Choosing the right January intake universities in UK can help international students who need an alternative start date after missing the main September intake. For 2027 entry, several UK universities are opening January programmes, especially for postgraduate students in areas such as Business, Computing, Engineering, Finance and Management.
The short answer is simple: January intake exists, but it does not work like the September intake.
Many students assume that if a university offers January admission, every course will be available. That is not how UK admissions work. A university may offer a January start for an MSc in Business Management while keeping another similar course available only in September.
Here’s the thing. The smartest applicants do not search only for a university name. They compare the exact course, start date, tuition fees, deadline, scholarship availability and visa timeline before making a decision.
This guide covers the latest January intake UK universities for 2027, including postgraduate and undergraduate options, deadlines, popular courses and important application information for international students.
Who Should Choose January Intake UK 2027?
The January 2027 intake can be a practical choice for students who need more flexibility with their UK study plans.
It is especially suitable for:
- Students who missed the September 2026 intake
- Students completing their previous degree in late 2026
- Applicants who need additional time to prepare English test results
- Students who need additional time to plan their education budget and explore available funding options.
- International applicants looking for selected postgraduate opportunities
Here’s the thing. January intake is not a backup option for unsuccessful applicants. Many students intentionally choose it because it matches their academic timeline better.
For example, a student completing a Bachelor’s degree in November 2026 may not want to wait until September 2027 for the next major intake. A suitable January 2027 Masters programme can reduce that waiting period and help the student continue their academic journey sooner.
However, students should remember that January intake offers fewer course choices compared with September. The right decision depends on your preferred subject, university availability and career goals.
List of January Intake Universities in UK 2027
The number of January intake universities in UK is smaller compared with September entry, but international students can still explore a range of recognised institutions offering selected programmes for 2027.
The table below highlights universities with January 2027 entry opportunities, example study areas and the types of programmes available.
| University |
Examples of January 2027 Study Areas |
Entry Options |
| University of Liverpool |
Business, Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering and selected Health programmes |
Postgraduate |
| University of Strathclyde |
Advanced Computer Science, Engineering, Finance, Business and Management |
Postgraduate |
| University of Birmingham |
Computer Science, Advanced Engineering Management, Education and Business |
Postgraduate |
| Queen Mary University of London |
Management, Marketing, Finance and selected specialist programmes |
Postgraduate |
| University of Portsmouth |
Business, Computing, Engineering and Project Management |
Selected Undergraduate, Top-Up and Postgraduate routes |
| Northumbria University |
MBA, Business and selected specialist programmes |
Postgraduate and selected campus-specific Undergraduate Top-Up routes |
| Brunel University of London |
International Business and selected specialist Masters programmes |
Postgraduate |
| Loughborough University |
International Relations, Design Innovation, Digital Marketing and International Business Management |
Postgraduate at the London campus |
Important: January entry is available only for specified courses. Undergraduate options may include top-up, foundation or pathway programmes rather than standard first-year entry. Availability, campus, study mode, eligibility and application deadlines must be confirmed on the individual university course pages.
Tuition fees vary by programme, campus and academic year. Students should check the published international tuition fee for their chosen January 2027 course rather than relying on a general university-wide estimate.
UK Universities With January Intake Postgraduate 2027
For international applicants, UK universities with January intake postgraduate 2027 options provide the widest range of choices.
This is where January intake becomes more practical.
Most available programmes focus on career-oriented subjects such as:
- Business Management
- International Business
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Engineering Management
- Finance
- Marketing
- Public Health
A surprising point many students miss: January intake does not automatically mean easier admission. Universities may have fewer available places because they run smaller cohorts.
University of Liverpool
The University of Liverpool is a recognised option for international students exploring January 2027 postgraduate entry.
Selected January-start Masters programmes are available across areas including:
- Business and Management
- Advanced Computer Science
- Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Engineering
- Selected Healthcare and Allied Health subjects
For example, students interested in technology-related postgraduate study can explore Advanced Computer Science MSc and Data Science and Artificial Intelligence MSc programmes.
An important detail for January 2027 applicants is that the university's welcome activities begin on 25 January 2027, while teaching starts on 1 February 2027 for the listed programmes.
Students can find confirmed courses, entry requirements and application dates through the University of Liverpool's official January postgraduate course list.
Applicants should verify the exact programme requirements and international application deadline before applying.
University of Strathclyde
The University of Strathclyde offers a selection of postgraduate taught programmes starting in January 2027 across its academic faculties.
