academic references, degree transcripts, English language qualifications (if English is not your first language), and a personal statement.
Personal statement – length may vary, but should describe your academic interests, your purpose and objectives in undertaking postgraduate study.
INTERVIEW – does the course interview? If so, how/when.
FEE STATUS – check with the university so that you are clear if you are a home or international student. International students may have earlier application deadlines and will need to consider applying for Visas as well.

8. Funding

9. Funding your studies Scholarships and bursaries
Postgraduate Loan Scheme
Part-time employment
For this part of the talk I just want to give you a quick overview of some of the main sources of funding for masters students. I’ll talk briefly about scholarships and bursaries from institutions, then I’ll talk about the government’s postgraduate loan scheme and finally about part time employment.
There is now some statutory funding which can provide a contribution towards your study costs, in the form of the postgraduate loan, and I’ll talk about this shortly. But it is ultimately your responsibility to ensure you have a solid plan in place prior to starting your course. And if you budget correctly and think all this through carefully, you’ll gain the benefits academically later.

10. Funding – Scholarships and bursaries
Scholarships and bursaries often reward academic excellence.
They are given as tax-free awards.
Advertised online - findamasters.com
Many scholarships and studentships assist with tuition fees but some may also contribute towards living costs.
Competition is intense and students must be aware of deadlines.
Universities and other funding bodies offer a range of scholarships to UK, EU and international students who are studying masters courses. Availability and eligibility will vary depending on your subject area and your circumstances so it is important that your research the best options for you. Many PG students put together a personalise funding package drawn from a variety of sources.
Already know you want to progress onto a PhD? 1+3 doctoral funding integrates one year Master’s funding and 3 years PhD funding. Search doctoral training centres.
You can find more information about scholarship opportunities via the Find A Masters Web site.

11. Funding – Northern Irish Postgraduate Loan Scheme
What?
In 2018/19 - up to £5,500 for tuition fees
Who?
UK nationals ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland. EU nationals ordinarily resident in the EU, EEA or Switzerland.
Where?
Any UK University
Restrictions?
Not restricted by age or previous study, however students may only ever have one Northern Irish postgraduate loan
Repayment?
9% of income over £18,330 per year, plus any UG loan repayments. Interest linked to RPI
Applications?
Apply online at Student Finance Northern Ireland
Find out more:
Northern Ireland only offers postgraduate loans for tuition fees (this money is paid directly to your university, not to you).
However, other parts of the Northern Irish system are very flexible: you can take out a loan even if you already have a postgraduate degree and there is no age restriction. You can also use the loan to study a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or Masters. Finally, both taught and research programmes are eligible. Full or part time.
Both home and EU students can apply. EU students need to be either ordinarily resident in NI or moving here to study.
Repayments are income-related, as with UG funding – you pay back 9% of earnings above £18,330 – again see for full details and examples of your repayments. Unlike the English & Welsh loans, this debt is combined with any Northern Irish undergraduate loan (if you have one).

12. Funding – English & Welsh Postgraduate Loan Scheme
What?
In 2018/19 - £10,609 (paid in three instalments), for masters degrees in all subjects, full-time, part-time (capped at £5,140 per year) and distance learning
Who?
UK nationals ordinarily resident in England or Wales. EU nationals ordinarily resident in the EU, EEA or Switzerland.
Where?
Any UK University
Restrictions?
Applicants must be under 60, without existing qualifications at Masters-level or above.
Repayment?
6% of income over £21,000 per year, commencing from April 2021 at the earliest. Interest charged at RPI+3%.
Applications?
Apply online at Student Finance England / Student Finance Wales
Find out more:
As I mentioned before, there is some statutory funding in the form of the postgraduate loan scheme. These offer up to £10,609 to first-time masters students and this award is described as a contribution towards the cost of study.
England was the first country to offer these schemes, but Wales also introduced similar loans in It’s possible that the amount you can borrow under both systems may rise for the academic year, but this isn’t confirmed yet.
Both home and EU students can apply. Applicants must be under 60 and not hold any previous qualifications at masters level or above.
Repayments are income-related, as with UG funding – you pay back 6% of earnings above 21k. So, if you have a UG loan, you will repay 15% of any earnings above that threshold. Applications are through Student Finance England. The soonest you’ll start repaying would be in the April after your course finishes, providing you are earning over the threshold.
Just a word of warning - £10,609 probably won’t cover all your costs – especially as a significant portion of this is likely to go towards fees. It is your responsibility to ensure you have a solid plan in place prior to starting your course. So please think carefully before you start your course about your financial plan and ensure that you have a realistic plan in place. Do plan a budget and think about all your different costs.
Looking to continue to PhD? Doctoral loans are now available from Up to £25,000, repayable at the same rate (6% of income over £21,000). Eligibility: English-resident UK nationals. Students aged under 59 can get loans alongside scholarship funding. Students aged over 59 can apply but cannot hold RCUK Research Council studentship.

