Studying for an MS in the UK opens doors to real career opportunities, especially in fields like IT, data science, engineering, finance, and healthcare. One key reason is the Graduate Route Visa, which lets international students stay and work for 2 years after graduation—no sponsorship needed right away.
With the Graduate Route Visa, MS students can stay and work for 2 years after graduation, without the need for sponsorship right away. In the year ending March 2023, 139,175 Graduate Route Visas were granted, a 48% rise from the previous year.
This article explores exactly how to make the most of these job opportunities after an MS in the UK, with insight into industries, top roles, cities, salary trends, visa paths, and expert. Explore MS from UK university, such as theUniversity of Essex, to get various opportunities. Also, explore MS in Computer Science in the UK.
Job Opportunities After MS in the UK – Overview
The UK offers strong job opportunities for MS graduates in fields like IT, Engineering, Finance, Data Science, and Healthcare. On the Graduate Route Visa, students can stay and work in the UK for 2 years after graduation without needing job sponsorship right away.
This makes it easier to gain local experience, build networks, and later apply for Skilled Worker Visas. With growing demand for skilled talent, MS graduates are in a good position to find jobs in top sectors such as software development, data analysis, engineering, finance, and healthcare.
Many sectors in the UK actively recruit MS graduates. From tech startups to healthcare giants, the country offers career opportunities in diverse fields. Each industry requires specific skill sets, and many roles come with good salaries and clear growth paths.
Information Technology and Software Development
The UK tech industry is rapidly growing, and MS graduates with software and system-related skills are in high demand. Roles in development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing are especially popular across startups and multinational companies.
Highlights:
Category
Details
Key Roles and Skills
Software Developer (Frontend, Backend, Full Stack)
Entry-level software engineers earn around GBP 30,000–38,000 (INR 32L–41L) per year.
Data Science and Analytics
Data science is one of the fastest-growing fields in the UK. With industries investing heavily in data-driven decision-making, MS graduates with analytical skills find abundant job opportunities.
Category
Details
Common Job Titles
Data Analyst
Machine Learning Engineer
Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst
Key Skills
Python, R, SQL
Tableau, Power BI
Machine learning, data modelling
Industries Hiring
E-commerce: ASOS, Ocado
Banking: Barclays, Lloyds Bank
Healthcare: NHS data units, research labs
Salaries
The average starting salary for data scientists is GBP 35,000–45,000 (INR 37L–48L) per year.
The UK continues to support strong engineering sectors, including construction, aerospace, and electronics. MS graduates in mechanical, civil, and electrical streams are in high demand, especially for infrastructure and green energy projects.
Category
Details
Job Profiles
Mechanical Engineer
Civil Site Engineer
Electrical Systems Designer
Skills and Tools
CAD (AutoCAD, SolidWorks)
Project planning tools
Knowledge of British Standards (BS codes)
Major Employers
Rolls-Royce
BAE Systems
Siemens UK
Arup
Salaries
Entry-level engineering roles offer GBP 28,000–35,000 (INR 30L–38L) per year.
London’s global financial standing makes it a prime destination for MS graduates in finance-related fields. Banks, insurance companies, and consultancies regularly recruit students from top UK universities.
Category
Details
Job Titles
Investment Analyst
Risk Manager
Auditor or Tax Consultant
Key Competencies
Financial Modelling
Excel, PowerPoint
Risk analysis frameworks
Top Hiring Firms
Barclays
HSBC
Deloitte
PwC, KPMG, EY
Salaries
New finance graduates earn around GBP 32,000–42,000 (INR 34L–45L) per year.
Healthcare and Biotechnology
Healthcare and life sciences are key industries in the UK. MS grads from biomedical sciences, public health, or biotech courses have good prospects, especially with employers focused on research and innovation.
Category
Details
Popular Roles
Biomedical Scientist
Clinical Research Associate
Public Health Analyst
Skills Needed
Laboratory procedures
Regulatory compliance
Statistical analysis (SPSS, SAS)
Major Recruiters
NHS
AstraZeneca
GSK (GlaxoSmithKline)
IQVIA
Salaries
Starting salaries range between GBP 28,000–34,000 (INR 30L–36L) annually.
The UK is committed to reaching net-zero emissions, which is creating new roles in environmental sciences, sustainability consulting, and renewable energy. MS graduates with relevant degrees have unique opportunities in this emerging space.
Category
Details
Job Titles
Environmental Analyst
Sustainability Consultant
Renewable Energy Engineer
Core Skills
ESG reporting and audits
Climate risk modelling
Environmental impact assessments
Hiring Organisations
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
EDF Energy
Environmental consultancies like Ricardo
Salaries
Entry-level roles pay between GBP 30,000–38,000 (INR 32L–41L) per year.
