Can I do a second Masters or MRes in the UK?

Who Is Eligible for a Second Master’s or MRes in the UK?

If you are considering a second Master’s degree in the UK — sometimes called a ‘double Master’s’ — or even looking at alternatives like an MRes, PhD or DBA, this guide explains everything you need to know. We cover eligibility, visa extension rules, 2-year Master’s options, and whether international students can study two Master’s degrees in the UK and extend your Tier 4 student visa within the UK.
Who is eligible for 2^nd Master’s/ MRes in the UK? “Extend Tier 4 visa.”

• If your first master’s is similar to the second master’s but not identical or you are not happy with your current master’s degree, you can apply for a Second Master’s and extend your visa as a Tier 4 student in the UK. For example, if you have done an MBA, you can still apply for an MSc in International Business
• If you want to apply for a second master’s, you must complete your previous course successfully, or you must provide official evidence of your course completion
• Finally, if you have done your bachelor’s and first master’s from the UK, you have to check your Cap limit before applying for a second master

If you are looking for a Tier 4 visa extension guide from an Immigration lawyer, get a free consultation, click to call on WhatsApp, or call directly on +44 07722990005 to book an appointment. 

What are the MRes Program in the UK: Course Structure and Focus

The Master of Research (Mes) is primarily a research-focused degree, with about 60% to 70% of the course dedicated to an independent research project. Unlike a Master of Science (MSc) or a Master of Arts (MA), which typically focus more on taught modules.

When to apply for a new visa? “Extend Tier 4 visa.”

• If you want to apply for a second masters from inside UK you have to apply before your current visa expires. Remember overstay is a criminal offence and will affect your visa extension.
• You should apply for your new visa before your visa expires.
• You should have enough time to start your application to complete your admission within the proper time.
• Once you applied for your tier 4 visa extension, you can stay in the UK until any decision is made, as your leave is extended by section 3C Immigration Act 1971.

Purpose of leave extended by section 3C Immigration Act 1971

The purpose of section 3C leave is to prevent a person who makes an in-time application to extend their leave from becoming an overstayer while they are awaiting a decision on that application and while any appeal or administrative review they are entitled to is pending.

• If you want to extend Tier 4 visa for a second master’s and want to apply from inside the UK, the start date of your new course must not be less than 28 days after the expiry date shows your latest visa.
• If there is a more 28 days gap between your current visa expiry date to your new course starts date, you have to go back to your home country and apply from there.

What will be the Time limit?

• You have six years’ time restriction in total if you executed a four- or five-year undergraduate route in the UK and desires to follow for a master’s route;
• You have five years and 11 months’ time limit in total to entire your degree level course;
• There is no limit to study MPhil or PhD course however there is eight-year usual restriction if you already have accomplished a doctorate degree and needs to observe for a new course to study which include study below degree level;
• For some course’s applications are exempt from the restriction including architecture, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and science, conversion or expert law courses following a degree in the UK, or track at a Conservatoire. However, time spent on these publications cannot be deducted from any future time restrict calculation for study on a non-exempt course.
• Source: Home Office Website-https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa

Content: Barrister Reza E – Immigration Solicitor 

NOTE: This article is not professional advice, book an appointment to get professional advice.

FAQ: Can I Do a Second Master’s or MRes in the UK?

1. Am I allowed to study a second Master’s or MRes in the UK?
Yes, it’s possible. However, the UK Home Office usually expects each new course to show academic progression (for example, moving from a Master’s to a PhD). Doing another Master’s is allowed in certain situations.

2. When can I do a second Master’s or MRes?
You may be able to if:

• The new course is closely related to your career plans.

• Your university can explain why the new course is academically or professionally useful.

• You are funded by an official financial sponsor (like your home government or an international scholarship).

3. Will my visa application be harder to get approved?
It might take more explanation. UKVI could ask why you want to study another postgraduate degree. If you can clearly show how it supports your career or future studies, your chances are much better.

4. What documents do I need?
Along with the usual student visa requirements (CAS, proof of funds, passport, etc.), you should be ready to explain:

• Why you are taking a second Master’s/MRes.

• How it connects to your future goals.

5. Do I need to show academic progression?
Normally, yes. But if your new Master’s or MRes is justified (for example, it’s in a different but related field or needed for your career), your university can often provide a strong explanation in your CAS.

6. Will this affect my Graduate Route (post-study work visa)?
No. As long as your new Master’s or MRes is a UK-recognised degree and you finish successfully, you should still be eligible for the Graduate Route.

7. What should I do before applying?

• Talk to the international student office at your university.

• Make sure your course provider can issue you a CAS with a clear justification.

• Double-check the latest UKVI rules before submitting your application.