Top UK Universities Where Master’s in Research Students Can Bring Dependants
As of January 2024, the UK Government updated its student visa rules, restricting most taught master’s students from bringing dependants. However, there’s good news — students enrolled in research-based master’s degrees (such as MRes, MSc by Research, or MPhil) can still bring dependants under the Student Route.
This guide highlights UK universities offering Master’s by Research programmes that remain dependant-friendly, along with key visa requirements, financial rules, and essential tips.
1. University of Wolverhampton
- Programmes: Offers MSc by Research and MPhil options across various disciplines.
- Key Detail: Full-time, research-based degrees lasting at least nine months qualify for dependant visas.
2. University of Chester
- Programmes: Provides a wide range of MRes degrees in Biological Sciences, Social Sciences, and Humanities.
- Key Detail: Before applying, confirm with the university’s Visa Compliance Office that your chosen course is officially classified as research-based.
3. University of Stirling
- Programmes: Offers MSc by Research and MRes degrees in Environmental Science, Psychology, and Computing.
- Key Detail: Courses are eligible for dependant visas when your CAS confirms they are “research-based higher degrees.”
4. University of Edinburgh
- Eligible Courses: Explicitly lists Masters by Research (MScR) as qualifying for dependant eligibility.
- Key Detail: The programme must be full-time and last nine months or longer to meet UKVI criteria.
5. Royal Holloway, University of London
- Eligible Courses: Includes MRes and MSc by Research options such as MSc Electronic Engineering by Research and MRes Classical Reception.
- Key Detail: Royal Holloway clearly identifies which courses meet the UKVI definition of a “research-based higher degree” (NQF7 Research). Always confirm before applying to avoid confusion.
6. University of Dundee
- Eligible Courses: Students on a full-time research-based higher degree (PhD, MPhil, or MRes equivalent) may bring dependants.
- Key Detail: Ensure your CAS confirms that your course qualifies under UKVI’s research-based category.
7. Brunel University London
- Eligible Courses: Most MRes programmes are designated as research degrees allowing dependants.
- Key Detail: Exception alert — the MRes Social Anthropology course does not qualify as a research degree for visa purposes. Always double-check the classification before applying.
8. De Montfort University (DMU)
- Eligible Courses: Offers Masters by Research across faculties such as Computing, Engineering, and Health Sciences.
- Key Detail: These are typically eligible under the dependant rule, but applicants should verify the CAS wording before submission.
9. University of Greenwich
- Eligible Courses: Offers MSc by Research in Science, Engineering, and Computing.
- Key Detail: Dependants are allowed for full-time, research-based programmes. However, ensure your CAS clearly specifies the course as research-based.
10. University of Gloucestershire
- Eligible Courses: Provides research-based master’s programmes, especially in Business and Social Sciences, that are dependant-friendly.
- Key Detail: Confirm with the visa team that your chosen MRes course is classified as research-based for UKVI purposes.
Crucial Warning: The Exception Rule
The most important factor in determining eligibility is how your university classifies your course on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
- UKVI Definition: A research-based higher degree is a postgraduate course where the research component outweighs the taught element, based on credit or effort.
- University Variations: Policies differ — for example, some universities (like the University of Manchester) allow dependants for MPhil students but not for MRes students.
Action Step:
Always contact your chosen university’s International Student Office or Visa Compliance Team to confirm that your MRes or MSc by Research course is officially listed as a “research-based higher degree” on your CAS for your intake year.
3. Dependant Financial Requirements
Even if your course qualifies, you must still meet the financial maintenance requirement for each dependant:
- In London: £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months per dependant)
- Outside London: £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months per dependant)
The required funds must be held in your (or your dependant’s) account for at least 28 consecutive days before applying for the visa.
Key Visa and Policy Notes
- Only research-based postgraduate programmes (MRes, MSc by Research, MPhil, PhD) qualify for dependant sponsorship.
- Dependants may include your spouse/partner and children under 18.
- Your CAS must clearly state that your course meets the UKVI definition of a research-based higher degree.
- For full details, refer to the official UK Government guidance.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between MRes and MSc by Research?
Both are research-focused master’s degrees. However, an MRes usually includes broader research training and transferable skills, while an MSc by Research centres on a single, in-depth research project.
2. Can dependants work in the UK?
Yes. Dependants of eligible postgraduate research students can work full-time (except as professional sportspersons or coaches).
3. Can dependants study while in the UK?
Yes, they can study without needing a separate student visa.
4. What documents prove financial eligibility?
You can use bank statements, scholarship award letters, or official sponsorship documents showing the required funds held for 28 days.
5. Are all MRes courses eligible for dependants?
Not necessarily. Eligibility depends entirely on how each university classifies your course on the CAS. Always confirm before submitting your visa application.
