A full time taught course leading to the award of master degree is usually studied over a period of one year, though in a few cases two. Teaching is usually delivered by seminar and lecture, supplemented by individual or small group supervision under a tutor and, if appropriate, practical classes and laboratory work. There is a strong tradition in the UK of close personal contact between student and tutor, though at the same time universities place great value on independent study and students are expected to be able to organize their own time to a greater extent than is the case in Taiwan. In a typical taught masters programme students take taught courses for the first half or two-thirds of the year (usually writing at least one major 5,000 word paper per course), and then work for the remainder of the year on a dissertation. The dissertation is normally between 10,000 and 12,000 words in length and allows students to bring together reading they have done over the year with research into new material. For students on technological or vocational programs the dissertation may be replaced by a practical project more appropriate to their discipline. In most cases, assessment in taught programs is made on the strength of the dissertation/project and written papers or other work submitted earlier in the year, though a number of programs also require a formal written examination as well. Entrance onto a taught master course usually requires a bachelor degree. This should be in a relevant subject but there are many conversion courses available where the bachelor degree can be in any subject. Business and Information technology/computing departments often offer conversion courses to degree holders in any subject area. In some instances mature students without a degree but with substantial relevant work experience can gain admission onto a master programme.
The language requirement is generally 6.5 IELTS or 250 TOEFL but in some cases it can be lower at 6.0 IELTS or 213 TOEFL or higher at 7.0 IELTS.
The MBA programmes mostly require work experience from two to five years though there are a small number that don't require any. Some high ranked business departments require a GMAT score but for the majority this isn't necessary. There is not usually any stipulation regarding the area of study for the bachelor degree.
What you need to apply for a postgraduate course in the UK
University application form - GetSet keeps a supply of application forms for every institution in the UK
Degree certificate and transcript - If you did not graduate from university but have work experience it may be possible to apply to some universities with a junior college diploma)
Study plan
Two references - One from your place of work if you have work experience and one from your most recent place of study. Provide two academic references if you don't have work experience.
IELTS/TOEFL certificate - Most universities allow you to send this at a later date if you don't have it at time of application.
Portfolio - If you are applying for an art or design course you must provide this. A portfolio normally contains at least ten pieces of you work on either CD or slides.
GMAT - Some of the higher ranked business schools require this. Check with GetSet whether or not the institutions to which you are applying require this.
