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Starting a master's degree in January 2026: deadline, advantages and costs

Updated: 10 November 2025

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Can I start a master's course in January?

For postgraduate students, the option of starting a master's in January is available from many degree providers.

Starting a postgraduate degree in January offers a strong alternative to the autumn rush. It gives you the chance to begin your studies when the new year brings fresh focus, graduate at a different time to most students, and get some breathing space to reset before diving into postgraduate study.

Whether you're balancing work and study, need flexibility to start when it suits you, or simply don't want to wait until autumn, this guide covers what you need to know – from application deadlines and processes to the postgraduate courses available in January 2026, we'll help you decide if this timing works for you.

Woman excited to start a degree in January

Why start your master's in January?

January-start courses offer several benefits. Maybe you're returning from a gap year, working full-time, managing family commitments or just seeking greater flexibility. Starting in January allows you to begin your degree at a more convenient time.

Time to plan your transition

January gives you breathing room to plan. You'll have time to negotiate flexible arrangements with your employer, wrap up projects, or simply think through the connection of postgraduate study with your day-to-day life. And if you're switching career, this timeline lets you research industries, strengthen your application, and prepare financially without rushing into a decision.

Man starting a degree in January from home
 
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Natural momentum

New year, new you. Starting in January aligns with goal-setting and fresh starts. A new year brings focus and energy, and beginning your studies at this time can feel like a natural moment to invest in your career development.

January can also mark a clear point to commit to new goals alongside your existing responsibilities, whether that's balancing study with work, family, or other commitments. You can start when motivation is high and when you're already thinking about where you want to be by the end of the year.

 

Less competition with September graduates

A January intake means graduating at a different time from most postgraduate students. This timing could work in your favour when you enter the job market. Depending on whether you study full-time or part-time, you'll finish your course and begin your job search when fewer graduates are competing for roles. This could make it easier to secure your next career move, earn a promotion, or transition into a new industry.

Two students working together on a laptop, checking January start details for data security and data science courses.
 
Student standing by a desk with a tablet, preparing to contact student services about a master’s course January start.
 

Flexibility to delay postgraduate studies

Imagine this: you've just completed your undergraduate degree, and you're excited to continue your studies and specialise further by getting a postgraduate degree. But the thought of starting your postgraduate degree without a gap in your studies is putting you off and distracting you from your goals.

By starting your postgraduate degree in January, you'll get a well-earned break from studying – as well as the opportunity to recharge, gain valuable work experience, save money, or explore personal interests and hobbies that might have had to take a backseat during your undergraduate degree. Embrace this chance to reset and prepare yourself for the exciting journey that awaits you in your postgraduate degree.

What to check

Not all degree providers offer January start courses, so confirm availability early for your chosen postgraduate course. That means in addition to researching key details like funding, entry requirements, and whether the course is accredited, check the specific start dates for different study modes to plan and prepare for the application process.

Master's courses with a start in January 2026

At Walbrook, our flexible study options mean you can start your postgraduate course in January 2026 – and any month after that. Our 100% online MBA and MSc degrees are designed to fit around your life, whether you're working full-time, managing a business, or balancing family commitments. You choose how and when to study.

Go full-time and complete your degree in 14 months, study part-time over 24 months, or flex between the two as your circumstances change. That means if you start your degree in January 2026, you could be applying what you're learning by spring 2027 for better career outcomes, while using the skills you develop along the way.

You can also study career–focused MSc Business and Management courses in the heart of London, at our campus, in one of the world’s most dynamic business capitals – full-time over 18 months, starting in February 2026.

When to apply for a master’s degree that starts in January 2026

If you are planning to start a master’s course in January 2026, begin by researching your preferred postgraduate course. Not every provider offers a January start, so check the intake, entry requirements and any subject knowledge you will need. This gives you time to line up documents, funding and a realistic timeline as a postgraduate student.

  • Application process for starting a course in January 2026

    Application routes can vary by provider and programme. Some courses take direct applications, while others use UCAS for specific subjects. As an applicant, confirm the route on the course page, gather what is needed for the application process, and submit in good time so there is space for eligibility checks or an interview if required.

    At Walbrook, our online master’s degrees and CMI-accredited MBAs accept direct applications and offer monthly start dates. You can apply any time, choose a January 2026 start if that suits your plans, or pick another month that fits around work and life. Full-time and part-time routes are available on many programmes, so you can study at a pace that works for you.

  • Application deadlines

    Deadlines for entry differ by course and provider. Always check what's available for your programme and apply before your chosen start date to allow enough time for eligibility checks and your first payment to be arranged.

    As well as our online degrees, Walbrook offers campus master’s in the City of London. Check the upcoming start options for campus study – fewer timelines and entry points are available to allow for offer conditions and for international students to arrange visa steps.

