Are you planning to pursue your master’s in the UK but are worried about your low GPA? This list of UK universities that accept low GPA for masters is all you need. Every year hundreds of students around the world dream of studying in the UK and experience its lifestyle, culture, and what it feels like studying at some of the best universities in the world. While a good GPA score helps to secure admission easily, there are many universities in the UK that accept low GPAs and create a level playing field for international students to excel despite the rocky academic start. In this blog, you will find a list of UK universities that accept low GPA for Masters for international students. So, if you are ready to beat the competitive admission process and secure a spot at your dream university, let’s get started.
This Blog Includes:
What is Considered a Good and Low GPA?
Before moving on to the list of UK universities that accept low GPA for Masters, you need to first understand the UK degree classification system. In the UK, degrees are categorised into First-Class Honours, Second-Class Honours, Lower Second-class Honours, and Third-Class Honours. Understanding these categories will help you assess your academic performance according to the UK.
UK Degree Classification | Grade/Percentage | GPA |
First-Class Honours (First or 1st) – Very Good GPA | Grade A or 70% or above | 4.0 |
Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1) – Good GPA | Grade B or 60-69% | 3.3-3.9 |
Lower Second-Class Honours (2:2) – Low GPA | Grade C or 50-59% | 2.7-3.2 |
Third-Class Honours (Third or 3rd) – Very Low GPA | Grade D or 40-49% | 2.0-2.6 |
UK Universities that Accept Low GPA for Masters
Being among the top choices for international students to study abroad, students with lower grades may feel concerned about applying to its esteemed universities. Depending on your nationality, course of interest, and the university you wish to attend, you may be able to secure admission. How? Here is a list of universities that accept international students with low GPA in UK:
University Name | QS World University Ranking 2025 |
Anglia Ruskin University | 501-550 |
Bedfordshire University | 121-130 |
Birkbeck, University of London | 408 |
Birmingham City University | 1001-1200 |
Bishop Grosseteste University | NA |
Buckinghamshire New University | NA |
Canterbury Christ Church University | 1001-1200 |
De Montfort University | 711-720 |
East London University | 901 – 950 |
Leeds Beckett University | 1001-1200 |
Leeds Trinity University | NA |
London Metropolitan University | 1001-1200 |
London South Bank University | 801-850 |
Northampton University | 1001-1200 |
University of Bolton | NA |
University of Hertfordshire | 851-900 |
University of Lincoln | 851-900 |
University of Portsmouth | 631-640 |
University of Roehampton | 251-300 |
University of Wales Trinity Saint David | NA |
University of Winchester | 1001-1200 |
University of Wolverhampton | 1001-1200 |
Wrexham Glyndwr University | NA |
York St John University | NA |
Bonus Tip: How to Get into UK Universities that Accept Low GPA for Masters
Getting into a UK university for a master’s with a low CGPA can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Here are a few strategies to improve your chances and strengthen your application:
- Highlight Relevant Work Experience: Emphasize any professional experience related to your field of study. This shows practical knowledge and valuable skills.
- Strong Personal Statement: Write a compelling personal statement explaining your passion for the course, your goals, and why you’re a good fit despite the low CGPA.
- Letters of Recommendation: Secure strong references from professors or employers who can vouch for your abilities and potential beyond your grades.
- Take Additional Courses or Certifications: Completing online courses or certifications related to your field shows your commitment to learning and helps improve your academic background.
- Apply to Universities with Flexible Admission Criteria: Research universities that consider other factors, such as work experience and personal statement, over just academic scores. This broadens your options and increases your chances of acceptance.
Alternative Pathways to Study Masters in UK with Low GPA
Students who wish to study Masters in UK but have low GPAs can still gain admission through alternative pathways. This includes pre-master’s programs and foundation courses. These programs are designed to help students bridge academic gaps, improve their subject knowledge, and enhance their English language proficiency.
1. Pre-master’s programs
Pre-master’s programs UK are tailored courses that prepare students for postgraduate studies. These programs often include:
- Academic training in core subjects.
- English language improvement modules.
- Skill development for research and independent study.
2. Foundation Courses
Foundation courses UK focus on equipping students with the necessary academic and language skills to meet the entry requirements of their desired master’s program. They typically cover:
- Basic principles of your chosen field of study.
