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Study UK: Scholarships for MS courses?

November 04, 2008 11:14 IST

Are you thinking of studying in the UK?

What are the various courses available in Law?

Are there any scholarships for MS studies?

How many years of work experience do you need to pursue an MBA degree?

To answer these and many more questions, Education UK experts at the British Council Nim Bahadur and Sonu Hemanii hosted a chat with GA readers on October 29. For those of you who missed the chat, here's the unedited transcript:


Nim Bahadur says, Greetings from the British Council. We are ready to take your questions.


venkatraman asked, hi, I have completed my Diploma in Mechanical engineering 3 year course in 2002. Now working in a german based company in chennai. I would like to do my Graduate In UK and would like to join in any work at the same time. Can you advice me how to proceed.

Nim Bahadur answers, Hi Venkatraman, please visit our website www.educationuk-in.org  for information about study opportunities in the UK including information on institutions. As a student you could work part-time upto 20 hours per week and full time during vacations. After completing your studies, you are eligible to stay for 2 years under the Post-study work category. Fore details visit www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk  


Bala asked, I want to do MS in UK. Can you tell what scholarships are available?

Nim Bahadur answers, Hi Bala, for information on scholarships please visit www.britishcouncil.org.in/scholarships . Currently Commonwealth Scholarships is now available to apply and more information can be obtained from www.education.nic.in/scho_announcements/ukcommonwealth2009-scheme.asp . Last date for application is 10 November. Applications for the British Chevening Scholarships will be opening soon and information will be available from www.britishcouncil.org.in/chevening  


Sreevatsan asked, Hi, I'm Sreevatsan from Bangalore. Please suggest some good schools in UK for MBA? Also tell us about the overall costs for a 1yr MBA and scholarship options? I have my B.E (86%) and 4 years exp in IT and I'm looking for a moderately expensive option.

Sonu Hemanii answers, Hi Sreevatsan! Thank you for your question. To search for institutes in UK for an MBA degree please go to www.educationuk-in.org  where you can find the institutes and shortlist them based on the entry requirements, fees, location. you can also use www.the-abs.org.uk . Information on scholarships can be obtained from www.britishcouncil.org/india-scholarships.htm . Tution fees for one year MBA will vary from £4000 to more than £30,000 per year. If you happen to go to our British Library in Bangalore, we have a separte handbook on MBA which you can get it for free which will be very useful.


rohit_DCE asked, what are the prerequisites to apply for am mba degree in uk(in terms of work experience,the kind of exams i have to appear for ,etc.)

Sonu Hemanii answers, Hi Rohit To get an admission in any of UK institutions the requirements will vary from institutions. Majority of the institutions will require students aspiring to study an MBA from UK to have atleast a minimum of 2-3 years of work experience. other requirements includes IELTS score, GMAT, which varies from institution.


varun asked, Hi Nim & Sonu .. I am Varun, an IT professional with 2 years of work experience (will have nearly 3 years by Sep 2009).. Please suggest some universities where I can do a MBA... What are the job prospects in UK for specialist masters, for example MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management from the Cranfield School of Management??

Nim Bahadur answers, Hi varun, please visit www.educationuk-in.org  to shortlist institutions offering MBA. You may also wish to go through the information sheet on MBA available from http://www.britishcouncil.org/learning-education-information-sheets-mbas.pdf . Unfortunately we are unable to advise on job prospects as it depends on a lot of factors including individual's achievements and capabilities. However you could try searching www.ukcisa.org.uk  or www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk  for some insight


Pushpak asked, Hi, I am Pushpak. Working as a software engineer in Bangalore, with 2+ yrs of exp. I have few questions - 1) Is there any 1 Yr MBA course in UK ? If yes, how much is it valid and accepted ? 2) can you give a rough estimate of the expenses for an MBA course ?

