Which master degree will be best in UK; one or two year for PR in the country?

Question

XAVIAR X · Accepted Answer

Well, there is a very simple answer to your question. It&rsquo;s definitely one year master's in the UK. One-year and two-year masters are not much different, to be frank. It&rsquo;s just that a one-year master's starts directly with your specialization. This makes it faster to get graduation and start working in the industry. So I guess it's pretty natural that a one-year master's is better. Why getting a job early is important you ask?
Permanent residency is not granted anywhere with just some documents. To get UK PR, you have to get a full-time job there. After some time passes (5 years to be precise in the UK case), you can apply for the &lsquo;indefinite leave to remain&rsquo; ILR Visa. This visa grants a person permanent residency status in the UK. But as you can assume, there will also be attesting to get this done. Knowledge of Life is the UK test that you have to clear.
Also, you will need to get an English language proficiency test done. I know you would have already attempted IELTS or TOEFL for your masters, but the score validity for these tests are 2-years. Therefore you have to attempt the test again. However as you have already done it and passed the exam, it should not be a task for you.
Not to mention, UK universities specialize in one-year master's. All your prospects and logic point towards a one-year master's degree. I can explain more if you wish to know. Feel free to contact me for any information regarding this topic.

Anubhooti Dubey · Answer

When considering a master's degree in the UK with the aim of gaining Permanent Residency (PR), both one-year and two-year programs have their own advantages.
Here are some key points to help you decide:
One-Year Master's Degree:

Time Efficiency: Completing your degree in one year allows you to enter the job market faster.
Cost-Effective: Less tuition fee and living expenses compared to a two-year program.
Quick Return on Investment: You can start earning sooner and potentially apply for PR earlier.

Two-Year Master's Degree:

Extended Study Visa: A two-year program gives you more time on a student visa, which can be beneficial for job search and securing a job that qualifies for PR.
Work Experience: Many two-year programs include work placements or internships, giving you valuable UK work experience, which is crucial for PR applications.
Networking: More time to build a professional network and make connections that can help in your career and PR application.

PR Considerations:

Graduate Route Visa: After completing a master's degree, you can apply for the Graduate Route visa, allowing you to stay in the UK for two years (three years for PhD graduates) to look for work. This applies to both one-year and two-year master's degrees.
Skilled Worker Visa: To apply for PR, you typically need to switch to a Skilled Worker visa, which requires a job offer from a UK employer. Work experience gained during a two-year program might make this easier.
Long-Term Residence: Accumulating five years on qualifying visas (including the Graduate Route and Skilled Worker visa) can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), a key step towards PR.

Recommendation:

If you want to enter the job market quickly and are confident in securing employment within a year, a one-year master's degree can be a good option.
If you prefer more time to gain work experience and build connections, a two-year master's degree might be better suited for your PR goals.

Consider your personal circumstances, career goals, and financial situation when making your decision.
 
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