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Posted Oct. 2, 2019
UK Vs USA: Which Country Should You Choose For Your PG Studies?
The United Kingdom and the United States are both very popular choices for postgraduate students.
But what are the differences between studying as a postgraduate in the UK and studying in the US?
Key areas to assess the US vs UK for masters study
Tuition fees
For home-based students studying in the UK, it’s going to be cheaper than paying international student tuition fees in the US. But, in the US there are far more private universities offering postgraduate study and these tuition fees are similar to international students tuition fee rates in the UK. This means that for many US students there is not much of a difference for tuition fee rates when they head off to study in the UK.
Funding
In the US students are used to gaining funding via scholarships and bursaries by the time they come to postgraduate studies. This is less common in the UK where self-funding for postgraduate studies, along with UK government loans and grants, is a popular way to fund postgraduate courses. Many students take on private student loans in the US, which have much more stringent repayment terms compared to the UK government loans.
Living costs
Generally, it is cheaper to live in the US than it is in the UK, especially if you live and study in London. If you choose to study outside of London life becomes a cheaper in the UK, although nowhere is going to compete with the rent you will pay in the US by square metre (apart from maybe in New York City) as homes are much larger there due to there being so much more space.
Career plans
Where you choose to do your postgraduate study could make an impact on where you spend the rest of your working life. Universities and colleges in the US and the UK will have large and extensive connections on a local and national level. If you want your career to be global in scope, then you should consider international cities like London and Manchester in the UK or Boston and New York in the US, where you will network with people from all over the world.
Foreign languages
In the UK you are mostly only going to hear English spoken, apart from a few places in the biggest cities. In the US you are much more likely to come into contact with speakers of other languages and especially native Spanish speakers. If improving your language skills is important to you, then the US is a great place to undertake postgraduate study.
Type of masters degree
The US and the UK have highly reputable and internationally renowned universities and these institutions specialise in different subjects. If you're looking for the best place in the world to study the sciences, engineering or management studies, then the US occupies the top spots in the international rankings. However, if you're looking for social sciences or life sciences, then the UK could be a better bet.
US vs UK for masters study
Deciding whether to pursue a masters degree in the USA or the UK depends on factors such as personal preferences, career goals and financial circumstances.
Both countries have renowned universities and offer high-quality education, so how do you make the decision on which country to study your masters degree in?
Masters study in the USA…
Here are some of the advantages to studying your masters course in the US.
1. Wide range of universities and programs – the USA boasts a vast number of universities, providing a diverse range of programs and specialisations.
2. Flexibility and interdisciplinary studies – American universities encourage interdisciplinary studies, allowing students to customise their masters program by combining courses from various disciplines. This flexibility is particularly advantageous if you wish to explore multiple areas of study.
3. Research opportunities – US universities are often at the forefront of research and innovation. They offer numerous opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research projects and collaborate with renowned scholars.
4. Funding assistance – many US universities provide studentships, scholarships and funding options to support graduate students financially.
5. Networking and career prospects – the USA offers a vast network of professional, industry and job opportunities with American cities being hubs for various industries and providing a rich environment for internships and networking opportunities.
6. Cultural diversity – studying in the US provides students with an opportunity to be immersed in a multicultural environment as the universities here attract students from all over the world. This international exposure gives graduates a global outlook that is invaluable in today’s interconnected and increasingly international world.
7. Alumni networks – universities in America have extensive alumni networks that offer ongoing support and resources to graduates. These networks can be of great help for future careers, providing valuable connections, mentorship opportunities and career guidance.
Masters study in the UK…
However, it's important to note that masters study in the UK also has its own advantages.
1. Masters course duration – most UK masters programs can be completed in just one year of full-time study, rather than the usual two years of a US masters course. This enables graduates to enter the job market or pursue further studies more quickly.
2. Focussed curriculum – UK masters degrees benefit from a focussed curriculum, enabling students to delve deeper into their subject of interest.
3. Prestigious universities – the UK is home to some of the world's most prestigious and renowned universities, such as the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge and Imperial College London. Studying at one of these institutions will enhance your academic profile and provide access to exceptional faculty, resources and networks.