- Practical workshops and seminars.
- Assessments and projects to demonstrate competency.
3. Benefits of Enrolling in These Programs
Pre-masters programs and foundation courses are not alternative pathways but also provide multiple benefits such as:
- Increased Eligibility: Successfully completing a pre-master’s program or foundation course can fulfill academic requirements for universities that otherwise might not accept low GPA candidates.
Skill Enhancement: Students develop academic, communication, and critical thinking skills essential for master’s level study.
Documents Required
Documents required will depend on the course and the university you are applying to. The following are the standard documents required:
- Completely filled application form
- a personal statement – explaining your motivation for choosing the programme and University, explaining your low grades, any relevant skills and experience you have (through studying or work), and your future career aspirations and how this programme will support you in achieving this
- Academic transcripts
- Copy of bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Copy of English language test scores
- Copy of GMAT/GRE test scores
- Self-attested X & XII marksheet and certificates
- 2 references LOR, if required
- Copy of Passport
- Resume
- Portfolio (for design courses)
- Research Proposal (for PG research programs)
All academic transcripts should officially be translated into English.
Popular Courses for Masters in UK
Here are some of the most popular masters courses to study in the UK for Indian students:
- MA Economics
- Law (LLM)
- MBA
- MSc/MA Finance
- MA/MSc Accounting
- MA/MSc Psychol
- Master of Architecture
- Master of Management
- MSc/MEng Computer Science
- MA Political Science
- Master of Engineering
- Masters in Communications
- MA Journalism
- MD
- MSc in Mathematical Sciences
- MA in English
Interesting Blogs
FAQs
Getting a 7.5 CGPA is considered to be a very god grade point. However, it may be quite a high number for some students to get for admission in some of the top universities in the UK.
With a 2.2 CGPA in the UK, the student can apply for several Master’s programmes in the UK. However, before doing the same it is advised that one should look at the eligibility criteria for each course.
UK is a very good option for the student to pursue their Masters degree in the UK. The country is home to some of the top universities.
The GPA requirements for most UK universities favour students with a 3.0 or higher. Although a higher GPA is advantageous, UK universities generally show more flexibility with GPA compared to US universities. Students with a GPA of 2.5 or above still have a wide range of universities to consider.
The minimum accepted GPA at most standard colleges is unofficially 2.0, so while it is possible to gain admission to some colleges with this GPA, it is unlikely for most institutions.
You can do Masters in the UK even with a low GPA depending on the specific university or course requirements. Although the UK is home to the world’s some of top prestigious institutions, many UK universities accept students with as low as a 3.0 GPA.
Yes, it’s possible to pursue a master’s with a 2.5 GPA in the UK. While many top universities may have higher requirements, some universities offer conditional admissions or look at other factors like work experience or a strong statement of purpose. It’s important to research specific university requirements.
A 2.5 GPA is typically equivalent to a 2:2 (Second Class Lower) in the UK grading system. This is considered below average, but some universities may still offer admission, especially if you have other strengths in your application, like work experience or a strong personal statement.
es, you can still get a master’s with a low GPA. Many UK universities consider other factors such as relevant work experience, personal achievements, or a strong statement of purpose. Some programs may offer conditional admission, allowing you to prove your ability through additional coursework or exams.
This was everything you need to know about UK universities that accept low GPA for Masters. Still not sure how to go about it? No Problem! Connect with the professionals at Leverage Edu and realise your study abroad dreams with ease. Contact Leverage Edu to get in touch with study abroad experts and learn more about ideal UK universities according to your GPA, application process, and more details. Call us immediately at 1800 57 2000 for a free 30-minute counselling session.
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I got 5.5 gpa in intermediate would I Abel to study in UK Coventry University
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Hey Ganesh,
Yes, the University of Coventry accepts GPA 5.5 score as the qualifying marks for international students.
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My friend wishes to come and pursue his pg here in uk buy he got 40gpa in his ug so is there any university available in uk
3 comments
I got 5.5 gpa in intermediate would I Abel to study in UK Coventry University
Hey Ganesh,
Yes, the University of Coventry accepts GPA 5.5 score as the qualifying marks for international students.
My friend wishes to come and pursue his pg here in uk buy he got 40gpa in his ug so is there any university available in uk