Cheapest universities for a postgraduate degree

A postgraduate degree lets you explore your subject to a deeper level and makes you stand out in the tough job market. It all comes at a cost though, so consider this list of the cheapest universities in the UK for taught postgraduate degrees. Fees are for UK/EU Home students studying a full-time taught master’s degree, starting their course in 2021/22.

10. University of Derby

Current cost: from £6,000

The University of Derby has an award-winning commitment to social mobility and a focus on applied learning. Perhaps this is why its MA in Education is at the reasonable cost of £6,000, setting students on the pathway to become the educational leaders of the future. Course pathways include Early Years, Leadership and Management, Lifelong Learning and more.

Search through postgraduate courses at the University of Derby.

9. Wrexham Glyndŵr University

Current cost: £5,940

If you want to extend your studies in an affordable way, Wrexham Glyndŵr University offers master’s-level courses such as an MA Education (Leadership) or MSc Engineering (Aeronautical) for just £5,940. That’s less than a third of the amount you can get from taking out master’s finance in Wales, leaving you plenty to cover your living costs.

Search through postgraduate courses at Wrexham Glyndŵr University.

8. Teesside University

Current cost: from £5,900

At Teesside University in Middlesbrough, you'll benefit from a recently developed £275m city-centre campus. The university also plans to invest a further £300m in student facilities over the next ten years. A variety of postgraduate options are available, from MBA to DClinPsy. The standard cost for master’s-level study is £5,900.

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7. De Montfort University

Current cost: from £5,725

For a fee of £5,725 you could study an MA in Education Practice or Youth and Community Development Studies at De Montfort University. Based in the heart of bustling Leicester, the recently updated campus offers modern study facilities. You can easily find out more about postgraduate study at the uni from attending the online events that run year-round.

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6. Edge Hill University

Current cost: £5,580

Postgraduate courses at Edge Hill University will challenge and extend you, helping you to excel in your future career. Master’s programmes at this price includes Big Data Analytics, Conservation Management, Film and Media, and Sport, Physical Activity and Mental Health, among others.

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5. Queen Margaret University

Current cost: from £5,500

From £5,500, Queen Margaret University in Scotland offers inexpensive postgraduate courses for those working across the arts, health and political spectrums. Budding entrepreneurs can also make use of practical business support and mentoring via the uni’s Business Innovation Zone (BIZ).

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4. University of Bolton

Current cost: £5,400

Postgraduate students at the University of Bolton benefit from small class sizes and the dedicated support of a personal tutor. For £5,400 you could study an MSc in International Management to build cross-cultural management skills, or LLM Law – both useful to HR professionals looking to expand their roles.

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3. Liverpool Hope University

Current cost: from £5,200

Alongside affordable tuition fees, Liverpool Hope University teaches a variety of exciting postgraduate courses. Designed to boost your career prospects, you can enjoy idyllic campus living near a thriving cosmopolitan city. A number of MAs have a price tag of £5,200, including Education, Performance, Disability Studies, History, and more.

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2. University of the Highlands and Islands

Current cost: from £5,000

The University of the Highlands and Islands is most affordable uni in Scotland for postgraduate study. Made up of 13 colleges and research centres, and over 70 local learning centres, it offers many online and part-time course options so you can fit your studies around other commitments. Full-time taught master’s courses start from £5,000.

Search through postgraduate courses at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

1. Leeds Trinity University

Current cost: from £4,000

The most affordable university for UK-resident postgraduates in 2021/22, Leeds Trinity University focuses on the employability of its students. Graduates from the university have become published authors, award-winning journalists and pioneers in their research fields. You could join them, with an MA in Creative Writing costing just £4,000.

Search through postgraduate courses at Leeds Trinity University.