11 Most Popular Courses to Study In UK

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student in graduation robe smiling & depicting 11 most popular courses to study in uk for international students.

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Introduction

British universities are world-renowned for their academic excellence and diverse degree offerings, making them a top choice for international students. If you want to get marketable skills and access to a wealth of employment options, studying in the UK is the way to go.

With prestigious institutions like Oxford and Cambridge, the United Kingdom takes great pride in continuing its long history of providing world-class education. Over 50,000 Indian students flock to the United Kingdom every year to pursue degrees in the strongest disciplines: the natural and social sciences, the arts and humanities, medicine, and technology.

To secure a promising future, it is crucial to prioritise obtaining top-tier degrees in the United Kingdom, just like many other ambitious individuals. There are numerous courses available in the UK that can significantly enhance your professional prospects.

In this blog, we will take a look at the 11 most popular courses in the UK in 2024 and provide you all the information you need to choose wisely.

Top 11 Course to Study in UK

The United Kingdom’s higher education system is highly regarded for its breadth and depth of study. A lot of international students go to the United Kingdom to study business, engineering, arts, Healthcare and STEM subjects.

Here are the top 11 courses to study in the UK

  • Business Analytics
  • Computer Science
  • Data Science
  • MBA & MIM
  • Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
  • Law
  • Finance, International Business, and Accounting
  • Architecture and Construction Management
  • Engineering
  • Fashion and Interior design
  • Nursing

1. Business Analytics

Business Analytics is one of the top courses to study in the UK due to its relevance in today’s data-driven business world. Real-world projects teach students how to examine datasets, extract insights, and make educated decisions while also providing practical experience. Graduates have significant professional opportunities as the demand for data-driven decision-makers grows across industries.

The demand for skilled professionals in this industry is increasing rapidly, since both start-ups and established businesses require skilled business analysts to succeed.

Popular Programs

  • BSc Data Science and Business Analytics
  • MSc in Business Analytics
  • MSc in Business Analytics and Management Sciences
  • MSc in Business Analytics & Big Data
  • MSc in Business Analytics & Marketing
  • MSc in Business Analytics & Management Science

Average Tuition Fee/ year

£18,000 – £29,500

Top Universities

  • Lancaster University
  • University of Nottingham
  • University of Bristol
  • University of Exeter
  • University of Leeds
  • University of Liverpool
  • University of Bath & many more

Job Prospects

  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • Data Architect
  • Data Analyst
  • Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
  • Chief Data Officer (CDO)
  • Project Manager

Average Annual Salary

£47,302

2. Computer Science

In the UK, Computer Science is a very popular and in-demand course that teaches students basic computer concepts, how to code, and about new technologies like AI and cybersecurity. With an impressive 90% employment rate, graduates have great job prospects. They can also specialise in fields like Machine Learning, Web Development, and Cybersecurity to find even more job options.

As more businesses move into digital marketing and business, there is a greater need for skilled workers in computer science and IT. In the UK, students getting a degree in this field will benefit from excellent teaching methods, one-on-one guidance, and hands-on lessons that are up to date with the latest industry standards.

Popular Programs

  • BSc Computer Science
  • MSc in Advanced Computer Science
  • MSc Human Computer Interaction
  • Software Engineering
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Cybersecurity

Average Tuition Fee/ year

£20,000 – £43,000

Top Universities

  • University of Leeds
  • University of Nottingham
  • University of Bristol
  • University of Sheffield
  • University of Glasgow
  • Newcastle University
  • University of Liverpool

Job Prospects

  • Software Developer
  • Computer Hardware Engineer
  • Computer Systems Analyst
  • Computer Network Architect
  • Web Developer

Average Annual Salary

£35,000

3. Data Science

In the UK, Data Science is a very popular study that teaches students how to use statistics, programming, and machine learning to get useful information from data. Graduates with specialisations in Machine Learning and Big Data Analytics can do well in a wide range of fields. With an employment rate of over 90% and salaries ranging from £45,000 to £65,000, Data Science is a field that offers great job chances and room for growth.