Examples of January 2027 programmes include:
- Advanced Computer Science MSc
- Advanced Computer Science with Data Science MSc
- Advanced Computer Science with Cyber Security MSc
- Advanced Mechanical Engineering MSc
- Finance MSc
- Business and Management MSc
- Digital Marketing Management MSc
- Marketing MSc
This range makes Strathclyde worth considering for students interested in Computing, Engineering, Finance and Management.
However, not every Masters programme is available in January. Applicants should check the official January 2027 postgraduate programme list before choosing a course.
University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham offers selected postgraduate taught programmes for January 2027 entry.
Confirmed programme areas include:
- Advanced Computer Science MSc
- Computer Science MSc
- Advanced Engineering Management MSc
- Education MA
- International Business MSc
- Financial Management MSc
- Public Management MSc
- Masters in Public Administration (MPA)
These options cover a range of technology, education, business and management subjects.
However, January admission is available only for specified courses. A university offering January entry does not mean that every programme accepts applications for that intake.
For most overseas postgraduate taught applicants, the published January 2027 application deadline is 30 October 2026. Some programmes may have different requirements or deadlines.
Students should verify their preferred course and admission conditions directly with the university.
Queen Mary University of London
Queen Mary University of London offers selected January 2027 Masters and Pre-Masters programmes across several subject areas.
Examples include:
- Management MSc
- Marketing MSc
- Banking and Finance MSc
- Financial Data Analytics MSc
- Artificial Intelligence (Conversion) MSc
- Selected Law and specialist postgraduate programmes
Students comparing London-based universities should consider course content, tuition fees, accommodation and personal living expenses before making a decision.
Queen Mary also publishes scholarship opportunities for eligible January 2027 applicants. Students comparing funding options can review our guide on UK scholarships for international students.
Applicants can explore the university's confirmed courses through its official January 2027 programme page.
Course availability, fees and admission requirements should be checked individually.
More January Intake UK Universities for 2027
Loughborough University
Loughborough University offers a selection of full-time Masters programmes starting in January 2027 at its London campus.
Available subject areas include:
- International Relations
- International Business Management
- Design Innovation
- Digital Marketing
- Finance and Management
- Digital Finance and Artificial Intelligence
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management
One important distinction is that these January-start programmes are offered at Loughborough University's London campus rather than its main Leicestershire campus.
Students should therefore consider the course location, published tuition fees and accommodation costs before applying.
The university provides an official January 2027 Masters programme list with course-level information.
Brunel University London
Brunel University of London offers January entry for selected postgraduate programmes across Business, Computing, Engineering and Management.
Examples of January-start courses include:
- International Business MSc
- Artificial Intelligence MSc
- Engineering Management MSc
- Management MSc
- Finance and Accounting MSc
These programmes may appeal to international students seeking specialist postgraduate study in business, technology and professional management.
However, course availability, fees and study duration depend on the selected programme.
For January 2027 entry, Brunel recommends submitting postgraduate applications by 13 November 2026. Applications after this date may be considered where places and processing time allow.
Students should confirm the relevant admission requirements and application status through the university's official course information.
University of Portsmouth
The University of Portsmouth offers selected undergraduate, postgraduate and pathway programmes for January 2027 entry.
An important consideration is that January course availability differs between the Portsmouth campus and the University of Portsmouth London campus.
Examples include:
- Engineering and Computing Top-Up degrees at the Portsmouth campus
- Selected postgraduate Engineering and Applied Sciences programmes
- Business and Management undergraduate options at the London campus
- Computing and Artificial Intelligence undergraduate options at the London campus
- Project Management and Engineering Management postgraduate programmes at the London campus
- Selected foundation and Pre-Masters pathways
Students should distinguish between standard undergraduate degrees, top-up qualifications and pathway programmes because these options have different academic requirements.
Application deadlines may also vary by campus and applicant nationality.
The university publishes its January 2027 options through its official January course list.
Applicants should confirm their intended campus, course availability, entry conditions and relevant deadline before applying.
Northumbria University
Northumbria University provides January 2027 postgraduate entry opportunities, including selected Business and Management programmes.
One confirmed option is the Master of Business Administration (MBA), offered as a full-time postgraduate programme at the Newcastle City Campus.
Northumbria University London also lists selected undergraduate Business and Management Top-Up programmes with January start options.
Students considering Northumbria should pay particular attention to the course location and study mode, as programmes offered through the Newcastle and London campuses may differ.
Applicants should confirm whether their chosen course is available for January 2027, whether it is campus-based or delivered through another study mode, and whether they meet the academic entry requirements.