Nim Bahadur answers, Hi Pushpak, thank you for your enquiry. Majority of the MBA course is for a period of one year. For more information visit the information sheet on MBA available at http://www.britishcouncil.org/learning-education-information-sheets-mbas.pdf . The average costs ranges from over 7,000 pounds upto 30,000 pounds.


studious asked, how is the UK system different from the US, which is better for Law

Sonu Hemanii answers, Hi Studious!! You will gain a recognised and respected qualifications. You can improve your English as it the land of the Englsih speakers. You will gain the skills and qualities employers want. you have a variety of choice of courses and specialisation to choose from. The teaching methods are very fliexible. LLM which is a Taught master is for one year.For more information please go to http://www.educationuk.org/pls/hot_bc/bc_subject_zone.page_pls_subject_zone?x=118360876109&y=0&a=0&p_subj_id=8&p_type_id=1  I hope this is useful for you. All the best!!


raj asked, Iam planning to do business management frm London reading college. pls give more details on college

Nim Bahadur answers, Hi raj, please visit the individual institution website for more details on the course programme you are interested in


shesh asked, Hi ...can you please let me know the age limit to apply for MBA in UK

Nim Bahadur answers, There is no any age limit to apply for MBA but most of the business schools expect a candidate to have 3-5 years of work experience


Aman asked, A very Good Afternoon to everyone...This is Aman and I would like to ask that what are the courses other than MBA ofeered by best universities of u.k that one can opt for which results into learning business terms and entrepreneurship and which can help college freshers like me in their early startup? Is there any course specifically focussed to teach entrepreneurial skills? Thank you Regards Aman

Sonu Hemanii answers, Hi Aman!! thank you for your questions. Aman there are a number of business and management oriented courses available in UK apart from MBA. you can check for the courses available on www.educationuk-in.org  by  using the course search. it will give a list of courses available on business. These courses will train you to gain the skills and qualities a manager requires to posses.


vel asked, hello, i am velumurugan. i am working in indian register of shipping. I did my master in IIT kgp. I want to do Ph.D There. what are the possibilities there? How about assistantship?

Nim Bahadur answers, Hi velumurugan, generally the qualification required for pusuing a PhD is a masters degree or an MPhil and evidence that you know something about research procedures. Some experience of working alone on a research project is very useful. A research proposal is essential part of any research degree application. this hould be short (perhaps 2 page) summary based on research in your field. You could shortlist the universities websites via www.educationuk-in.org  and can also check the research ratings information from www.rae.ac.uk . You could try applying for Commonwealth Scholarships and information is available at http://www.education.nic.in/scho_announcements/ukcommonwealth2009-scheme.asp . For other scholarships information visit www.britishcouncil.org.in/scholarships  


Anne asked, hi.. pl can u tell me if studying LLB from University of London after Graduation in India is advisable from point of view of jobs in India.. will it assist in jobs in India.Also.. is it possible to get a job in UK after doing LLB there?

Sonu Hemanii answers, Hi Anne!! thank you for your question. Under the new Tier 1 scheme which was launched on 30 June called as post study work system, a student after completing their course in UK is allowed to stay and work in UK for an addition of two years. for details and more information about post study work scheme please use www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk  i hope this is used for you. All the best.


jai asked, how is imperial college for MS in Electrical ?

Nim Bahadur answers, Hi Jai, you could check www.hero.ac.uk/rae or www.qaa.ac.uk  or www.unistats.com  


rv asked, Hi I am ravi based on my qualification and experience can u suggest me what courses would be ideal for me?

Nim Bahadur answers, Hi ravi, thank you for your email. You need to pursue a course based on your career prospects and the qualifications/experience you hold. For more information visit www.educationuk-in.org  


sateesh asked, Hi,I will be finishing my Engineering in India by April 2009. Can you guide me with some good institutes in UK where I can study MBA. Is there any good career counselling centers in south india?

Nim Bahadur answers, Hi sateesh, visit www.educationuk-in.org  for more information on studying in the UK and also to shortlist institutions. The website along provides information on counselling centres under fina an agent section.