    If your course uses UCAS, follow the deadline on the UCAS course page for that academic year. Keeping your documents ready and responding quickly to any requests helps you secure your place for a January start, and make sure you contact student support services if you have questions.

Costs of a January start master’s course

If you are comparing postgraduate course options for a January start, costs usually depend on the provider, the programme and how you plan to study. A January intake does not, on its own, change tuition. Always check the latest totals and any eligibility notes on the course page for your chosen master’s.

How fees work at Walbrook

 

We are proud to offer online postgraduate degrees that are flexible, practical and cost‑effective. Our online programmes start from £7,080, with our CMI-accredited MBAs at £8,880 in total. You can pay per module or pay in full, and we'll confirm any eligible reductions on your offer.

International students studying online: You can earn a UK master’s from anywhere in the world and pay the same tuition as UK students for our online degrees. There are no additional international tuition fees for online study.

London campus master’s: If you prefer to study in person at our London campus, fees are listed by programme for UK and international students. Check upcoming intakes for your chosen course and allow time for offer conditions and visa steps, if required.

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Funding and payment methods at Walbrook

  • Postgraduate Master’s Loan (UK). Many students use the government loan to help cover tuition. See our guide for eligibility and how payments work.

  • Self‑funding and employer support. You can also pay per module or arrange sponsorship with your employer.


Planning your budget for a January start

 

Confirm the full fee on the provider’s course page, choose the study pace that fits your plans, and apply early enough to line up funding and eligibility checks. If you're comparing a range of options, note whether they are online or campus-based, as this can affect both costs and timelines.

 

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Can I study for a master's in London with a start in January?

Woman starting a degree in January working in lunch break

It might be possible to study a master’s in London from January, but availability can vary. The quickest way to confirm is to check a provider’s course page for start dates relating to your postgraduate course – and the location of delivery.

At Walbrook, many of our master's and MBA courses are delivered 100% online, which means you can study from wherever works best for you, including London. If you're based in the UK, you'll earn your degree while staying exactly where you are. If you're an international student, you can study with a London-based institution and gain a UK qualification without needing to relocate.

Master's courses to study in London with a February start

At Walbrook, you can study MSc Business and Management programmes in the heart of the City of London, with our next intake starting in February 2026, and scholarships available for eligible students.

Our on-campus degrees place you directly in one of the world's leading business hubs, with face-to-face teaching, industry connections, and access to the companies and networks shaping global business. Study full-time over 18 months and graduate with both a qualification and a global network to support your career.

Find your master’s – right here in London

  • On-campus

    MSc Business and Management

    Strategy. Leadership. Global growth.

    • Build skills in leadership.

    • Solve real-world business case studies.

    • Understand how markets shift.

    MSc Business and Management
  • On-campus

    MSc Business and Management with Banking and Finance

    Follow the money behind business.

    • Study corporate finance and markets.

    • Learn fintech, banking and strategy.

    • Ideal for upskilling or career switching.

    MSc Business and Management with Banking and Finance

Advantages of starting your postgraduate studies in January

Postgraduate degrees starting in January offer practical benefits that work particularly well if you're balancing work, life, and family commitments. Here's a quick recap with a few fresh angles to consider.

  • Keep momentum. Use the new year to focus and progress.

  • Fit around work. Start at an entry point that matches your project cycles and handovers.

  • Clear study rhythm. Join a new module at the turn of the year and build a routine from there.

  • Space to plan funding. Autumn gives you time to organise finances before you begin.

  • Career timing. Align your master’s with annual reviews, promotion windows and graduate in a less competitive job market.

  • International moves. If you're relocating, January can make visa and housing timelines simpler.

  • Fast route to completion. Start in January and, on many full‑time programmes, you can complete by spring the following year.

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If I start a master’s course in January, when do I finish and graduate?

Woman travelling in a city before starting a degree in January

When you might finish depends on the programme length and how you choose to study. Always check the course page for duration and to confirm when the graduation could be for your provider.

At Walbrook, we pride ourselves on offering flexibility. You can join any month throughout the year, and study full-time or part-time, with flexible study options as your circumstances change. Our online degrees can be completed in as little as 14 months – that means an MBA starting in January 2026, for example, could see you graduating as soon as spring 2027, applying the skills you develop while you study, and using your qualification for career progression the following year.

For our London campus programmes, study duration is typically 18 months full-time or 30 months part-time, so graduation timing will differ depending on the route you choose.

Apply today to start your course in January 2026

 

January could be the perfect time to start your journey towards academic and personal success.

Embrace the flexibility, convenience, and personal progress of starting a degree in January.

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FAQs about starting a degree in January

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