UK Universities With January Intake Undergraduate 2027
Finding UK universities with January intake undergraduate programmes requires careful course-level research because undergraduate availability is more limited than postgraduate entry.
Many January undergraduate options are specialised top-up programmes, accelerated degrees or university pathway routes rather than standard three-year Bachelor's programmes.
Examples of January 2027 undergraduate opportunities include:
| University |
January 2027 Undergraduate Options |
Important Details |
| University of Portsmouth |
Selected Engineering and Computing Top-Up programmes; Business, Computing and other courses at the London campus |
Course options vary between Portsmouth and London campuses |
| Northumbria University |
Selected Business and Management Top-Up programmes |
Check the London campus, delivery mode and individual course details |
| University of Dundee |
International Business BSc (Hons) |
January 2027 accelerated undergraduate entry |
| Anglia Ruskin University |
International Business BSc (Hons) Top-Up |
January 2027 entry at Cambridge |
| Birmingham City University |
Business Management BA (Hons) |
January 2027 entry is listed, but nationality-specific application restrictions apply |
Birmingham City University states that it cannot accept undergraduate applications from applicants in Bangladesh under its published January 2027 international admissions arrangements. Students from other countries should also check their eligibility directly with the university.
Students should confirm whether a course offers standard first-year admission, advanced entry, top-up study or a pathway programme. These routes have different academic requirements and may not be suitable for every applicant.
Students who are comparing different UK admission periods can also explore information about September intake universities in UK before choosing the most suitable timeline.
UK January Intake 2027 Deadline
The UK January intake 2027 deadline varies between universities, courses and applicant categories. There is no single national application deadline for January entry.
The following published dates provide useful examples for students planning postgraduate or other eligible January 2027 applications.
| University |
Published January 2027 Application Deadline |
| University of Birmingham |
30 October 2026 for most overseas postgraduate taught applications |
| Brunel University of London |
13 November 2026 recommended postgraduate application date |
| Royal Holloway, University of London |
7 December 2026 for January postgraduate courses; later applications considered individually |
| Kingston University London |
11 December 2026 for standard January international admissions |
| Queen Mary University of London |
14 December 2026 for overseas postgraduate applications; some courses close earlier |
| University of Liverpool |
18 December 2026 for most international postgraduate applications; selected Engineering courses close on 30 November 2026 |
These dates are based on published university information and may differ for individual programmes. Recommended application dates should not be treated as guaranteed final deadlines.
Some universities also set earlier deadlines depending on the applicant's country of residence. For example, the University of Portsmouth lists 2 November 2026 as the new-application deadline for January 2027 Portsmouth-campus applicants from Bangladesh and several other specified countries.
Students should always verify the latest deadlines through official university sources. The University of Liverpool's postgraduate application information and the University of Portsmouth's international application deadlines provide useful examples of university-specific requirements and application timelines.
Applying earlier can provide more time to meet university admission conditions, arrange academic documents and complete enrolment requirements.
Students planning undergraduate applications can also review our guide on how to apply through UCAS before starting their application journey.
Best Courses in UK With January Intake 2027
Students searching for January intake universities in UK often focus only on the university name. However, the course choice usually matters more.
A January start is valuable only when the programme matches your academic background, career plan and budget.
For example, a student with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science may find several January Masters options in Artificial Intelligence or Data Science, while someone looking for a specialised undergraduate programme may have fewer choices.
Examples of subject areas students may explore for January 2027 entry include the following. The availability of individual courses depends on the university, programme and start date.
|
Study Area
|
Popular January Intake Courses
|
|
Business
|
Business Management, International Business, MBA, Project Management
|
|
Computing
|
Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security
|
|
Engineering
|
Engineering Management, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
|
|
Finance
|
Accounting, Finance, Business Analytics
|
|
Marketing
|
Digital Marketing, International Marketing
|
|
Health
|
Public Health and selected healthcare programmes
|
|
Education
|
Education, TESOL and related Masters
|
Here’s the thing. Many international students choose January because they want a faster transition after completing their previous qualification. A student graduating in late 2026, for example, may avoid waiting almost a full year by selecting a suitable January 2027 Masters programme.
Students who are still deciding which subject fits their career goals can also compare options through our guide on best courses to study in the UK.
January Intake UK 2027 Fees and Tuition Costs
Tuition fees for January intake UK universities vary depending on the institution, course, campus, study level and academic year.
Students should not assume that a January-start programme will have the same fee as a September-start programme, even when the course title is identical.
