UK’s January intake universities: Courses, deadlines, more.

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Anand Patinge

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A lot of Indian students choose the United Kingdom as their study abroad location. The place is home to some of the best universities in the world.

If you want to study in the UK, you need to understand the intake schedule. The January intake universities in the UK are the earliest option for you right now.

UK’s January intake universities: Courses, deadlines, more.

The academic calendar begins in September and ends in July. In this period, students are accepted in three intakes:

  • Fall or September/October intake
  • Winter or January/February intake
  • Summer/Spring or May intake
Intake seasonIntake monthAcademic year
FallSeptemberSeptember–December/early January
WinterJanuaryJanuary–April
Summer/SpringMayMay-August

Why consider January intake universities in the UK?

The fall intake is the most popular among international students to study in UK. However, January intake universities in the UK are underrated and actually a great option. Here’s why. 

  • You get the chance to apply if you have missed the September/October intake.
  • You get more time to work on your application.
  • The January intake universities in the UK receive fewer international applications than the September intake  because it is a secondary intake. So, it increases your chances of getting in
  • It is also a great option for students who are considering taking a gap year. The time frame gives you enough time to relax after finishing school or graduation without having to miss out an entire academic year. 
  • It also gives an opportunity to students who missed the Fall intake deadline for their desired university to re-apply and not miss an academic year. 

Top 10 January intake universities in UK

Top 10 January intake universities in UK

University nameRelevant rankingCourse/Department Education level
Bangor University # 601-650 in QS World University RankingsMA/MSc/MBA in Banking and Finance

MSc Accounting

MSc Accounting and Banking

MSc Accounting and Finance

MA/MBA in Banking and Law.

Only Master’s
Queen Mary University of London117th in the world and 14th in the UK by the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings.MSc Management

MSc Management with Integrated Pre-Masters

MSc Marketing

MSc Artificial Intelligence with Machine Learning

MSc Big Data Science with Machine Learning Systems

Only Master’s 
University of BedfordshireRanked 801-1000 by THE (Times Higher Education)- University Ranking 2022BSc Artificial Intelligence

BSc Business Information System

BSc Cybersecurity

BSc Computer Animation and Visual Effects

BEng Computer Systems Engineering

Both Bachelor’s and Master’s
University of Derby601 in World University Rankings by Times Higher EducationBSc (Hons) Interior Architecture and Venue Design

BSc Electrical and Electronic Engineering

BEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering

BA (Hons) International Business

BA (Hons) International Business and Finance

Both Bachelor’s and Master’s
London South Bank UniversityRanked 801 in World University Rankings by Times Higher EducationAccounting, Finance, Economics, and Marketing

Business Management

Engineering, Architecture, and Built Environment

Education, Psychology, Arts, and Sciences

Nursing, Midwifery

Both Bachelor’s and Master’s 
University of EssexRanked 50th for ‘politics and international studies’ and 55th for sociology in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022.MBA

MSc in Artificial Intelligence

MSc in Behavioral Economics

MSc in Management Economics

LLM in International Law

MSc in Business Analytics

Only Master’s
University of East AngliaRanked #320 in Best Global UniversitiesBA Broadcast and Multimedia Journalism

BSc Operating Department Practice

BA Drama

BSc Physics with a Year Abroad

BSc Economics with a Year Abroad

BSc Social Psychology

Both Bachelor’s and Master’s 
University of YorkOne of the top 24 research universities in the UKBEng (Hons) Music Technology Systems

BEng (Hons) in Electronic Engineering with a Foundation Year

BSc (Hons) Physics

Business and Finance

Both Bachelor’s and Master’s
Lancaster UniversityLancaster is 146th out of more than 1,000 universities in the QS World University Rankings 2023.Advertising and Marketing: BA Hons

Architecture: BA Hons

Biochemistry: BSc Hons

Biochemistry: MSci Hons

Both Bachelor’s and Master’s
Leeds Beckett university Leeds Beckett ranked in the 601-800 band and placed joint 67th of the 93 UK universities assessed by the Times Higher Education.MA English Language Teaching

MA International Human Rights and Practice

MA International Political Economy

MA International Relations

MA Landscape Architecture

MA Peace and Development

MA Public Relations and Strategic Communication

MA Urban Design

Both Bachelor’s and Master’s

Things to consider before you apply for the January intake universities in UK

There are a lot of expectations to fulfill, if you want to get into a good college abroad. 