Anupam 123 asked, Hi Good Afternoon, Please let me know that is there is any difference between the studying MBA in colleges and University in UK

Nim Bahadur answers, Hi Anupam 123 colleges does not have permission to award degrees, but universities do. There are over 130 higher education institutions in the UK that are permitted to award degrees. In addition, there are also over 550 colleges and other institutions which do not have degree awarding powers but provide courses leading to degrees (courses at these institutions are validated by institutions which have degree awarding powers). You can find a list of all these institutions at: http://www.dfes.gov.uk/recognisedukdegrees  


fred asked, Hi! I am Fred. I have a year back in my Engineering degree and i have completed it in 5 years(instead of 4 years). I secured 64.75% (second division). Can i opt for Oxford/Trinity University for furthur studies if i have a excellant score in TOEFL/GRE. Thanks!

Nim Bahadur answers, Hi Fred, you need to check the entry requirements from the universities directly.


pradeep asked, Hi I got admission to pursue LLM in International Commercial Law in the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK. It would be grateful if you could tell me the opportunities after completing the course and also about the standard of the University.

Sonu Hemanii answers, Hi Pradeep!! Congratulations. Under the new point based system Tier 1 called as the post study work a student after completing the course in UK can work for two more years. For more details on working in UK you can use www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk  There are two formal rakings available: Teaching Quality Information www.unistats.com  brings together key sources of official information about the quality of higher education in UK universities and colleges. It is maintained by the Higher Education Research Organisation (HERO). Check this for the National Student Survey (NSS). In this final year students rate the institution at which they are studying on a number of different criteria such as level of academic support they received and the learning resources available to them. It enables students to make comparisons between institutions, between different subjects within the same institution and to make a more informed choice about where they will study. Research Assessment Exercise www.hero.ac.uk/rae. The RAE provides quality ratings for research across all subjects. Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 5* (highest).


anandi asked, Do we get work permit after completion of Masters degree. For how many yrs?

Nim Bahadur answers, Hi anandi, UK Border Agency has simplified the rules and regulations for international students who wish to stay on in the UK for the purpose of employment after completing the UK qualification. From 30 June 2008, international graduates who have studied in the UK will be free to seek employment for up to two years as a post-study worker (Tier 1 Post-study work) under the points-based system. For more information, log on to www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk  


akki asked, Hi, What is the scope for PG in UK (which colleges & universities) for a textile designer ? What would be the total cost involved ? Thank You

Nim Bahadur answers, Hi akki, visit www.educatinuk-in.org  for more information. The average cost will be about 12-16 thousand pounds including living


raj asked, How do you rate london reading college and its MBA degree in marketing

Sonu Hemanii answers, Hi Raj UK education has a world wide reputation for quality. There are two formal rakings available: Teaching Quality Information www.unistats.com  brings together key sources of official information about the quality of higher education in UK universities and colleges. It is maintained by the Higher Education Research Organisation (HERO). Check this for the National Student Survey (NSS). In this final year students rate the institution at which they are studying on a number of different criteria such as level of academic support they received and the learning resources available to them. It enables students to make comparisons between institutions, between different subjects within the same institution and to make a more informed choice about where they will study. Research Assessment Exercise www.hero.ac.uk/rae  The RAE provides quality ratings for research across all subjects. Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 5* (highest).


anandkumar asked, hi Nim my brother is doing his MS in computer science and management from Coventry University.actually his course is of one year but due to some unavoidable circumstances his course is getting delayed and the management has told that his student visa will be extended by another few months for the course completion.My query is that after his MS he will be eligible for 2 years visa extension for job but now if his student visa is extended will the British government reduce the period of visa from the actual eligible visa period or not

Nim Bahadur answers, Hi anandkumar, the new post-study worker (Tier 1 Post-study work) under the points-based system is available for students only after they complete their studies. You could check the website www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk  for more information


santosh asked, what are the courses that are in demand for work permit in UK.

