What's it Really Like to Study a Masters in the UK as an International Student?

Considering a Masters in the UK? The global popularity of British universities means you won't be alone. . . but moving across the world for postgraduate study can still feel lonely. In this blog Edith Shieh explains how she coped as an international student adjusting to the UK for the first time.

Studying in a foreign country as an international student was challenging for me at first.

I came to the UK straight away after finishing my BA Japanese (Business) in China. Although that was 5 years ago, I can still remember the excitement when I was packing the day before my flight to Manchester. Two huge pieces of luggage. Oh dear.

On the first night after my arrival, the uncertainty made me too anxious to sleep. So there at 2am, in a quiet and empty room, was a tiny Chinese girl lying in bed with her eyes wide open worrying about her future - her only company half a Sainsbury’s prawn cocktail sandwich, on the desk, looking lonely.

However! Things have dramatically changed since I began my study. And I’d like to share some of the things I’ve learned in that time.

The higher education system in the UK is totally different from what I was used to. It takes three years to complete a Bachelors degree and one year to finish a Masters in the UK. Both programmes are one year longer in China.

This means higher education study is intense and demanding in the UK. That can actually be seen as a good motivation to push yourself and stay motivated.

Once you are here, your exciting university life will begin with Introduction Week (‘Freshers’ Week’), which allows you to get to know more about the university, its facilities, the department and your course mates. There will be a lot of events and activities for you to attend.

After that first week, your study life in the UK will officially start. Finishing a Masters in one year is hard work, particularly if you want to get good grades. Getting into a good routine is important, but it can also make it easier to get over any initial homesickness.

As a non-English speaking student, at the beginning of a Masters, I wasn’t only occupied by a crowded timetable, I also had to face the fear of speaking English.

This is a common concern for all international students: you might be worried that people won’t understand your accent; that the words you chose won’t be accurate; that you can’t keep up with lecturers’ speaking speed.

But don’t forget: there are hundreds of thousands of international students coming to the UK every year. Most of UK universities have language centres to help students with their academic English. So, don’t panic.

Another difference in higher education between China and Britain is that, along with lectures and seminars, tutorial teaching also plays a vital role in British universities. Tutors are able to give support to students to improve their academic performances, as well as advise them on appropriate learning approaches.

Also, the Students’ Union will arrange and organise many activities to make you feel inclusive and welcome. Lectures in the day, social events at night: after a little while, you will notice that the fears and worries you had before are not bothering you as much.

But, if you do feel unhappy with either study or personal life, always reach out and ask for help. Universities provide confidential professional counselling and welfare service.

Before I started my MA in Psychology and Education, I enrolled in a Pre-Masters course first. These programmes are designed specifically for international students and can provide a direct route onto various postgraduate degrees at university.

Simply, writing in English was a big challenge for me, not to mention formal academic writing. The academic styles that I am used to are different from those in the UK. So, during my Pre-Masters course, I took modules on Critical Reading, Applied Academic Writing Skills and Designing a Research Project. These provided me with the range of study skills and research methods that I needed at postgraduate level. I also studied designated modules related to my MA course.

So, if you are not confident about your academic skills or not sure if you meet the entry requirements to study a postgraduate degree, a Pre-Masters programme would be a good shout. Moreover, Pre-Masters study gave me time to adjust the transition period. I experienced culture shock; I shed tears because of homesickness; I felt insecure in a foreign environment. Thanks to this course, I made it through that initial period.

In 2016, the UK voted to leave the European Union. The this result not only shocked many of the UK’s own citizens, but also has a potential impact on international students, from the EU and beyond.

Perhaps you’re wondering what Brexit means for students in the UK, or considering postponing your postgraduate study plan. The fact is that UK universities are consistently highly ranked in the world and changes introduced at the start of 2018 have been mostly positive, with a new visa pilot and more flexible options for postgraduates.

Editor's note: This blog was first published on 15/03/18. We've checked and updated it for current readers.

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