There has been a rise in demand for MS Data Science in the UK over the past few years. Since data scientists do more than people in other jobs, the UK is one of the best places to start a career in data science. Recent studies show that over the next few years, about 80% of businesses in the UK plan to hire more data scientists.

Popular Programs

  • MSc Health Data Analytics & Machine Learning
  • MA Big Data in Culture & Society
  • MSc Health Data Analytics          
  • MSc Data Science & Analytics

Average Tuition Fee/ year

£19,000 – £40,000

Top Universities

  • University of Leeds
  • University of Nottingham
  • University of Bristol
  • University of Sheffield
  • University of Glasgow
  • Newcastle University
  • University of Liverpool
  • Queen Mary University of London

Job Prospects

  • Data Scientist
  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • Applications Architect
  • Data Architect

Average Annual Salary

£52,000

4. MBA & MIM

In the UK, management programs like MBA and MIM are very popular. These programmes teach students everything they need to know about business, from strategy and leadership to finance and marketing. Students learn how to manage people well, make strategic choices, and analyse difficult situations. With good job possibilities and competitive pay, graduates can specialise in fields like business, marketing, or finance to improve their chances of getting a job.

Management grads are the most sought-after workers in most businesses around the world. Some of the world’s top CEOs are MBA or MIM graduates from top universities in the United Kingdom.  This program is also a good choice because of the UK’s high pay scale for management roles.

Popular Programs

  • MBA
  • Global Executive MBA
  • Masters in Financial Analysis
  • MSc Management
  • BSc Business & Management
  • MSc in Management & International Business
  • MSc in Engineering Management

Average Tuition Fee/ year

£40,000 to £1,00,000

Top Universities

  • University of Exeter
  • University of Manchester
  • University of Bath
  • University of Bristol
  • Durham University
  • University of Lancaster
  • University of Birmingham

Job Prospects

  • HR Officer
  • Business Development Representative 
  • Finance Analyst
  • Investment Banker
  • Management Consultant

Average Annual Salary

£35,000 – £65,000

5. Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)

The popularity of the medical discipline in the UK is fueled by substantial investments in research and distinguished faculty. The MBBS programme is highly sought after by undergraduate students due to its lucrative wages and the ability to practice medicine in India with the same degree. Students are provided with exceptional medical education, comprehensive clinical skills, and rigorous patient care training.

The breadth of UK degrees is extensive, with worldwide recognition. It provides a wide range of professional pathways and specialisations, such as cardiology and neurology. Irrespective of the chosen area of expertise, obtaining a healthcare degree guarantees promising opportunities in the future. Medical practitioners are among the highest-earning professionals in the United Kingdom.

Popular Programs

  • MB BChir
  • MBChB
  • BSc Medicine
  • MBBS Medicine
  • BMBS Medicine

Average Tuition Fee/ year

£22,000 – £52,000

Top Universities

  • University of Oxford
  • University of Cambridge
  • Imperial College London
  • King’s College London
  • UCLAN
  • University of Bristol
  • University of Edinburgh
  • University of Glasgow

Job Prospects

  • Anaesthetist
  • Hospital Doctor
  • Obstetrician    
  • Clinical Scientist
  • Cardiologist

Average Annual Salary

£40,000 – £90,000

6. Law

Law courses in the UK are in high demand and widely popular worldwide. Students get knowledge on diverse fields of law, encompassing criminal law, contract law, tort law, and other areas. The demand for attorneys in the UK is substantial and stretches worldwide. Law schools include many specialisations such as business law, human rights law, environmental law, and intellectual property law. These specialisations enable students to select based on their particular interests and career objectives. 

In the UK, lawyers, especially those specialising in corporate law, are quite prevalent. Businesses globally use the services of legal advice and solicitors to manage their legal matters. The United Kingdom is often regarded as one of the leading nations with a well-established and organised system of legal education. If you desire to acquire knowledge about international law, it is advisable to pursue your studies in the United Kingdom.

