Why Start Your Master’s Degree in January

Everything you need to know about starting your Master’s Degree overseas in January.

Just like in the US, the academic calendar at universities in the UK is structured around two main semesters: Fall and Spring. These semesters provide distinct entry points for students looking to begin their higher education journey.

Starting in September, the Fall semester marks the beginning of the academic year and is the favored entry date for most students. However, UK universities also offer a Spring entry date to cater to the diverse range of preferences and circumstances of students.

The Spring semester, which commences in January, provides a unique opportunity for students seeking a mid-year entry. This entry point can be advantageous for those who require more time to prepare for their studies or have not yet graduated.

In this blog, we highlight some popular reasons why so many students choose to enrol in January and answer some frequently asked questions about the Spring entry date.

Four reasons to start your overseas journey in January

	Time to Prepare A January start provides students with additional time to prepare for their postgraduate studies. This includes gathering necessary documents such as a passport, completing any necessary courses, and organizing your finances. This extended preparation period can lead to a smoother transition into your studies.
	Athletic Preparation and Recovery This extended period allows athletes to focus on their sports training and physical conditioning before the academic term starts. Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness level, train for competitions, or recover from a sports-related injury, the months leading up to January provide valuable time to prioritize your athletic pursuits.
	Financial Flexibility With a few months before the academic term begins, students can secure part-time jobs or internships, allowing them to earn extra income and build financial stability. This additional time can be utilized to cover living expenses, reduce the need for loans, or contribute towards educational costs, ultimately easing the financial burden throughout your year overseas.
	Gap Semester Students have the opportunity to take a gap semester for personal growth, travel, internships, or other pursuits before starting their academic journey in January. This period of time before the Spring semester provides an opportunity to recharge, gain new experiences, and expand horizons.

Yes! The UK university sporting season runs from September through to April for most team sports.

By joining in January, you’ll join your university team mid-season. However, beyond the Spring semester, your sporting experience will be based on how long you decide to stay in the UK.

When starting a postgraduate degree in January, you will have the option to graduate in 12 months or 16 months depending on your selected course. If you decide to graduate in 12 months, you will play the second half of the season when you arrive in the Spring and the first half of the following season in the fall. If your course takes 16 months to complete, you can experience a full academic year after your Spring semester, taking your total playing time to one and a half seasons.

Are there opportunities for sports scholarships in the January intake?

Yes, some universities offer sports scholarships for the January intake, similar to the September intake.

What courses are available to study in January?

Whilst there may be fewer available courses to study in January, there is still a diverse range of courses available for study in January. Universities throughout the UK present a variety of options to cater to different academic interests and career aspirations. Popular degrees such as Sport Management, Business and Management, International Relations, Criminology, Journalism, and Finance are widely available among many others.

Will I have time to travel if I join in January?

Absolutely! When you join in January, you’ll have the opportunity to travel during the Spring semester. Universities typically have a two-week break around April/May, known as the Easter break. This pause in the academic calendar offers a perfect window for students to explore the UK, immerse themselves in new experiences, and even venture to nearby European destinations.

When should I apply for a January start?

Applications for Spring entry at UK universities open at different times throughout the year however, most are open shortly after the Fall enrolment date closes. To ensure a smooth application process for a January start, it’s recommended to submit your application as early as possible, and we can help! We can submit applications to UK universities on your behalf as part of our free service, ensuring that you have the best chance of securing your desired January start.

Want to take your sporting career and education overseas in January?

Talk to us today! Every year, we successfully help former US college athletes accept postgraduate opportunities at universities across the UK in January.

Our free one-to-one college counseling service will allow you to explore what overseas opportunities could be available to you this upcoming Spring semester. We will support you the whole way through the process; helping you to evaluate your options and scholarship offers as well as being there to assist with the admission and student visa application should you decide to take your career overseas.