Postgraduate study in the UK : Choosing a UK university

The UK has a worldwide reputation for postgraduate education. Research the courses, costs, location and lifestyle to find the best university in the UK for you...

Where can I study?

There are currently 165 higher education institutions in the UK, all offering postgraduate courses. For a list of universities and colleges in the UK, see universities and departments. To find out more about university towns and cities, see the city guides.

If you're an international student, you can check that the institution you are applying to is recognised by the government as being a degree-award winning body at Higher Education Degree Datacheck (HEDD) .

Which are the best UK universities?

Four UK universities are in the world's top six:

• University of Cambridge
• University College London (UCL)
• University of Oxford
• Imperial College London

To find out which universities excel in your subject area, see the QS World University Ranking by Subject 2012 .

London is ranked second best student city in the world, with Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow also in the top 50.

When choosing your place of study, bear in mind the increased cost of living in London and South East England compared to the rest of England and Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. You should also consider:

• whether you want to live in the city, countryside or coastal areas;
• if the content of the course matches your needs and job aspirations;
• the reputation of the department;
• the quality of the teaching and facilities;
• availability of funding for your course.

What postgraduate courses are available?

Postgraduate qualifications in the UK include certificates, diplomas, conversion courses, Masters degrees and PhDs. To understand the different types of postgraduate study that are available, see qualifications explained.

To find a postgraduate course in the UK, search courses and research.