  1. Talk to advisors

You can discuss your application in India from advisors. 

They will assess your application to check if you meet all the prerequisites and offer you advice to help you study in UK. 

Such consultancy agencies can be expensive and time-taking. Hence, we recommend going to an online free platform.

Sign up on SelectRight. We connect you with mentors who can answer your questions and help you with various aspects of your application. 

Not only that, on SelectRight you can connect with alumni and current students so that you can get relevant advice. 

  1. Language Requirements to study in UK

English language entry requirements vary according to: 

  • which program you are taking – this can affect whether you need the standard English language requirements or the higher English language requirements.
  • the level at which the program is taught 
  • the duration of study. For example, for one-semester programs colleges usually accept a declaration that your education was conducted in English. 

Standard scores needed to qualify for the January intake universities in UK.

IELTS – Overall: 6.0. Listening, reading, speaking and writing: 5.5

Language Requirements to study in UK

TOEFL (iBT) – Overall: 87 , Listening and reading: 20, Writing: 21, Speaking: 22

If you do not meet the direct entry language requirements, some colleges offer supplementary pre-sessional Academic English courses that you can take before or during your academic program. 

  1. Supporting documents you need for January intake universities in UK

Transcript of records

You should have an original transcript in English, or an English translation signed and stamped by your home university. 

Description of the grading system at your home university 

If your university or school followed a different grading system then explain that in your application. 

This will help the academic staff understand your transcript. Failure to provide this could lead to rejection. 

Evidence of language requirements

You have to provide a certificate of your English proficiency test scores to prove that you qualify for the program. 

Reference

Depending on your course and university, you will have to submit one or two academic references. These can be from any lecturer or professor at your home institution who has taught you.

Your referee will only be contacted if there are any points of clarification required about your application.

Portfolio

Some programs like Performance Music and Fine Art and Design require applicants to submit a portfolio of their work. 

When to apply for the January intake universities in UK

Applications for the January intake generally open after applications for the September intake are closed.

The deadline is usually between June and September and will differ for various courses and universities.

Hence, you should check the university’s website and any external agencies through which you have to apply.

We recommend that you gather all the documents and funds at least 3 months before the application deadline. Some universities have a first-come-first-serve system while assessing applications. 

Sometimes the university may also ask for extra information in order to process your application. 

The typical timeline for the September intake starts in June-July when you start prepping. You have to follow multiple stages to get your application assessed. However, for the January intake, your process will have to start in March so that you can submit your application by June, or July. 

A timeline for January intake universities in UK

  1. Use the period between April and May to narrow your scope

  • Choose your course.
  • Choose where you want to study in UK. 
  • Understand your requirements- SOP, LOR and start collecting them.
  • We recommend that you also look at scholarships. You can only apply for scholarships if you have applied to your desired university by a certain time frame. 
  • Start preparing for the tests you have to take.

Choosing a course and university is extremely difficult because there are just so many options. Hence, the process can take up a good chunk of your time.

Use the period between April and May to narrow your scope

Thankfully, we have better ways of doing this today. Like, SelectRight. The AI-based platform uses 6 million data points across 10,000+ STEM, CS & MBA programs to give you transparent and unbiased recommendations on where you should study in the UK. 

The platform matches you with programs based on your requirements. You can create a wishlist of your courses and universities and easily access them at any time. 

  1. Use June to take the standardized tests

You don’t need to take many standardized tests to be admitted to a college in the UK. The typical test is TOEFL or IELTS, take the test in June. This gives you enough time to retake the test, if you score low. 

  1. Apply by July

You should gather all your documents and apply by July. 

A letter of recommendation can be tricky since it’s not in your hands. So, keep in touch with your teachers to ensure that they fill it out in time.

After this, you need to arrange your finances. You must already have an idea about how you are going to fund your education but this is the time to reach out. 

Research and apply for education loans, scholarships and financial aid.  SelectRight can also help you look for education loans and scholarships.

Apply by JulySelectRight can help you find and get into your dream January intake universities in the UK for free. 

Picture of Anand Patinge

Anand Patinge

A master storyteller, Anand has enriched multiple entities with captivating designs, compelling messaging, and impactful media campaigns. Beyond work, you can find him feeding stray dogs, exploring art, and watching insiprational documentaries.

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