For international applicants, the published fee for the exact January 2027 course is the most reliable starting point for calculating tuition expenses.
The following examples illustrate published international tuition fees for selected January-start programmes.
| University |
Programme |
Published International Tuition Fee |
| Queen Mary University of London |
Management MSc, January 2027 |
£35,250 |
| Brunel University of London |
International Business MSc, 2026/27 academic year |
£24,795 |
| Loughborough University London |
International Relations MSc, January 2027 |
£21,300, including the published £5,000 London anniversary award |
These figures are course-specific examples and should not be interpreted as the tuition fees of all programmes at the universities listed.
At Loughborough University London, the published January 2027 International Relations MSc international fee reflects a specific award arrangement. Eligibility, award conditions and restrictions on combining scholarships should be checked directly with the university.
When comparing tuition fees, students should review:
- The exact programme and January 2027 start date
- International or overseas fee status
- Course duration and campus location
- Any published scholarship or fee discount
- University deposit and payment conditions
Tuition fees can change between academic years and may differ between courses at the same university. Students should verify all figures through official university course pages before making financial commitments.
Living Costs for International Students in the UK
Tuition fees are only one part of the budget.
International students also need to consider:
- Accommodation
- Food
- Transport
- Study materials
- Health-related costs
- Personal expenses
Living costs vary significantly depending on location.
London usually costs more than cities such as Liverpool, Portsmouth or Lincoln.
The UK government provides financial guidance for Student visa applicants. Students should check the latest requirements directly through the official UK Student visa financial requirements.
Living costs depend on the university location, accommodation choices and personal spending habits. Students should prepare an individual study budget using reliable, up-to-date information. Official Student visa financial requirements are separate from estimated living expenses and should be checked directly on GOV.UK.
Think about it this way: two students studying the same course can have completely different monthly costs because accommodation choices often create the biggest difference.
Scholarships for January Intake Universities in UK 2027
Many international students want to know whether scholarships are available for January 2027 entry.
Selected UK universities offer scholarships, tuition fee discounts and other awards for eligible January-start students. However, availability depends on the university, course, nationality, fee status and published award conditions.
Examples of January 2027 funding opportunities include:
| University |
January 2027 Scholarship Information |
| University of Strathclyde |
Selected international postgraduate taught scholarships, including faculty-based awards |
| Queen Mary University of London |
Global Scholarship scheme worth up to £7,000 for eligible students on selected programmes |
| University of Lincoln |
South Asia Scholarship worth £3,000 to £5,000 for eligible postgraduate students from specified countries |
For January 2027, the University of Strathclyde publishes automatic scholarships for eligible international postgraduate taught students, with award values varying by faculty and programme.
Queen Mary University of London also offers its Global Scholarship scheme for eligible applicants to selected January 2027 programmes.
The University of Lincoln's South Asia Scholarship is subject to specific nationality and academic conditions. Its published scheme covers eligible applicants from India, Nepal and Sri Lanka and should not be assumed to apply to every South Asian nationality.
Some university awards are considered automatically, while others may have separate application requirements or deadlines. A scholarship is not guaranteed simply because a student receives a university offer.
Students should review the relevant scholarship's full eligibility criteria and terms directly through official university information.
Useful official references include the University of Strathclyde postgraduate scholarship information and the University of Lincoln South Asia Scholarship.
Students looking for broader funding options can also explore our guide on scholarships for international students in the UK.
Entry Requirements for January Intake UK Universities
Entry requirements for UK universities with January intake postgraduate 2027 options are usually similar to September intake requirements.
Universities normally consider:
- Previous academic qualifications
- Degree subject and grades
- English language ability
- Personal statement
- References
- Professional experience where required
For postgraduate courses, many UK universities commonly ask for:
- A recognised Bachelor’s degree
- Academic transcripts
- English proficiency evidence
- Personal statement or statement of purpose
English requirements vary by university and programme.
Many Masters programmes accept IELTS scores around 6.0 to 6.5, but students should always confirm the exact requirement for their chosen course.
Some universities may accept alternative English tests or previous English-medium education depending on their policy.
Students comparing English requirements can also review our guide on English language requirements for UK universities.
Documents Required for January Intake UK 2027 Applications
Preparing documents early makes the application process smoother.
Most international students need:
- Valid passport
- Academic certificates
- Academic transcripts
- English language certificate
- Personal statement
- Reference letters
- CV for relevant programmes
- Portfolio for selected subjects
- Additional documents specified by the university for admission or enrolment.