Most In-Demand Roles for MS Graduates in the UK
Students have access to many high-demand job roles across industries like IT, finance, healthcare, and research after an MS in UK. Roles such as Data Scientist, Software Engineer, and Business Analyst are especially popular among recruiters.
Salaries after completing an MS in the UK vary by industry, job role, city, and previous experience.
Average Salary After MS in the UK
MS Course
Average Salary (GBP/year)
Average Salary (INR/year)
Popular Job Roles
MS in Computer Science / IT
£35,000 – £60,000
₹36,75,000 – ₹63,00,000
Software Engineer, Data Scientist, IT Analyst
MS in Data Science / AI
£40,000 – £65,000
₹42,00,000 – ₹68,25,000
Data Analyst, ML Engineer, BI Developer
MS in Engineering
£33,000 – £55,000
₹34,65,000 – ₹57,75,000
Mechanical Engineer, Civil Engineer
MS in Finance / Business
£32,000 – £50,000
₹33,60,000 – ₹52,50,000
Financial Analyst, Consultant, Accountant
MS in Healthcare / Life Sciences
£30,000 – £48,000
₹31,50,000 – ₹50,40,000
Clinical Researcher, Pharmacologist
MS in Marketing / Media
£28,000 – £45,000
₹29,40,000 – ₹47,25,000
Marketing Executive, Media Analyst
MS in Law
£35,000 – £60,000
₹36,75,000 – ₹63,00,000
Legal Associate, Paralegal
MS in Psychology / Education
£26,000 – £40,000
₹27,30,000 – ₹42,00,000
Counsellor, Research Assistant, Teacher
£1 = ₹105 (approximate exchange rate as of June 2025)
Sources: UK Graduate Market Report 2025, Prospects UK Salary Insights – 2025, Glassdoor, & Indeed UK
Top Paying Cities in the UK
London usually pays the highest, but cost of living is also higher. Smaller cities may pay a bit less but have cheaper housing and travel.
City
Average Salary (GBP/year)
Average Salary (INR/year)
London
£40,000 – £65,000
₹42,00,000 – ₹68,25,000
Manchester
£33,000 – £50,000
₹34,65,000 – ₹52,50,000
Edinburgh
£32,000 – £48,000
₹33,60,000 – ₹50,40,000
Birmingham
£30,000 – £47,000
₹31,50,000 – ₹49,35,000
Glasgow
£30,000 – £45,000
₹31,50,000 – ₹47,25,000
£1 = ₹105 (approximate exchange rate as of June 2025)
Sources: UK Graduate Market Report 2025, Prospects UK Salary Insights – 2025, Glassdoor, & Indeed UK
Factors Affecting Average Salary After MS in the UK
Your salary after an MS in the UK isn’t fixed. Many factors play a role—from your degree and specialisation to your university's reputation and the city you live in. Work experience, certifications, and communication skills also influence your earning potential.
Key Salary Influencers:
Degree Specialisation: Tech and finance-related MS degrees tend to command higher salaries than arts or environmental fields.
University Ranking: Graduates from top-ranked institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, and UCL usually receive better starting offers.
Previous Experience: If you have internships or full-time work experience (even in India), you’ll likely get higher offers.
Location: London and the South East offer the highest salaries, but they also have higher living costs.
Certifications: Add-on skills like AWS, Azure, CFA, PMP, or Python can raise your pay package significantly.
Communication Skills: Being fluent in English (both written and spoken) helps not only in interviews but also in negotiating higher salaries.
Salaries after MS in the UK are promising, especially in fields like tech, data, and finance. Though they vary by city and industry, most graduates can expect competitive pay. Boosting your skills and gaining relevant experience can further increase your earning potential in a short time.
Finding a job in the UK after MS can be easy if you use the right platforms and resources. From job portals to university career centres and recruitment agencies, there are many ways international students can search and apply for jobs.
Top Job Search Platforms – Quick View
Platform/Resource
Type
Best For
LinkedIn
Job Portal + Network
Networking, job alerts, and employer research
Indeed UK
Job Portal
Broad job search across industries
Reed.co.uk
Job Portal
Graduate-level roles and internships
Glassdoor UK
Reviews + Job Listings
Salary insights, company reviews
University Career Centres
Campus Resource
Job fairs, alumni connections, CV support
Recruitment Agencies
Specialised Support
Sector-specific roles, direct referrals
Popular Job Portals for MS Students in the UK
These websites help you search for jobs by location, salary, and visa sponsorship:
LinkedIn – Great for networking with alumni and recruiters. Many jobs show if they sponsor visas.
