Top 7 UK Universities for a Second Master’s Degree for International Students

A second master’s degree in the United Kingdom can help international students develop a new specialisation, change career direction or build on knowledge gained from their first postgraduate qualification. For example, someone with an MSc in International Business Management may want to specialise in Supply Chain Management, while a graduate with a master’s in Computer Science may wish to focus on Artificial Intelligence or Cyber Security.

However, choosing a university for a second master’s requires more consideration than simply finding a course with an attractive title. Applicants need to compare the curriculum, admission requirements, total tuition fees, location and relevance of the qualification to their career goals.

The UK has universities offering postgraduate programmes across business, management, computing, healthcare, engineering, education and other fields. Some provide one-year taught master’s degrees, while others offer programmes with extended professional practice, placements or specialist study options.

This guide highlights seven UK universities worth researching for a second master’s degree in 2027. The selection focuses on course options, practical learning and potential suitability for international applicants. It is not a ranking of universities that guarantee admission to second-master’s applicants.

Can International Students Apply for a Second Master’s in the UK?

Yes. International students who already hold a master’s degree can apply for another postgraduate qualification in the UK, provided they meet the university’s admission requirements and the relevant immigration rules.

A previous master’s does not automatically prevent an applicant from studying another master’s. However, universities may assess whether the proposed programme is appropriate for the applicant’s academic background and career objectives.

For example, the following pathways may be worth exploring:

• International Business to Supply Chain Management: for someone seeking a more specialised understanding of procurement, logistics and operations.
• Business Management to Business Analytics: for a graduate who wants to develop analytical and data-driven decision-making skills.
• Computer Science to Artificial Intelligence: for someone who wants to focus on machine learning and intelligent systems.
• Public Health to Health Management: for a graduate interested in healthcare operations and leadership.
• Education to Educational Leadership: for someone seeking specialised knowledge in educational administration and management.

The suitability of each pathway depends on the applicant’s previous qualifications, the course prerequisites and the university’s assessment.

It is also important to distinguish university admission from Student visa eligibility. Applicants applying from overseas are not subject to the same academic progression requirement that generally applies to certain in-country Student visa applications. Students applying from within the UK should check the applicable rules carefully.

Official guidance: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/course

1. University of Hertfordshire

The University of Hertfordshire is worth considering for international students looking for postgraduate programmes in business, computing, engineering, health and other professional fields.

Its range of academic areas makes it a useful starting point for applicants who want to move into a different specialisation or develop knowledge that complements their previous master’s degree.

Courses to explore

Depending on your academic background and the courses available for your intended intake, consider researching:

• MSc International Business
• MSc Digital Marketing
• MSc Project Management
• MSc Data Science or related computing programmes
• Specialist programmes in engineering or health-related disciplines

These are areas to investigate rather than a guarantee that every course title is available for September 2027. Check the university’s current course catalogue for exact titles and entry requirements.

Why consider Hertfordshire?

The university may suit applicants who want to investigate professional postgraduate programmes without limiting their search to a single subject area. Its location in Hatfield also gives students access to the wider Hertfordshire and London region.

For a second master’s, applicants should identify what the new course offers beyond their previous qualification. A graduate with an existing management degree, for instance, should explain why a more specialised programme is relevant to their intended career.

Tuition fees and admission

International tuition fees depend on the course and academic year. The university publishes its fee information and directs applicants to individual course pages for exact amounts.

For 2027 entry, confirm the current international fee, deposit requirements, academic prerequisites and available intake directly with the university.

Official website: https://www.herts.ac.uk/

International fee guidance: https://www.herts.ac.uk/international/scholarships-and-fees/fees

2. University of Greenwich

The University of Greenwich is a strong option to investigate for students interested in International Business, management, marketing and related professional disciplines.

Its London location may appeal to students who want to study in a major business environment. However, London living expenses can be substantial, so applicants should compare the full cost of studying there with universities in other cities.

Courses to explore

Relevant programmes and subject areas may include:

• MA International Business
• Management-related master’s degrees
• International marketing and business-related programmes
• Project management and other professional specialisations, where available

One course worth investigating is the MA International Business, which covers areas such as global business strategy, international trade, cross-border operations and business decision-making.

The university also lists an International Business programme with a placement option. Students should check whether the placement route is appropriate for their circumstances and whether a placement is guaranteed or must be secured competitively.

Why consider Greenwich?

Greenwich may be particularly relevant for graduates who want to develop expertise in global business or management. Applicants should compare the modules with those studied in their first master’s and identify the additional knowledge they expect to gain.

For students who already hold a general business degree, a specialised programme may be more useful than repeating similar introductory management content.

Tuition fees and admission

The university published an international fee of £19,450 for the MA International Business for 2026/27. This is a reference point, not a confirmed fee for 2027/28.

The university’s 2027/28 page indicates that fees for that entry year are to be confirmed. Applicants should check the latest published figure before budgeting.

Official course page: https://www.gre.ac.uk/postgraduate-courses/bus/intbus

Official fee guidance: https://www.gre.ac.uk/finance/fees/course-fees

3. Northumbria University

Northumbria University is worth researching for international students interested in business, finance, computing, engineering, health and other applied disciplines.

