The most popular UK master's programs for international students in 2026 are in business and management, with research master's on the rise. Of users searching the UK, 64% filtered for master's programs, more than any other level. ApplyBoard users searching the UK grew +4% in the last 100 days, and business and management master's remain the largest group.
What Is Driving UK Master's Searches?
- ApplyBoard users searching the UK grew +4% in the last 100 days.
- Research master's (MRes or 'by research') are drawing strong interest from users.
- Business and management master's remain the largest group.
Tip! Research degrees suit students who want independent research skills. Many ask for a research proposal, so check entry requirements. Whether a student can bring dependants depends on the course type: confirm current UKVI rules with the university.
Programs to Explore
Disclaimer: Tuition and application fees come from ApplyBoard program pages as of 20 Oct 2026 and can change. Always confirm current fees on the program page before your student applies.
Coventry University London
Master of Science - Management
Interest from ApplyBoard users has picked up sharply this term for this London-based management master's.
Tuition (1st year)
£19,500
Application fee
No fee listed
Nottingham Trent University Clifton
Master of Research - Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Science
Interest from ApplyBoard users is rising fast this term for this research master's, a fit for students aiming at pharmaceutical or lab careers.
Tuition (1st year)
£18,300
Application fee
No fee listed
University of Gloucestershire Gloucester
Professional Master of Science by Research - International Business
Interest is surging for this research-based business master's, and many ApplyBoard users who view it start an application.
Tuition (1st year)
£13,830
Application fee
No fee listed
University of Gloucestershire Gloucester
Master by Research - Education (Professional)
A steady choice for education professionals who want a research master's, and it turns views from ApplyBoard users into applications well.
Tuition (1st year)
£13,830
Application fee
No fee listed
University of Hertfordshire Hertfordshire
Master of Science - Management
Holds steady interest from ApplyBoard users as a general management master's just north of London.
Tuition (1st year)
£16,450
Application fee
No fee listed
Frequently Asked Questions
A master's by research (MRes or MSc by Research) is a postgraduate degree built mainly around an independent research project, with less taught content than a taught master's.
On ApplyBoard this fall, users are exploring business and management master's most, with strong interest in research master's.
Ready to Apply?
Every program above is open to apply on ApplyBoard. Students can check eligibility, compare intakes and apply in one place, and recruitment partners can do the same for every student they support.
About this data: These trends come from program searches on ApplyBoard between 10 Jul 2026 and 17 Oct 2026, compared with the 100 days before. They are a snapshot of what ApplyBoard users were exploring at that moment, not a ranking of institutions or a statement by any institution. Programs, tuition, intakes, deadlines and immigration rules change often: always check the program page on ApplyBoard and official government sources for the latest before applying or advising a student.