Indeed UK – One of the biggest portals. Use keywords like "Tier 2 Sponsorship" or "Graduate Visa".
Reed.co.uk – Good for freshers and internships.
Glassdoor UK – Check company reviews and salaries before applying.
University Career Services
Almost all UK universities have career support teams. They help you get ready for the job market.
What You Get:
CV help and mock interviews
Job fairs and employer events
Internship support
Alumni connect for networking
UK-style CV and cover letter tips
Top Recruitment Agencies for MS Graduates
Recruitment agencies help match you with jobs, even ones not posted online. Some also support visa-sponsored jobs.
Best Agencies:
Hays
Michael Page
SThree
NonStop Consulting
GRB (Graduate Bureau)
Work Visa and Post-Study Stay Options in the UK
After completing your MS in the UK, understanding visa options is key to starting a career. The UK offers international graduates a clear path to stay and work through the Graduate Route Visa and the Skilled Worker Visa. Here’s what each option means for you.
UK Work Visas for MS Graduates
Visa Type
Who It’s For
Stay Duration
Work Rights
Graduate Route Visa
MS graduates from UK universities
2 years (3 for PhD)
Full-time work, no sponsorship needed
Skilled Worker Visa
Graduates with a job offer from a sponsor
Up to 5 years
Requires employer sponsorship, leads to PR
Graduate Route Visa
The Graduate Route Visa allows international students who complete a degree in the UK to stay and work for 2 years. It’s one of the easiest ways to begin your career, offering flexibility and time to find a long-term job or even switch to a sponsored role.
Key Details:
Eligibility: You must have completed your MS at a recognised UK university.
Duration: 2 years for Master’s graduates; 3 years for PhD holders.
Cost:
Application fee: £822 (INR 87K)
Health surcharge: £1,035/year (INR 1.1L)
Work Rights:
No limits on job type or salary.
You can work full-time, part-time, or be self-employed.
You can switch to a Skilled Worker Visa if you get sponsored.
Benefits:
No need for employer sponsorship.
Explore any sector or industry.
Ideal time to build UK work experience and apply for permanent roles.
Skilled Worker Visa
If you receive a job offer from a UK employer licensed to sponsor international workers, you can switch to a Skilled Worker Visa. This visa offers a longer stay and opens the door to permanent residency. It’s ideal for those with long-term career goals in the UK.
Main Features:
Eligibility:
Valid job offer from a licensed UK employer.
Salary threshold met (usually £26,200/year or £10.75/hour – INR 28L approx).
Visa Duration: Up to 5 years, renewable.
Cost:
Application fee: £719–£1,500 (INR 76K–1.6L), depending on stay length.
Health surcharge: £1,035/year (INR 1.1L).
Fields with High Sponsorship Availability:
IT and Software
Engineering
Finance
Healthcare
Education
Advantages:
Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
Brings dependents (spouse and children) under the same visa.
Often includes relocation support from employers.
Pro Tip: Plan Your Transition Smartly
If you're unsure about securing a sponsored job immediately after graduation:
Start on a Graduate Route Visa to buy time.
Build local experience and network.
Apply to jobs offering Skilled Worker sponsorship.
Remember: You can’t extend the Graduate Route Visa, so plan to switch before it expires.
The UK offers a friendly and flexible visa system for MS graduates. Whether you start with the Graduate Route or directly with a Skilled Worker Visa, you have strong options to launch your career. Knowing these pathways early helps you prepare your job strategy better.
Challenges Faced by International Students Seeking Jobs in the UK
Doing an MS in the UK is a great step, but getting a job after that is not always easy for international students. There are many challenges, like visa sponsorship issues, high job competition, and a lack of UK work experience. Knowing these problems early can help you prepare better and make smarter job choices.
1. Visa Sponsorship Limitations
Not all companies in the UK can sponsor a work visa. Many small companies avoid it because of the cost and legal process. This means fewer job options for students who need sponsorship. Tip: Try to apply to companies that are Tier 2 licensed sponsors.
2. Competitive Job Market
The job market in the UK is very competitive. You’ll compete with UK graduates, EU students, and people with UK work experience. So, it’s not easy to get selected, especially for entry-level jobs. Tip: Make a strong CV, do internships, and apply early.
3. Sector-Specific Barriers
Some jobs in the UK, like in healthcare, teaching, or law, need extra licenses or UK registrations. Without these, you can’t apply even if you are qualified in your home country. Example: To work in UK healthcare, you may need HCPC or NHS registration.
