Cheap Universities in the UK in 2024

There are over 800 universities in the UK listed on Mastersportal, and half of their study programmes cost more than 20,000 pounds per year, while only approximately 500 have tuition fees lower than 5,000 pounds. With fees reaching up to 90k GBP, or even more than 100,000 pounds for some MBAs, UK universities are anything but cheap.

Nevertheless, you will likely also find many affordable — or even free — academic courses, regardless of your nationality. We’ve compiled a list of institutions where you can pursue a master's degree for under 2110 GBP (€2,500) per year. Let's explore which universities made the list.

Universities in the UK with affordable degrees

These are the ten British universities listed on Mastersportal that offer the most affordable programmes.

• London School of International Business
• Middlesex University
• London School of Planning and Management
• University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)
• University of Portsmouth
• Lancaster University

Let’s take them in turn and have a more detailed look at each of them:

1. London School of International Business

The London School of International Business (LSIB) is a modern institution offering flexible online learning opportunities. Over 100 LSIB degrees are available on Mastersportal, of which around a fifth are under 2,100 pounds and half are cheaper than 4,000 GBP. The university focuses on Business and Management programmes, including popular courses such as MBA, Marketing, Finance, and Human Resource Management.

2. Middlesex University

Middlesex University ranks among the top 4% in the world and is based in North London, offering a vibrant and multicultural environment. While living costs in London can be high, the university provides various accommodation options to suit different budgets. It is renowned for its diverse programs, including Business, Law, Health and Education, Art and Design, and Computer Science. With over 100 degrees listed on Mastersportal, Middlesex also provides affordable degrees that cost under 2400 GBP in fields related to Finance and Investment (advanced financial mechanisms, investment strategies, regulatory compliance, and the integration of new technologies in finance).

3. London School of Planning and Management

The London School of Planning and Management (LSPM) is a contemporary institution offering online education tailored for working professionals and international students. Based in London, a city known for its vibrant culture and high living costs, LSPM also provides affordable, flexible learning options. It specialises in programs such as Business Management, Strategic Planning, Project Management, and Health and Social Care. LSPM focuses on practical, career-oriented education, ensuring students gain skills relevant to the global job market.  

4. University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), established in 1828, is located in Preston. It offers a mix of urban and rural experiences. Living costs are moderate, making it an attractive option for students. UCLan is renowned for its programmes in Engineering and Health Sciences and its emphasis on real-world experience and practical skills. The university has over 100 degrees listed on our website, and although only a few cost less than 2,200 GBP per year, UCLan offers rather affordable tuition fees per module compared to other universities.

5. University of Portsmouth

The University of Portsmouth, founded in 1992, is located on the southern coast of England. It lists over 200 degrees on Mastersportal. Known for its affordable living costs, the university offers many popular programs, including Business, Engineering, and Creative Technologies. The University of Portsmouth has several fully funded degree apprenticeships across various fields, including public administration, education, engineering, and journalism. The university also offers reasonably affordable distance learning and degrees in learning at work.

6. Lancaster University

Lancaster University is situated in North-West England. Ranking among the top 1% worldwide, it is renowned for its strong academic programs in Business, Social Sciences, and Environmental Studies. The campus offers a beautiful parkland setting with modern facilities, including advanced research centres, libraries, and sports facilities. Lancaster University is highly regarded for its research and teaching excellence, and its prestige is also reflected in its tuition fees - half of the degrees listed on Mastersportal cost over 20,000 pounds. However,  compared to other universities, Lancaster U has a relatively low cost per module (of about 500 pounds) for some of its programmes.

Scholarships for international students in the UK

As you can see, there are plenty of universities in the UK where you can study for free or at least at affordable costs. But you can reduce your expenses even further with different forms of financial support, such as scholarships, grants, or rent subsidies.

Scholarships are often the most popular, and many international students keep their eyes open for such opportunities. In general, scholarships are awarded based on:

• financial need
• nationality
• previous academic or athletic achievement
• research purposes

---> Browse for scholarships in the United Kingdom on the Mastersportal Scholarship Search.

Check out our partners in the United Kingdom

Since scholarships can make tuition fees significantly smaller, we recommend you also explore degrees offered by some of our partner universities in the United Kingdom:

• Arden University UK
• Brunel University London - Online
• London School of Business and Finance
• University of Law
• University of Law, Business School

These institutions offer excellent programmes and are known for their international student support and vibrant academic environments.

Methodology: 

• The universities presented in this article are British universities listed on Mastersportal.com, with more than 5 Master’s programmes priced under EUR 2,500. 
• Keep in mind that universities can add or remove programmes periodically, so the best way to stay current is to use our search engine and filter degrees by tuition cost.  
• Rankings mentioned in this article are based on the Studyportals University Meta Ranking. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) 

1. Are there any UK universities offering free degrees

You are likely to find free UK degrees on Mastersportal. In the UK, various funding schemes and apprenticeships allow eligible students to pursue degrees at no cost, although these options primarily benefit domestic students. They are often available through government funding, employer contributions, and specific sector funding. It is essential to check specific programme details for international student eligibility.

2. How can I find affordable Master's programmes in the UK?

You can find affordable Master's programmes in the UK by researching universities that offer low-cost degrees, typically under £2,100 per year. On Mastersportal, you can easily sort your search by tuition fee and list the cheapest programmes first out of the thousands of available degrees. Additionally, consider looking at universities in regions with lower living costs and public universities, as they generally have lower tuition fees than private institutions.

3. Are there scholarships available for international students in the UK?

Yes, there are numerous scholarships available for international students in the UK. Scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of your studies. Many universities offer their own scholarships, and there are also external scholarships provided by UK government agencies and private organisations. On Mastersportal, you can find hundreds of available scholarships for UK universities.

4. What are the benefits of studying in the UK compared to other English-speaking countries?

Studying in the UK offers several benefits compared to other English-speaking countries. The UK is known for its prestigious universities, high academic standards, and rich cultural heritage. Additionally, the UK has a shorter duration for master's programmes, often just one year, which can be more cost-effective. The UK also provides opportunities for post-study work visas, allowing students to gain work experience after graduation, which can be a pathway to long-term residency.