Popular Programs

  • LLB
  • LLM
  • LLM Corporate Law

Average Tuition Fee/ year

£19,500 to £44,000

Top Universities

  • Queen Mary University of London
  • University of Law
  • University of Leeds
  • University of Nottingham
  • University of Bristol
  • University of Glasgow
  • University of Sheffield
  • Newcastle University

Job Prospects

  • Barrister
  • Solicitor
  • Lawyer
  • Legal Writer
  • Legal Consultant

7. Finance, International Business, and Accounting

Obtaining a master’s degree in finance from a reputable UK institution can greatly enhance your prospects of securing a position at one of the world’s leading financial corporations. Finance courses provide a diverse array of specialisations, which present excellent employment opportunities for graduates. Furthermore, there is a strong demand and popularity for accounting and finance courses, which aim to provide students with crucial financial skills and knowledge and hence the demand for accountants, business professionals, and financial experts is expected to increase in parallel with the advancement of technology and the growth of the economy.

Popular Programs

  • MSc in Financial Economics
  • Masters in Finance
  • MSc in Finance and Accounting
  • MSc Accounting
  • BSc Finance

Average Tuition Fee/ year

£20,000 – £45,000

Top Universities

 

  • University of Exeter
  • University of Manchester
  • University of Bath
  • University of Bristol
  • Durham University
  • University of Lancaster
  • University of Birmingham
  • University of Southampton

Job Prospects

  • Financial Planners
  • Financial Analysts
  • Accountants
  • Business Advisors
  • CA

8. Architecture and Construction Management

The field of infrastructure and building research is experiencing significant growth. Every country aspires to have state-of-the-art infrastructure, world-renowned skyscrapers, and well-designed public spaces. Pursue a comprehensive understanding of architecture in the UK, encompassing a deep appreciation for each individual element. The architecture programme provided in the UK is highly esteemed, featuring a contemporary curriculum and opportunities for international exposure.

Students acquire knowledge in architectural design, construction materials, project planning, and innovative technologies through hands-on workshops and real-life projects. Graduates have a wide range of job options in design, engineering, and construction. They can specialise in areas such as sustainable architecture and historic preservation. The course’s global recognition and contemporary content make it extremely desirable in the United Kingdom.

Popular Programs

  • Master of Architecture
  • BSc Construction Management
  • MSc Construction Project Management
  • MSc Construction Cost Management
  • MSc Construction Management and International Development

Average Tuition Fee/ year

£17,000 – £40,000

Top Universities

  • University of Leeds
  • University of Nottingham
  • University of Bristol
  • University of Sheffield
  • University of Glasgow
  • Newcastle University
  • University of Liverpool

Job Prospects

  • Architect
  • Landscape Architect
  • Urban planner
  • Construction manager
  • Building services engineer
  • Site engineer

Average Annual Salary

£25,000 – £65,000

9. Engineering

When discussing the most important courses in the UK, it is impossible to ignore engineering, which is a comprehensive term that encompasses the entire educational system. The choice of engineering as a field of study was made due to its availability in 37 different streams in the UK. The engineering faculty in the UK offers comprehensive and practical education in various fields, including software, mechanical engineering, and civil engineering.

Students acquire problem-solving, critical thinking, and practical abilities, enabling them to effectively navigate real-world issues. The discipline provides extensive job prospects in several industries, such as construction, automotive, aerospace, and electronics, guaranteeing that graduates continue to be highly sought worldwide.

Suggested Reading: Engineering Management in UK

Popular Programs

  • MEng Chemical Engineering
  • MEng Civil and Structural
  • MSc Civil Engineering
  • MSc Mechanical Engineering

Average Tuition Fee/ year

£14,000 – £50,000

Top Universities

  • University of Leeds
  • University of Nottingham
  • University of Bristol
  • University of Sheffield
  • University of Glasgow
  • Newcastle University
  • University of Liverpool
  • Swansea University
  • Cranfield University

Job Prospects

  • Chemical Engineer
  • Civil Engineer
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Software Engineer
  • Petroleum Engineers

Average Annual Salary

£40,000+

10. Fashion and Interior designing

Are you familiar with London Fashion Week? It is indeed quite familiar. This is attributed to the UK’s substantial impact on the fashion, styling, and interior design sectors. The Fashion & Interior Design degree is widely renowned in the UK for its significant impact on the global fashion and interior business.

