#master's programs

I did an MS in Science Journalism, and I did a lot of research into them, so here is an updated basic guide. If you're interested, check them out and put their application dates on your calendar. Apply to multiple so you can play their scholarships against each other. That's very important--it could mean the difference between a lifetime of intense financial pressure under building compound interest, and being wealthy enough to own a house! Just for a few emails of negotiations!

Green=FREE! Free ≠ easy or standardless! In fact, free programs can be even harder to get into!

Science Communication MS *NEW!* Location: Hochschule Ansbach in Germany (All classes in English) Price: Tuition-Free! Even for International students! Length: 3 semesters

Science Writing Master's *BEST IMO!* Location: MIT in Cambridge (near Boston) Price: They PAY YOU to go! I've heard the average student profits $40k by going! (Which, of course, will go to living expenses for the year.) Length: 2 semesters (Full disclosure: I didn't go here, but you could say I'm biased in favor of MIT because they're publishing my book. That said, I already believed this was the best program when I saw they pay you to go. Also, MIT is a pretty respectable institution.)

Science Communication Master's Location: UCSC in California Price: $15k for CA residents, $30k for out-of-state. Might be worth living in CA for a year or establishing residence some other way for the discount. (More details) Length: 3 quarters (similar to 2 semesters, roughly a school year)

Science Journalism Master Classes (non-credit) Location: Remote online Price: Free! Thanks to the Kavli Foundation Length: Flexible Note: This one is without any sort of application process, so yes you can do it without experience or quitting your job or moving! The rest are full-time, selective, more traditional mostly in-person programs.

Science Writing MA Location: Remote online via Johns Hopkins University Price: They won't say Length: 16-36 months

Science, Health, and Environmental Reporting Location: NYU in New York Price: They won't say, but I think something like $50k-$100k Length: 3 semesters

• Roosevelt University, Master's in Community Development and Action

• Hawaii Pacific University, Master's in Sustainable Development and Global Leadership

Choosing the right university for your Master's degree can be a life-changing decision, especially when you're planning to study abroad. The UK is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities, each excelling in specific fields. Whether you're interested in business, engineering, medicine, or the arts, the UK offers tailored programs designed to help you thrive in your career. To make studying in the UK even more accessible, explore options like the British government scholarship, which provides financial aid to international students.

In this guide, we’ll explore UK universities renowned for their expertise in specific disciplines to help you make an informed decision.

🏫 Why Choose the UK for Specialized Education?

The UK’s education system is a global benchmark for excellence. Many universities specialize in specific areas, providing tailored programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and industry connections that pave the way for success. Additionally, the British government scholarship can help ease the financial burden, ensuring international students can focus on their studies.

Here’s why the UK stands out:

✅ Global Recognition: Degrees from UK universities are highly valued by employers worldwide. ✅ Industry-Relevant Skills: Programs are designed to equip students with skills aligned to market demands. ✅ Scholarship Opportunities: Scholarships like the British government scholarship make world-class education affordable.

🏫 Top UK Universities Excelling in Specific Fields

1️⃣ Business & Management: London Business School (LBS)

Known for its globally recognized MBA and Master’s programs, LBS is a leader in business education. It offers unparalleled networking opportunities with global industry leaders and boasts a diverse international student body.

2️⃣ Engineering: Imperial College London

Imperial is a powerhouse for engineering and technology, offering cutting-edge research opportunities and industry partnerships. Fields like civil, mechanical, and aerospace engineering are particularly strong.

3️⃣ Medicine: University of Oxford

Oxford’s medical school is one of the oldest and most respected globally. Its research-led approach provides students with hands-on experience and opportunities to work alongside top researchers.

4️⃣ Law: University of Cambridge

Cambridge offers some of the most prestigious law programs in the world. Its emphasis on legal theory, combined with practical insights, makes it a top choice for aspiring lawyers.

5️⃣ Creative Arts: University of the Arts London (UAL)

If you're passionate about fashion, design, or performing arts, UAL is your go-to university. Programs are tailored to nurture creativity and innovation, with strong ties to the global arts community.

6️⃣ Data Science & AI: University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh leads the way in data science and artificial intelligence. With advanced labs and a thriving tech scene, the university equips students for the future of technology.

7️⃣ Environmental Studies: University of East Anglia (UEA)

UEA is at the forefront of environmental research, offering world-class programs in climate change, sustainability, and environmental sciences.

8️⃣ Finance & Economics: London School of Economics (LSE)

LSE is a global leader in finance, economics, and social sciences. Its proximity to London’s financial hub ensures students gain insights from industry experts.

9️⃣ Computer Science: University of Manchester

Manchester excels in computer science and IT-related programs. From AI to cybersecurity, its cutting-edge curriculum ensures students stay ahead in the digital age.

🔟 Architecture: University College London (UCL)

UCL’s Bartlett School of Architecture is globally renowned. Its innovative programs focus on sustainable and modern architectural practices, blending creativity with technical expertise.