4. Lack of UK Work Experience
Many UK employers prefer students who have worked in the UK before. If you only have experience from your home country, it may be harder to get shortlisted. Tip: Do part-time jobs, freelancing, or internships during your MS.
5. Communication & Cultural Fit
Even if your English is good, the UK work style is different. Some students find it hard to match the email tone, CV style, or understand accents in interviews.
Tip: Join mock interviews, attend CV workshops, and talk to UK professionals to learn.
Getting hired after an MS in the UK is competitive. Boost your chances with UK-based experience, certifications, networking, and strong CV/interview skills. These strategies help you stand out in a tight job market.
Do internships or part-time jobs during studies: Try to work during your studies in the UK. Even a small internship or part-time job gives you local work experience, which many companies look for.
Attend career fairs and networking events: Universities in the UK often organise job fairs, alumni meets, and career workshops. Go to these events and talk to people. Networking can help you get job referrals.
Get industry-relevant certifications: Along with your MS degree, do short online courses or certifications in tools or platforms used in your field, like Python, AWS, Tableau, Power BI, or Google Analytics.
Work on your communication skills: Many companies expect strong English communication, especially in writing and presentations. Try to improve how you talk in interviews and how you write emails or reports.
Tailor your CV and cover letter for each job: Don’t send the same CV to every job. Make small changes based on the job description. Highlight your skills and projects that match the company’s needs.
Use LinkedIn properly: Make a good LinkedIn profile with your education, projects, skills, and a nice photo. Follow UK companies and apply for jobs through LinkedIn. Also, connect with people in your field.
Apply early and to many jobs: The UK job market can be very competitive, so start applying even before your final semester ends. Apply to multiple roles, even if you don’t meet 100% of the requirements.
Know your work visa options: After MS, you can stay in the UK under the Graduate Route (post-study work visa) for up to 2 years. Learn how it works and mention your visa status when applying.
Conclusion
Completing an MS in the UK opens doors to diverse job opportunities across engineering, IT, healthcare, finance, and data science. Most graduates find employment within 15 months, with starting salaries typically ranging from £35,000 to £50,000 and higher averages for top universities and in-demand roles.
The UK’s Graduate Immigration Route allows international students to stay and work for two years after graduation, making it easier to launch your career.
If you want help choosing the right sector or need support with job applications, connect with upGrad experts; they will guide you every step of the way to secure your dream job in the UK after your MS!
FAQs
Can I stay in the UK after finishing my MS?
Yes, after you complete your MS in the UK, you can stay for 2 years using the Graduate Route Visa. During this time, you can work full-time, part-time or even start your own business.
Do I need a job offer to get the Graduate Route Visa?
No, you don’t need a job offer. You just need to finish your master’s degree from a UK university to apply for this visa.
What kind of jobs can I get after MS in the UK?
You can apply for jobs in fields like IT, Data Science, Engineering, Finance, Healthcare, and more. Jobs like data analyst, software developer, and business analyst are very popular.
How much salary will I get after MS in the UK?
Salary depends on your course, job role, and location. But most freshers earn between £30,000 to £60,000 per year (about ₹31 lakhs to ₹63 lakhs in Indian money).
Which city in the UK gives the highest salary to MS graduates?
London pays the highest, but it’s also more expensive to live. Other cities like Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham, and Glasgow also pay well.
What are the most in-demand jobs after MS in the UK?
Jobs like Data Scientist, Software Engineer, Business Analyst, Researcher, and Systems Engineer are in high demand right now.
Is it easy to get visa sponsorship in the UK after MS?
It’s not very easy. Not every company gives visa sponsorship. But big companies like Amazon, IBM, NHS, Deloitte, etc. usually do hire and sponsor international students.
What is the Skilled Worker Visa in the UK?
The Skilled Worker Visa is for students who get a job offer from a UK company that can sponsor. It allows you to work for up to 5 years and can lead to permanent residency (PR).
Can I change from Graduate Route Visa to Skilled Worker Visa?
Yes, you can switch to a Skilled Worker Visa anytime during your 2-year Graduate Visa if you get a sponsored job.
Where can I search for jobs after MS in the UK?
You can use job websites like LinkedIn, Indeed UK, Reed.co.uk, and Glassdoor UK. Also use your university career service and contact recruitment agencies.
What problems do international students face while job hunting in the UK?
Some problems are visa issues, too much job competition, no UK work experience, and cultural differences in interviews. But doing internships and improving communication helps a lot.
How can I increase my chances of getting a job after MS?
Start applying early, attend career fairs, do internships, get certificates (like Python, AWS, Power BI), and improve your CV and English speaking skills.
