The United Kingdom is home to hundreds of high-quality universities, many of which now offer online education options. Whether you are looking for a distance learning programme due to lockdown restrictions or because you prefer flexibility, there is almost certainly a course for you in the UK. In this article, EDUopinions will present the top 10 most affordable online masters degrees in the UK, so you can get the most out of your money without compromising on quality.
How much does a UK masters degree cost?
Though university education in the UK can be more expensive than in other European countries, there are certainly affordable options out there. Many typical masters degrees range in cost from £9000 to £20000 or more. But EDUopinions have researched some of the most affordable online masters degrees in the UK, which start from £2000 per course. However, tuition fees will of course vary depending on the degree and where the university is located.
How long are most courses?
The length of masters degrees in the UK varies depending on the type of course. Many social science courses last just one year. Business degrees typically last between one and two years. Naturally, legal and medical graduate studies last longer and have more specific entry requirements.
What are the benefits of studying online?
Though many may see distance learning as a lesser alternative to in-person classes, there are actually many benefits of online learning. First, it offers a lot of flexibility, as students can manage their coursework on their own time. Course materials are typically uploaded online in advance of virtual classes, meaning you are in charge of when you watch lectures, do readings or prepare coursework. In addition, distance learning means you can be anywhere in the world while undertaking your degree. In theory, you could be working a part-time job, living at home or even on holiday whilst doing your degree!
EDUopinions’ list of The 10 the cheapest Online Masters degrees in the UK
Business Strategic Management at Online Business School
To start our list, the Online Business School offers a level 7 qualification in business strategic management for only £1995. This programme provides students with 120 of the 180 credits needed to complete an MBA. After studying with the Online Business School, students are eligible to apply for an MBA top-up programme, which usually involves just one additional module or writing a dissertation in order to complete their MBA qualification. Distance learning at the Online Business School is underpinned by one-to-one personal tutors and around-the-clock student support team, meaning you can expect to feel as supported as you would at an in-person university with the Online Business School. All in all, this is a great option for anyone looking for an affordable and practical way to a masters in business administration.
Strategic management at Apsley Business School
Apsley Business School‘s MBA in strategic management is also one of the cheapest online masters in the UK. The nine-month degree costs a total of £6000 and provides graduates with the necessary skills to be effective leaders in the business world. For those looking for flexibility, this programme may be for you. Apsley Business School emphasises quality over quantity, allowing students to be careful and diligent in their coursework as they are not over-burdened with high volumes of assignments. If this type of learning interests you, then be sure to check out all of the courses on offer at Apsley Business School.
Global MBA at the London School of Business & Finance – LSBF
Next up on our list of the most affordable online masters in the UK is the London School of Business and Finance‘s global MBA. This programme is on the more expensive side, with tuition fees of £9000, but for good reason; the degree is highly flexible. Students have the choice of starting the programme at one of four entry points during the year and can decide how long they want to take on the degree (between 18 and 36 months). This level of customisation is great for those who may be working during their degree and need to balance time between studying and their professional life. If you are looking for a flexible, top-notch masters programme, this may be the one for you.
Finance at SOAS University of London
Ranked as one of the UK’s best universities, SOAS offers an online MSc in finance definitely worth considering. Students in this programme learn a base in finance and then have the opportunity to choose between four majors: banking, economic policy, financial sector management and quantitative finance. In addition, students have the option of writing a dissertation at the end of the programme. Finally, this programme also offers a fair bit of flexibility, with students able to decide how long it lasts from two to five years. Without a doubt, students can expect a degree from SOAS to prepare them well for work in whatever field they pursue.
Conversion MBA at York St. John University
Next up, York St. John University offers an online MBA conversion programme. Students possessing a masters degree in a business-related field can apply to this programme to gain an MBA qualification by building on their previous studies. This degree is ideal for business professionals who are looking to advance their career after having worked for a few years after their initial masters degree. An advantage of studying at York St. John University is the low tuition fees at just £4000. Clearly, this conversion MBA is one of the most affordable online masters in the UK and also one of the highest quality.
Finance and Investment at London School of Business & Finance – LSBF
Another degree offered by the London School of Business & Finance has made EDUopinions’ list of the best online masters degrees in the UK. The MSc in finance and investment is an excellent option for those looking to work in banking, financial management and the like. This degree allows students to choose a specialisation track, including options like accounting and finance, management, investment banking, capital markets, retail banking and money markets. In addition to this financial knowledge, management skills are also part of the curriculum at LSBF, producing well-rounded graduates ready for work in their field of interest.
International Banking, Finance and Risk Management at Glasgow Caledonian University
Glasgow Caledonian University‘s MSc in international banking, finance and risk management is another incredible option to consider for those interested in affordable online masters degrees. Firstly, this type of degree is likely to lead to a successful career down the line. Since the economic crisis of 2008, financial institutions have been scrambling to hire knowledgeable risk management professionals. Further, Glasgow Caledonian works closely with major financial institutions like Morgan Stanley and the Royal Bank of Scotland to help place students in internships and jobs as well as to validate the course content. Altogether, this is definitely an option worth considering studying a masters in finance.
Data analytics at Nottingham Trent University
Nottingham Trent University offers another one of the most affordable masters degrees in the UK. Their MBA in data analytics is a great way to combine a business degree with a highly lucrative line of work like big data. This course focuses on the practical skills needed to be a successful leader, and in particular how data is involved with that. 100% of graduates of the MBA programme at Nottingham Trent University found work within six months of earning their degree, demonstrating the high demand for big data professionals these days. For these reasons, students and young professionals should seriously consider this degree at Nottingham Trent.
Accounting and finance at BPP University
For those interested in accountancy, BPP University offers a unique programme that puts students on track to becoming certified accountants as fast as possible. Their MSc requires no previous higher education qualifications, and students graduate with both an advanced degree in accounting and finance as well as ACCA qualification. In addition, BPP courses are taught by industry professionals with training in education, making for the perfect balance of experienced, qualified teaching. For these reasons, BPP University is truly one of the best places for aspiring accountants to prepare for their line of work.
Financial Investigation at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)
Last but certainly not least, we have the University of Central Lancashire‘s MSc in financial investigation. This degree dissects the ins and outs of criminal behaviour within the financial world. Through lectures, practicals and self-directed study, students engage with concepts like ethics and accountability, money laundering, complex case management, discovery and recovery of assets and more. At the end of the one-year programme, students can choose to write a dissertation on one of these topics or one of their choice. What’s more, this programme at UCLan is also one of the top masters degrees in the UK. It goes without saying, be sure to look into this programme if you are looking for an affordable masters in financial investigation.
Conclusion about The 10 Most Affordable Online Masters degrees in the UK
These ten graduate programmes are some of the most affordable masters degrees in the UK. If none of them caught your eye, or you have more questions about online masters degrees, then be sure to contact EDUopinions for free personalised advice!
Check out these related articles on cheap MBAs in France, the most affordable online MBA courses and the best UK universities for international students.
Editor’s note: This article was first published on the 3rd of November 2020. We’ve updated it for current readers.
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