Start your Masters course in January

When you choose to start your Masters degree is entirely up to you and what suits your personal needs best. Starting your degree in January may just be more convenient for you than starting in October (which is the traditional time to start a Masters degree at Essex). Whether you begin in October or January, you will qualify with the same degree at the end of your period of study.

Yes, both October and January start dates will enable you to graduate with the same qualification.

No, if you begin your course in October, your studies will finish the following October. If you start in January, your studies will end the following January. For example, if you start in January 2026, you will complete your course in January 2027.

Learn about how to apply, the deadlines to submit your application, and other important things to consider during the application process.

Please be aware that some of our courses may close earlier than the deadlines we publish, so if you are interested in one of our courses, we recommend applying as soon as possible so that you don't miss out.

We offer a range of scholarships and financial packages that help students afford the tuition fee costs and other expenses of studying a postgraduate course at Essex. For students starting their degrees in January, we currently have the following available:

• Academic Excellence International Masters Scholarship
• Africa Postgraduate Scholarship
• Masters (PGT) EU Scholarship
• Masters Excellence Scholarship
• The Essex MBA Dean's Award

We also offer an Alumni Loyalty Discount to students who are currently studying their undergraduate degree at Essex and progress onto a postgraduate taught course or are returning to Essex after time away from education and previously studied at Essex.

There's also a wide range of other financial support options to consider, including loans, for students starting postgraduate degrees at Essex.

There will be a range of accommodation available for all full-time postgraduate students who are starting their course in January. 

Once you have received and accepted an offer of study from the University, you will be able to apply for accommodation on campus. Aim to get this done as soon as possible to secure your preferred option. Take a look at the choices available for postgraduate students, which includes North Towers, The Meadows and University Quays at our Colchester Campus and University Square at our Southend Campus.

If you would like to virtually look around our Colchester Campus and accommodation, check out our virtual tour.