4. Research-intensive environment – UK universities have a strong emphasis on research and offer opportunities to engage in cutting-edge projects. This is particularly beneficial if you are considering studying a PhD.
5. Scholarships and funding opportunities – there are various scholarships and funding options for international students studying their masters degree or PhD in the UK. These opportunities can help alleviate the financial burden of postgrad study.
6. Cultural diversity – the UK is a multicultural country with a rich history and diverse population. Studying in the UK will expose students to different cultures and perspectives.
7. Central location – the UK’s central location in Europe allows for easy travel and exploration of other European countries.
8. Professional connections – the country boasts a strong professional network and numerous internship and work placement opportunities. Major cities like London, Manchester and Edinburgh are renowned for their business and financial sectors, providing access to internships and potential employers.
University rankings by subject 2023
Both the US and the UK have an amazing academic reputation across all subject areas. Here is a selection of tables showing the top ranking universities worldwide across various disciplines*. As you can see, the vast majority of top ten universities are based in the UK or the US.
Arts & humanities
|
Ranking |
University |
Country |
|
1 |
Harvard University |
USA |
|
2 |
University of Cambridge |
UK |
|
3 |
University of Oxford |
UK |
|
4 |
Stanford University |
USA |
|
5 |
University of California, Berkeley |
USA |
|
6 |
Yale University |
USA |
|
7 |
Columbia University |
USA |
|
8 |
New York University |
USA |
|
9 |
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) |
USA |
|
10 |
The University of Edinburgh |
UK |
Engineering & technology
|
Ranking |
University |
Country |
|
1 |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
USA |
|
2 |
Stanford University |
USA |
|
3 |
University of Cambridge |
UK |
|
4 |
University of Oxford |
UK |
|
5 |
University of California, Berkeley |
USA |
|
6 |
Imperial College London |
UK |
|
7 |
ETZ Zurich |
Switzerland |
|
8 |
Harvard University |
USA |
|
9 |
Tsinghua University |
China |
|
10 |
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) |
USA |
Life sciences & medicine
|
Ranking |
University |
Country |
|
1 |
Harvard University |
USA |
|
2 |
University of Oxford |
UK |
|
3 |
Johns Hopkins University |
USA |
|
= 4 |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
USA |
|
= 4 |
Stanford University |
USA |
|
6 |
University of Cambridge |
UK |
|
7 |
Imperial College London |
UK |
|
8 |
University of California, San Francisco |
USA |
|
9 |
UCL |
UK |
|
= 10 |
Karolinska Institutet |
Sweden |
|
= 10 |
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) |
USA |
Natural sciences
|
Ranking |
University |
Country |
|
1 |
Harvard University |
USA |
|
2 |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
USA |
|
3 |
University of Cambridge |
UK |
|
4 |
Stanford University |
USA |
|
5 |
University of Oxford |
UK |
|
6 |
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) |
USA |
|
7 |
University of California, Berkeley |
USA |
|
8 |
ETH Zurich |
Switzerland |
|
9 |
Imperial College London |
UK |
|
10 |
Princeton University |
USA |
Social sciences & management
|
Ranking |
University |
Country |
|
1 |
Harvard University |
USA |
|
2 |
University of Oxford |
UK |
|
3 |
Stanford University |
USA |
|
4 |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
USA |
|
5 |
LSE |
UK |
|
6 |
University of Cambridge |
UK |
|
7 |
University of California, Berkeley |
USA |
|
8 |
Yale University |
USA |
|
9 |
University of Chicago |
USA |
|
10 |
Columbia University |
USA |
In conclusion
Both the UK and the USA offer students excellent opportunities for postgraduate study with world-renowned universities and a great variety of masters courses and PhD programs. The most important decision is to pinpoint the postgraduate program that is most suited to your future needs.
At Postgrad, we help match students with the perfect postgraduate course. Our course directory includes a huge range of masters degrees in the UK and the US, across a whole variety of subjects. Find your perfect masters course today.
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