13. Funding – Scottish Postgraduate Loan Scheme
What?
In 2018/19 - up to £10,000: £5,500 for tuition fees & £4,500 for living costs.
Who?
UK nationals ordinarily resident in Scotland. EU nationals ordinarily resident in the EU, EEA or Switzerland.
Where?
Any UK University (provided the same course isn’t offered in Scotland)
Restrictions?
Applicants for the living-cost loan must be UK nationals under 60 and studying full-time; applicants for the tuition-fee loan must not have received previous public funding at Masters-level
Repayment?
9% of income over £18,330 per year, plus any UG loan repayments. Interest linked to RPI
Applications?
Apply online at Student Awards Agency Scotland
Find out more:
Scotland also offers a postgraduate loan system, but divides this into separate components with slightly different eligibility criteria. Your tuition fee loan will be paid directly to your university. Your living cost loan will be paid to you.
Scotland also offers loans for Postgraduate Diplomas as well as Masters. However, both types of degree must be taught courses.
Both home and EU students can currently apply.
Repayments are income-related, as with UG funding – you pay back 9% of earnings above £18,330 plus any UG loan repayments. For full details and examples, please refer to Unlike the English & Welsh loans, this debt is combined with any Scottish undergraduate loan (if you have one).
Again, your living-cost loan won’t necessarily cover all of your costs. It is your responsibility to ensure you have a solid plan in place prior to starting your course. So please think carefully before you start your course about your financial plan and ensure that you have a realistic plan in place. Do plan a budget and think about all your different costs.

14. Part-time employment Students Union ‘Unitemps’ or Careers services
Paid teaching opportunities in your department
Universities are supportive of your need to work but you must get the balance right
Many students find it necessary to support their income through part time work and most universities acknowledge the fact that many students need to undertake some paid work during their studies. They generally recommend a limit of 10 to 15 hours a week during term time. You’ll have more time for work if doing a part-time masters. However, not every institution permits this (especially if you’re in receipt of a stipend for living costs), so it is advisable to check with your university before seeking a part-time job.
If you are not a UK or EEA-domiciled student, there may also be restrictions on the number of hours you are allowed to work.
A good starting point to search for part time and temporary jobs is the Students Union, where there is often a job service for students, with local employers advertising vacancies. There will be plenty of university-based opportunities whether it's in the student bar or the university library, or you may even be able to secure work as a teaching assistant.
There is also Unitemps, a University-based temping agency, started at Warwick and with branches at several other institutions, so they may also be able to assist in your search for part time work. Other institutions will offer a Careers service who will advertise University or external work opportunities.
There may also be opportunities to take up paid teaching placements at your institution.
So, again, it’s all about finding the right balance. When you’re thinking about budgeting prior to starting their course, ensure that the amount you need to work in order to make that budget work is realistic and sustainable. If you get the balance right you’ll find your state of mind and energy levels, and, therefore your studies, will really benefit.

15. What to do next Gather information – talk to universities here today
Visit universities – open days, campus tours, department open events
Talk to tutors and current students in faculties
Application requirements and deadlines
Scholarships and funding
Gather information – talk to universities here today, look at prospectuses and course brochures, visit websites
Visit universities – Open Days and campus tours – your opportunity to see the facilities, talk to current students and meet academic staff
Talk to tutors – get in contact with schools and departments to talk to tutors about their courses
Your application – don’t rush, make sure you have everything you need in good time
Consider funding and scholarships