Note: Students should consult official GOV.UK guidance or an appropriately regulated immigration adviser for information about Student visa documentation.
Some students underestimate document preparation.
A missing transcript or delayed reference letter can slow down the entire process, especially when applying close to the UK January intake 2027 deadline.
A simple approach works best:
Prepare your academic documents first, then move towards application submission, offer acceptance and visa preparation.
How to Apply for January Intake Universities in UK 2027
The application process usually follows these steps:
Step 1: Choose the Right Course
Start with the subject, not only the university name.
A university may have January entry, but your preferred course may not.
Step 2: Check January Course Availability
Always confirm:
- Course start date
- Entry requirements
- Tuition fees
- Application deadline
Official university course pages provide the most accurate information.
Step 3: Prepare Your Application Documents
Prepare:
- Academic records
- English test results
- Personal statement
- References
- CV if required
Step 4: Submit the Application
Most postgraduate applicants apply directly through the university website.
Some undergraduate applicants may need to use UCAS depending on the course.
Step 5: Accept Your University Offer and Review Official Entry Information
After receiving an offer, students normally need to:
- Meet conditions
- Pay required deposits
- Follow the university’s instructions for accepting your offer, paying any required deposit and completing its CAS-related checks. For immigration requirements and applications, refer to official GOV.UK guidance or an appropriately regulated immigration adviser.
The UK Student visa process requires careful preparation. Students should always follow the latest official guidance from GOV.UK Student visa information.
January Intake vs September Intake in UK
Many students ask whether January or September intake is better.
The answer depends on your situation.
|
Feature
|
January Intake
|
September Intake
|
|
Course availability
|
Limited
|
Widest
|
|
University choices
|
Fewer
|
More
|
|
Popularity
|
Smaller intake
|
Main intake
|
|
Suitable for
|
Students needing flexible start dates
|
Students wanting maximum options
|
September remains the largest UK intake.
January works well for students who already know their target course and want a later start date.
A common misconception is that January admission is easier because fewer students apply. In reality, universities may also offer fewer seats, so competition can remain strong for popular programmes.
Students comparing different admission cycles can also explore May intake universities in UK if they need another possible start period.
January 2027 University Application and Enrolment Timeline
Students applying for January 2027 entry should plan backwards from the course start date.
A practical timeline:
|
Period
|
Action
|
|
August to September 2026
|
Research universities and prepare documents
|
|
September to October 2026
|
Submit applications
|
|
October to November 2026
|
Receive offers and meet conditions
|
|
November to December 2026
|
Complete deposit and CAS process
|
|
December 2026 to January 2027
|
Follow university offer, deposit and enrolment instructions. Check official government information separately for any immigration and travel requirements.
|
Students should avoid waiting until the final weeks.
A January intake gives flexibility, but the visa timeline still requires careful planning.
Frequently Asked Questions About January Intake Universities in UK 2027
Which UK universities have January intake for MBA programmes?
Several UK universities offer January MBA or business-related postgraduate routes, although availability depends on the institution and academic year.
Students should check the specific MBA course page because some universities only offer MBA programmes in September.
Can I get CAS for January intake UK 2027?
A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) may be issued by an eligible UK university once its relevant requirements have been satisfied. CAS issuance is determined by the university and is not guaranteed simply by receiving or accepting an offer. Applicants should contact their university for CAS-related information and refer to GOV.UK for Student visa requirements.
Which universities have January intake in UK 2027?
Popular options include:
- University of Liverpool
- University of Strathclyde
- University of Birmingham
- Queen Mary University of London
- University of Portsmouth
- Northumbria University
- Brunel University London
- Loughborough University
Course availability depends on the specific programme.
Are January intake universities in UK available for international students?
Yes. Many UK universities offer January entry for international students, especially for postgraduate programmes.
What is the UK January intake 2027 deadline?
There is no single deadline.
Most universities set their own dates, and international students should ideally apply several months before January 2027.
Can undergraduate students apply for January intake UK universities?
Yes, but options are limited compared with postgraduate courses.
Students should confirm the exact course start date before applying.
Is January intake better than September intake?
Neither intake suits every student.
January works well for students who need a later start date, while September offers the widest university and course selection.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right January intake universities in UK requires more than finding a university with a January start date.
Before applying, compare:
- Available courses
- Tuition fees
- Entry requirements
- Scholarship opportunities
- Application deadlines
The best January 2027 option is the one that matches your academic background and career plan.
Planning early can make the process much easier. If you need support with university selection, application preparation or your UK study pathway, our free consultation service can help you review the next steps.