Nim Bahadur answers, Hi Santosh, for information on work permit visit www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk  


Ranjeet asked, which are the universities who offer phd scholarship in computer and IT related fields

Nim Bahadur answers, Hi Ranjeet, please visit www.britishcouncil.org.in/scholarships  for information on scholarships. Currently Commonwealth Scholarships is available and other scholarships for PhD are Dorothy Hodgkin Postgraduate Awards www.rcuk.ac.uk/hodgkin , Overseas Research Students Awards Scheme www.orsas.ac.uk  


cathy asked, hello just wanted to knw can i apply for mba in uk for january after november will it be too late or early also i got 45% in bcom and aggreate of 60% in my mms(masters in management studies) willi be eligble for admissions

Nim Bahadur answers, Hi Cathy, thank you for your query. You need to check with the institutions directly regarding the entry requirements.


cathy asked, hello just wanted to knw can i apply for mba in uk for january after november will it be too late or early also i got 45% in bcom and aggreate of 60% in my mms(masters in management studies) willi be eligble for admissions

Sonu Hemanii answers, Hi Cathy It is also advisable to plan atleast 6 to 7 months prior to applying to a UK institution,nevertheless UK has no deadline for applying for PG courses. You can apply anytime of the year. You need to check which insitution you want to study in UK and they have a Jan/Feb intake. To know about the institutions which have a Jan/Feb intake can be got from http://www.findamasters.com/search/search.asp  The eligibility crieteria will vary between institutions. All the best.


Aiyaz asked, What are the criterias for UK dependent visa?

Nim Bahadur answers, You could check the criteria available at https://www.gov.uk/apply-uk-visa , www.ukinindia.com  


vasu asked, is IELTS nesessary to study in u.k. is there any advantage if i have that score?

Sonu Hemanii answers, Hi Vasu!! Thank you for your question. IELTS may be one of the entry requirements by the institutions. you need to check it with the institutions directly for the requirement of IELTS.


samar.swain asked, Can you tell me about Winchester University is it good to do mba there?

Nim Bahadur answers, Hi samar swain, the British Council has produced an education information sheet on studying for a MBA in the UK. You can find this at www.britishcouncil.org/learning-education-information-sheets-mbas.pdf which will give more details. Other websites which you could visit is www.unistats.com  


anandpriyadeo asked, i am planning to go to UK for masters in HR. how are middlesex, essex, brunal and sunderland universities for this ??

Sonu Hemanii answers, Hi Anandpriyadeo Thank you for your question. There are two formal rakings available: Teaching Quality Information www.unistats.com brings together key sources of official information about the quality of higher education in UK universities and colleges. It is maintained by the Higher Education Research Organisation (HERO). Check this for the National Student Survey (NSS). In this final year students rate the institution at which they are studying on a number of different criteria such as level of academic support they received and the learning resources available to them. It enables students to make comparisons between institutions, between different subjects within the same institution and to make a more informed choice about where they will study.


anandpriyadeo asked, i am planning to go to UK for masters in HR. how are middlesex, essex, brunal and sunderland universities for this ??

Nim Bahadur answers, Hi anandpriyadeo, you could check the research ratings available at www.hero.ac.uk/rae  and also visit www.unistats.com . You may wish to check the course content, entry requirements, fees, scholarships availability, location, facilities offered etc.


Arun asked, Hi! I am a Company Secretary and I want to pursue a career in the same line in the UK. Is there any special courses in this regard to pursue a career in business laws in the UK?

Nim Bahadur answers, Hi Arun, you could visit the information sheet on law available at http://www.educationuk.org/downloads/info_sheets/learning-infosheets-law.pdf  which you may find useful.


krupa asked, is a bachelors degree (12+3) enough to apply for a masters course in u.k.

Nim Bahadur answers, hi Krupa, yes, 10+2+3 is sufficient to apply for a masters course in the UK. You need to check the entry requirements from individual institutions.


vicky asked, After a 3-yr B.Sc (Biotechnology) can I do MS in it from any UK Institute ?

Nim Bahadur answers, Hi Vicky, yes you can do the MSc after completing your Bachelors. For more information visit www.educationuk-in.org  


Arun asked, Hi! I am a Company Secretary and I want to pursue a career in the same line in the UK. Is there any special courses in this regard to pursue a career in business laws in the UK?