The United Kingdom boasts the most prominent designers, best pioneering stylists, and top luxury fashion enterprises. If you have a love for fashion or home decor, the United Kingdom is undoubtedly the ideal place for you.

This course provides instruction on design principles, fabric selection, and spatial planning for fashion and interior spaces, with the option to specialise in certain areas. Graduates possess a wide range of job prospects in fashion houses, interior design firms, luxury brands, and styling agencies, both inside the United Kingdom and on a global scale.

Popular Programs

  • MDes Interior Design
  • MA Interior Design
  • BSc (Hons) Fashion Management
  • MA Fashion Marketing
  • MSc Strategic Fashion Management

Average Tuition Fee/ year

£10,000 – £30,000

Top Universities

  • University of Leeds
  • Loughborough University
  • Kingston University
  •  Manchester Metropolitan University
  • Nottingham Trent University
  • De Montfort University
  • UCLAN

Job Prospects

  • Interior Designer
  • Architectural Designer
  • Design manager
  • Fashion Designer
  • Stylist
  • Brand Manager

Average Annual Salary

£20,000 –  £115,000

11. Nursing

Nursing is the academic discipline that focuses on the ideas and methodologies used to enhance health, prevent disease, and provide care for individuals who are sick, disabled, or nearing the end of their lives. The NHS categorises nursing into four main areas: adult, child, mental health, and learning disability. All four sectors hold similar significance, and it is unsurprising to discover that nursing is among the most sought-after disciplines to pursue in the United Kingdom. Despite the demanding nature of their profession, nurses consistently express a significant degree of job satisfaction and recognise ample prospects for future advancement.

Popular Programs

  • BSc Nursing
  • BSc Clinical Nursing Practice
  • BSc Midwifery Studies
  • MSN Nurse Educator
  • Master in Advanced Practice in Healthcare

Average Tuition Fee/ year

£14,400 – £30,200

Top Universities

  • University of Liverpool
  • University of Edinburgh
  • University of Glasgow
  • University of Bradford
  • King’s College London
  • University of Nottingham

Job Prospects

  • Nurse
  • High-Intensity Therapist
  • Learning Disability Nurse
  • Mental Health Nurse
  • Midwife
  • Critical Care Nurse
  • Paediatric Nurse

Average Annual Salary

£28,400 –  £83,200 

Conclusion

To sum up, the UK provides an abundance of excellent courses that meet a wide range of professional goals. Every field, from nursing to business analytics, offers bright opportunities for both professional and personal development. Studying in the UK allows you to shape a future full of opportunities in addition to gaining knowledge due to its esteemed universities and supportive academic atmosphere. Seize this chance, make a strong course correction, and move forward into an opportunity-filled future. The United Kingdom is waiting to support your goals and help you reach your full potential in the global marketplace. 

FAQs

Studying in the UK gives you access to prestigious universities, a wide range of study options, exciting cultural events, and bright future employment opportunities.

The most popular courses in the UK include Business Analytics, Computer Science, Data Science, MBA & MIM, Medicine, Law, Finance & Accounting, Architecture, Engineering, Fashion & Interior Design, and Nursing.

Employment prospects vary based on the course you take. Graduates can find work as data analysts, software developers, physicians, lawyers, financial analysts, architects, engineers, designers, and nurses, among other professions.

Indeed, a large number of UK universities provide financial aid and scholarships to international students. For information about specific scholarship options, it is advisable to check with our experts.

For overseas students looking to study in the UK, Global Campus provides extensive guidance and support.  We’re here to make sure that your transition to studying abroad is easy and successful, from guiding you for selecting the best course and university to helping with the application process and visa requirements.

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