Its postgraduate portfolio includes programmes that may suit applicants looking to build technical skills, develop management expertise or move into a more specialised professional area.

Courses to explore

Depending on your existing qualifications, investigate areas such as:

• International Business Management
• Business and Finance
• Computing and Cyber Security
• Data Science and related technical disciplines
• Supply Chain Management or other operations-related programmes, where available

Check the current course catalogue to confirm which programmes are offered for your preferred intake and whether your previous qualifications meet their entry requirements.

Why consider Northumbria?

Northumbria may suit applicants who want to compare professional and applied postgraduate options across different subject areas.

For example, someone with a general business master’s may wish to develop expertise in finance or business analytics. A computing graduate may prefer a specialised technical degree that supports a clear career objective.

The university also publishes information about postgraduate scholarships and funding, which applicants should review when comparing costs.

Tuition fees and admission

Northumbria lists international postgraduate taught fees for 2026/27 in standard and premium categories, with the amounts depending on the course. Applicants should not assume that one fee applies to every programme.

For 2027 entry, check the individual course page for the latest tuition fee, academic requirements, English-language requirements and any available scholarship.

Official website and fee guidance: https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/study-at-northumbria/fees-funding/

4. University of Portsmouth

The University of Portsmouth is worth considering for students interested in business, management, computing, engineering and other professional disciplines.

Its business and management programmes include options that explore international markets, corporate strategy, financial management and global sustainability.

Courses to explore

Depending on your academic profile, investigate:

• MSc International Business and Management
• Management and business-related master’s degrees
• Computing and Cyber Security programmes
• Engineering and technology specialisations
• Other professional programmes relevant to your previous studies

The MSc International Business and Management is one option to research if your career objective involves international business, corporate strategy or global management.

Why consider Portsmouth?

The university offers a range of postgraduate study options and provides information about course content, entry requirements and professional development.

Applicants should compare the actual modules of their proposed second master’s with those of their existing qualification. If both degrees cover similar business topics, the application should explain the new specialisation or additional skills the second course is expected to provide.

Students should also distinguish between programmes offered at the main Portsmouth campus and any separately delivered London-campus courses, as the location, fee and course arrangements may differ.

Tuition fees and admission

The university published typical international tuition fees of £17,900–£20,000 for 2026/27, although the exact fee depends on the course. Its 2027/28 figures may not yet be confirmed for every programme.

Always use the fee shown on the official course page for your intended start date.

Official course page: https://www.port.ac.uk/study/courses/postgraduate-taught/msc-international-business-and-management

International fee guidance: https://www.port.ac.uk/study/international-students/tuition-fees

5. Coventry University

Coventry University is another option for international students who want to investigate business, management, computing and technology-related postgraduate programmes.

Its course portfolio includes professionally focused study options, making it worth considering for applicants who want to develop knowledge that can be applied in business or industry.

Courses to explore

Depending on your background and career goals, research:

• MSc International Business Management
• MSc Management-related programmes
• Business Analytics and related areas, where available
• Computing and Cyber Security specialisations
• Project Management and other professional disciplines, where offered

The MSc International Business Management is particularly relevant to graduates who want to develop their understanding of global business challenges, international markets and management practice.

Why consider Coventry?

Coventry may be suitable for students seeking a course with an international business focus and practical application.

For example, an applicant who already has a master’s in general management could investigate whether the programme offers a sufficiently different curriculum to justify another qualification. The application should explain how the course connects to the applicant’s experience and intended career path.

Coventry’s location may also be worth comparing with more expensive study destinations, but applicants should calculate their actual accommodation and living costs rather than assume a city is automatically affordable.

Tuition fees and admission

International tuition fees vary by programme and intake. Confirm the 2027/28 fee, course duration, entry requirements and any available scholarship directly with the university.

Official course page: https://www.coventry.ac.uk/course-structure/pg/cbl/international-business-management-msc/

Official website: https://www.coventry.ac.uk/

6. University of Chester

The University of Chester is worth investigating for international students considering postgraduate study in business, management, computing, health, education and other disciplines.

It provides information about international tuition fees, postgraduate courses and scholarships, allowing applicants to compare programme costs and funding possibilities.

Courses to explore

Depending on your existing qualifications, research:

• MSc International Business or related management programmes, where available
• MSc Project Management or other management specialisations, where available
• MSc Data Science or computing-related courses
• Health and biomedical science programmes
• Education-related postgraduate programmes

The exact course title and availability should be checked against the university’s current course catalogue. Applicants should also confirm whether the programme accepts students with their previous academic background.

Why consider Chester?

Chester may be an option for students who want to compare postgraduate courses outside major metropolitan centres. The city and course structure may appeal to applicants who prefer a different study environment from London.

Applicants should not choose a university based on location alone. The curriculum, academic entry requirements, total cost and relevance of the qualification should remain central to the decision.

Tuition fees and admission

The University of Chester lists international postgraduate tuition fees and separate charges for some programmes with a professional placement or project year. Its published 2026/27 fee information provides a useful starting point, but the amount applicable to a particular second master’s must be confirmed.