💡 Scholarships to Support Your Journey

Affording higher education can be a challenge, but scholarships like the British government scholarship are designed to support international students financially. These scholarships not only cover tuition fees but often assist with living expenses, making your UK study experience more manageable.

🌍 Making the Right Choice as an International Student

Here’s how to choose the perfect university for your Master’s:

1️⃣ Identify Your Field: Focus on universities excelling in your area of interest. 2️⃣ Explore Scholarships: Research opportunities like the British government scholarship to ease financial stress. 3️⃣ Consider Location: Opt for universities in cities that align with your professional goals. 4️⃣ Evaluate Campus Life: A supportive international student community can make your experience more fulfilling.

🚀 Your Dream University Awaits!

The UK is a land of opportunity for international Master’s students, offering exceptional education and specialized programs to help you shine in your chosen field. With the British government scholarship and countless other financial aid options, your academic dreams are within reach.

I don't even really know where to start. But I guess I will start here.

So Wednesday 10/30/13, as I was paying bills, I realized that my savings account would be gone after I paid bills for December. I freaked out, I graduate in December, I need to find a full-time job. 

But then I realized, I don't have money to apply for grad school. I don't have money to take the GRE. I hardly will have enough money to pay my bills, rent, and car payment. FUCK. So I came to the heartbreaking conclusion that I would have to postpone grad school by almost 2 years. 

I called my mom crying. All she could do was apologize. My family doesn't have money, my dad's job just got temporarily shut down because his bosses decided not to follow government guidelines. My sister doesn't have a job so my parents have to give her money while she is in college. So that leaves me with absolutely paying for everything on my own, with a part time job.... 

So putting grad school off seemed like the only option. It's practical, and I fancy myself a pragmatist, although a rather pessimistic pragmatist at this moment. Let's just forget that it is my dream and I can't picture my life without it. But whatever, money rules this world right?

And also the reaction from my mom just further proved that my family doesn't understand my passion. 

That night, I wrote my theory professor, who also helps me with grad school stuff, and told him that I needed to postpone grad school. He emailed me back and said I needed to meet with him. 

On Halloween, I went to meet with him. As he closed his office door, I immediately burst into tears. He looked at me and said without any prompt, "Amanda, the field and career path you are going into is hard. You are going to have to sacrifice a lot of things. It is competitive. It is long. It is hard. But do you want to know what is harder? Graduating with your BA. Taking time off, "saving money," and then not going to grad school. Being stuck in a job you hate for the next 55+ years. That is worse, much worse." 

He continued to tell me how although he has only had me in his class this semester, he knows that I will get in. He is confident that I will get some type of funding to go to grad school, if not get it all paid for. And he insists that I go, and I go now. All the while, he reassures me that he is not lying and would not lie to me about such a huge decision in my life. And I know this is true because he is trying to steer another student away from grad school right now, because he doesn't feel like a Ph D in Religious Studies is the right place for this guy.

I leave his office even more confused and annoyed because not only did he just reaffirm that I need to go to grad school, but we didn't really come up with a conclusion as to how I am going to get money to apply for all these things.

As I am walking down the hallway with a my professor's coffee mug (which I forgot was in my hand,) I see our department secretary. I explained to her the situation, crying... naturally. As I take a bite of chocolate, she looks at me and says she is going to loan me the money. I almost choke. 

In all reality, the amount isn't that much. But when I have to have the money now, there was no way I could have it in time. 

So after I thank her so much and am just sitting in the department office in shock, I finally get up and speak with the chair for the department. 

And he says the exact same thing as the other professor. This road is a tough one. It is so very hard. Not everybody is made for it. It isn't about intelligence, but about knowing your end goal. He told me so many stories about his fellow colleagues in their Ph D programs, simply drop the program. They got burnt out, their endurance had vanished. All because they didn't have a goal. They were incredibly smart and had the mental capacity to finish the program. Yet, they no longer had any drive. He looks at me and says he has every ounce of faith that I can do it. 

These people are really the only support I have in this endeavor. My friends support me, but many of them don't fully understand how much this all really means. My family hardly gets it. They love me and want what's good for me, but I feel like they don't understand what is right for me. But my professors, the ones that have been through this. The ones that have had to defend themselves to their family and friends, they are the ones that are my biggest support system. 

And I am so, so, so, so, soooooo thankful that I picked this path. That I have met the people that I have met, that I have "brown nosed" my way into friendships with professors (even though I don't find it brown nosing, but my fellow colleagues make fun of me.) I am so thankful that I am sticking with this. 

As Dr. Williams said, there will be a lot of tears shed during this adventure, but it will be worth it. 

So, it looks like I am going to continue on this path. I am going to continue to be extremely poor for at least the next 6 years. It is a good thing I have never wanted to do this for the money. 

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