Sonu Hemanii answers, Hi Arun Thank you for your question. Yes there are courses called as career based courses. To search which institutions in UK provide you with this course as Company Secretary please use www.educationuk-in.org  


ramu asked, Hi Nim Bahadur, this is Ramu and I have question. In UK what type of part time jobs are available for students and how much % expenses they will cover

Nim Bahadur answers, Hi ramu, as a student you are allowed to work part time upto 20 hrs per week and full time during vacations. For more information on working during your studies please visit the information sheet available at http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/information_sheets.php  


amit asked, I want to opt for two years master in Business managent at london school of economics, currently I am employed with an MNC as market analyst

Nim Bahadur answers, Hi amit, please visit www.lse.ac.uk  for more information including the entry requirements


renuka asked, hi this is RK i'm abt to complete my MBA, HR do i have any opportunities in UK to work as well to continue my studies presently also i'm working in Animation org past 7 yrs. Kindly advice. Thanx

Nim Bahadur answers, Hi renuka, for information on studying in the UK visit www.educationuk-in.org . For working opportunities visit www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk  


amitesh asked, Hi NIm . Pleas etell me about placement after study.I know some one who still searching for job after there PG.

Nim Bahadur answers, Hi amitesh, UK Border Agency has simplified the rules and regulations for international students who wish to stay on in the UK for the purpose of employment after completing the UK qualification. From 30 June 2008, international graduates who have studied in the UK will be free to seek employment for up to two years as a post-study worker (Tier 1 Post-study work) under the points-based system. For more information, log on to www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk  


ramu asked, Hi Nim Bahadur, this is Ramu and I have question. In UK what type of part time jobs are available for students and how much % expenses they will cover

Sonu Hemanii answers, Hi Ramu Thank you for your question. The part time jobs in UK may be working in cafeteria or in the institution, or as a sales person, or at a petrol bunk etc. You are allowed to work only 20 hours per week during your term period. You may earn approximately £5 to £7 per hour. These expenses can not be used to show that they cover tution fees or living expense either.


UKMBA asked, What is the GMAT score required to admission at LBS? do Paper publications in international journal add value to the resume. do they consider it as a criteria? pleae answer

Nim Bahadur answers, Hi UKMBA, you could check the score requirment by visit the LBS website www.london.edu and also other entry requirements for admission into LBS


krupa asked, i m in my second year of senior college.planning to major in psychology.will i be eligible to pursue my masters in organizationalpsychology from any of the colleges in u.k.?

Nim Bahadur answers, Hi Krupa, visit www.educationuk-in.org  for more information. You could also check the information sheet on Psychology available at http://www.educationuk.org/downloads/info_sheets/learning-infosheets-psychology.pdf  


vendorofsorts asked, My daughter is doing her 5th semester in M.Sc., Bioinformatics. What are her chances of getting to do her Ph.D in UK? Which Universities should she apply to?

Nim Bahadur answers, Hi vendorofsorts, generally the qualification required for pusuing a PhD is a masters degree or an MPhil and evidence that you know something about research procedures. Some experience of working alone on a research project is very useful. A research proposal is essential part of any research degree application. this hould be short (perhaps 2 page) summary based on research in your field. You could shortlist the universities websites via www.educationuk-in.org  and can also check the research ratings information from www.rae.ac.uk .


gugan asked, hi,i am a srilanka, currently i am in india as a refugee. i finished my BE degree in india in 2004.i am unemployee.i would like to study in UK.what is the procedure to study in UK.

Nim Bahadur answers, Hi gugan, visit www.educationuk-in.org  for information on studying in the UK


santosh asked, is age an hindrance to go for a MBA in UK? I am 36, with vast marketing and sales experience

Sonu Hemanii answers, Hi Santhosh Thank you for your question. Age is not a hinderance to study in UK. there are various entry requirements which varies between institutions. YOu can find the institutions providing MBA from www.educationuk-in.org  


jas asked, Hi, I am applying for LLM (2009) this year in King's and LSE. How much will be total living expenditure for a year in UK considering i will be on budget.

Nim Bahadur answers, Hi Jas, the average living costs for London is about £750 per month and £600 per month for elsewhere in the UK


Nim Bahadur says, This is all we have time for, today. Until next time, goodbye. Thank you all for participating


Sonu Hemanii says, This is all we have time for today. Until next time, goodbye. Thank you all for participating.