For 2027 entry, check the course-specific fee, any scholarship conditions and whether additional costs apply to an extended programme.

Official international fee page: https://www.chester.ac.uk/international/fees-scholarships-and-finance/fees/

7. University of East London

The University of East London is another university to research for postgraduate programmes in business, management, computing, health and other professional fields.

Its location in East London may appeal to students who want to study within the wider London area. As with other London universities, accommodation and everyday expenses should be considered carefully when calculating the total study budget.

Courses to explore

Depending on your qualifications and career goals, investigate:

• Business and management master’s programmes
• Digital Marketing and related business specialisations, where available
• Project Management and professional management courses, where available
• Computing and technology programmes
• Health and education-related postgraduate courses

Applicants should check the current programme list rather than assume every subject area is available for every intake.

Why consider East London?

The university may suit applicants who want to explore professional postgraduate options in a London setting. For a second master’s, the most important consideration is whether the course adds a meaningful new specialisation or develops skills that were not covered in the first qualification.

For example, a graduate with a general management master’s might investigate a programme that focuses more closely on analytics, digital business or another relevant area, provided the course is available and the applicant meets its prerequisites.

Tuition fees and admission

The University of East London publishes international fee information and directs applicants to individual course pages for postgraduate tuition fees. Some programmes have different fee arrangements.

For 2027 entry, confirm the exact fee, deposit requirement, academic prerequisites and available intake before applying.

Official international fee guidance: https://www.uel.ac.uk/study/fees-funding/international-fees-funding

Official website: https://www.uel.ac.uk/

Seven UK Universities for a Second Master’s

The following comparison is intended to help you create an initial shortlist. It is not a formal ranking, and inclusion does not mean a university has a separate admission policy specifically for second-master’s applicants.

University	Areas worth exploring	Potential reason to consider it	What to verify
University of Hertfordshire	Business, computing, engineering, health	Broad postgraduate subject options	Course availability, prerequisites and international fees
University of Greenwich	International Business, management and related fields	London location and international business study	Course structure, placement arrangements and total London costs
Northumbria University	Business, finance, computing, health	Range of professional postgraduate programmes	Programme-specific fees, scholarships and entry criteria
University of Portsmouth	International Business and Management, computing, engineering	Business and professional course options	Exact campus, intake, fee and module content
Coventry University	International Business Management, computing, professional courses	Applied business and technology study options	Course suitability, academic requirements and current fees
University of Chester	Business, computing, health, education	Options outside the largest metropolitan centres	Course-specific fees, scholarships and additional placement costs
University of East London	Business, management, computing and professional disciplines	London-based postgraduate options	Exact programme, tuition fee and living-cost budget

How Much Does a Second Master’s in the UK Cost?

The total cost depends on the university, subject, course duration and location. International students should budget for both tuition and living expenses.

Tuition fees

Universities set different fees for different programmes. A specialist laboratory-based course may cost more than a general management programme, while an extended programme may have an additional placement or project fee.

Use the official fee for your intended academic year rather than relying solely on an older estimate or a general university fee range.

Living expenses

Your budget should include:

• Accommodation and utility bills.
• Food and everyday expenses.
• Transport.
• Books, software and study materials.
• Travel to and from the UK.
• Visa application costs.
• The Immigration Health Surcharge, where applicable.
• An emergency fund.

London can be more expensive than many other UK locations, particularly for accommodation. Students should compare the total expected cost of living in each city before accepting an offer.

Scholarships and discounts

Some universities offer international scholarships, tuition discounts or awards for eligible postgraduate students. Conditions vary, and some awards may not be available to every course or applicant.

If you already hold a master’s degree, check whether the scholarship permits applicants with previous postgraduate qualifications. Do not assume that a scholarship is automatically available for a second master’s.

How to Strengthen Your Second Master’s Application

A successful application needs to demonstrate more than the fact that you have already completed postgraduate study. It should explain why the new programme is appropriate and what you expect to gain from it.

1. Explain the difference between your two degrees

Identify the knowledge and skills gained from your first master’s and explain how the proposed programme develops a different or more specialised area.

If the two courses are closely related, refer to the actual modules and learning outcomes to demonstrate the distinction.

2. Connect the course to your career objectives

Explain how the new qualification supports a realistic professional goal. For example, a graduate with a general business degree may want to develop specialised knowledge in supply chain analytics to pursue roles involving logistics planning or operations.

Avoid making vague claims about wanting better opportunities without explaining how the course helps you prepare for them.

3. Demonstrate academic readiness

Show that your previous qualifications and experience have prepared you for the proposed course. If the programme requires particular technical or quantitative skills, provide evidence that you meet the prerequisites.

4. Prepare a focused personal statement

Your personal statement should address:

• Why you want to study the subject.
• What you learned from your previous qualification.
• Why you selected the university and course.
• What additional knowledge or skills you expect to gain.
• How the programme relates to your career plans.

5. Check the immigration requirements

If you are applying from overseas, review the Student visa requirements and prepare the necessary documents. If you are applying from within the UK after previous Student permission, check whether academic progression requirements apply to your circumstances.

Official guidance: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/course

Frequently Asked Questions