Research programs in the UK offer students world-class education, the opportunity to innovate, and the ability to make meaningful contributions to their fields of study. One significant advantage of pursuing a research degree in the UK is that many universities allow students to bring their dependents along. This article highlights universities offering such programs, focusing on admission requirements, language tests, and fee structures, providing students with essential information needed to plan their educational journey.
1. University of Gloucestershire
- Programs Offered: Various research programs, including the Master by Research in International Business.
- Research Proposal: Not required for the Master by Research in International Business.
- Duration: 2 Years
- English Language Requirements: IELTS, PTE, LanguageCert, and Medium of Instruction (MOI) acceptable from 50 Pakistani universities.
- Fees: Starting from £8,450.
- Dependents Policy: Students enrolled in research programs are permitted to bring their dependents to the UK.
2. University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN)
- Research Proposal: Not required.
- Entry Requirements: Above 50% in the last degree.
- Duration: 1 Year
- English Language Requirements: IELTS, PTE, Oxford.
- Fees: £16,900
- Scholarships: Up to £1,000 available.
- Intakes: January, May, September.
- Dependents Policy: UCLAN allows students to bring dependents during their research program.
3. University of Dundee
- Research Proposal: 3,000 words.
- Entry Requirements: 2.6 - 3.0 / 4.0 CGPA.
- Duration: 1 Year
- English Language Requirements: IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, Oxford.
- Fees: £21,940
- Scholarships: £2,000 - £4,000.
- Intakes: January, May, September.
- Dependents Policy: Eligible students can bring their dependents to the UK.
4. University of Lincoln
- Research Proposal: 25,000 words.
- Entry Requirements: Above 60% in the last degree.
- Duration: 16 months.
- English Language Requirements: IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, LanguageCert.
- Fees: £15,900
- Scholarships: £3,000 available.
- Intakes: January, September.
- Dependents Policy: The university permits students to bring dependents while enrolled in their research program.
5. University of Huddersfield
- Research Proposal: Required.
- Duration: 12 months.
- English Language Requirements: IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, ELLT.
- Fees: £17,600
- Scholarships: £2,000.
- Intakes: January, April, September.
- Dependents Policy: Research students at Huddersfield are allowed to bring dependents.
6. Abertay University
- Research Proposal: 6-8 pages.
- Entry Requirements: Upper second-class honours degree.
- Duration: 1 Year.
- English Language Requirements: IELTS, PTE, TOEFL iBT.
- Fees: £13,750 - £15,750.
- Intakes: February, June, October.
- Dependents Policy: Students are eligible to bring dependents during their research studies.
- Application Deadline: 30 November for January 2025 intake.
7. University of Aberdeen
- Research Proposal: Required (depends on the program).
- Entry Requirements: Minimum of 2.2 Honours Degree.
- Duration: Varies by research field, typically 1-3 years.
- English Language Requirements: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE.
- Fees: Starting from £17,500.
- Intakes: January, April, September.
- Dependents Policy: Research students can bring dependents, subject to visa regulations.
8. University of Sussex
- Research Proposal: Required.
- Entry Requirements: 2:1 or equivalent in a related subject.
- Duration: 1-3 years, depending on the research program.
- English Language Requirements: IELTS, PTE, TOEFL.
- Fees: Starting from £18,500.
- Scholarships: Available based on merit.
- Intakes: September, January.
- Dependents Policy: Research students can bring dependents, making the university a good option for students with families.
9. University of Strathclyde
- Research Proposal: Required.
- Entry Requirements: Upper second-class honours or equivalent.
- Duration: 1-3 years, depending on the program.
- English Language Requirements: IELTS, PTE, TOEFL.
- Fees: From £16,000.
- Scholarships: Research grants and scholarships are available.
- Intakes: Flexible, but generally start in September and January.
- Dependents Policy: Eligible research students can bring dependents.
10. University of Glasgow
- Research Proposal: Required for most research programs.
- Entry Requirements: 2:1 honours degree or equivalent.
- Duration: 1-3 years, depending on the field of study.
- English Language Requirements: IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, LanguageCert.
- Fees: Starting from £18,000.
- Scholarships: Scholarships up to £3,000 available.
- Intakes: September, January.
- Dependents Policy: Research students are allowed to bring dependents.
11. Queen Mary University of London
- Research Proposal: Varies by department.
- Entry Requirements: Upper second-class honours degree or equivalent.
- Duration: 1-3 years.
- English Language Requirements: IELTS, PTE, TOEFL.
- Fees: Starting from £19,500.
- Scholarships: Various funding opportunities available.
- Intakes: September, January.
- Dependents Policy: The university allows research students to bring dependents, provided they meet visa requirements.
12. University of Birmingham
- Research Proposal: Required.
- Entry Requirements: 2:1 honours degree or equivalent.
- Duration: Typically 3 years.
- English Language Requirements: IELTS, PTE, TOEFL.
- Fees: Starting from £17,000.
- Scholarships: Various research grants and scholarships available.
- Intakes: September, January.
- Dependents Policy: Students enrolled in research programs can bring dependents.
How to Bring Dependents to the UK
For students planning to bring their dependents to the UK, there are specific visa requirements to meet. The primary applicant (student) needs to be enrolled in a full-time research program. Dependents can apply for a dependent visa, allowing them to live and, in some cases, work in the UK. Generally, the following dependents are eligible:
- Spouse or Civil Partner
- Children under the age of 18
To apply for a dependent visa, students must show evidence of adequate financial resources to support themselves and their dependents while in the UK.
Final Thoughts
UK universities offer diverse opportunities for students pursuing research degrees. With the added benefit of being able to bring dependents, these institutions not only provide top-tier academic environments but also facilitate family integration for international students.
If you're considering a research degree in the UK and want to explore these exciting opportunities, EdMine is here to assist you. We offer personalized counseling, university selection, visa guidance, and pre-departure support to ensure a smooth transition for you and your dependents. Whether it's the affordability of the University of Gloucestershire or the world-renowned research facilities of the University of Glasgow, let EdMine help you find the perfect program tailored to your academic and personal needs.
For more information on how to apply and navigate the process, feel free to reach out to us at EdMine!