Dreaming of studying in the UK, a country known for its rich heritage, multicultural environment, and world-class education system? You’re not alone. In 2024, more than 185,000 international students are pursuing their degrees in UK universities, drawn by the diverse range of programs available.
The top universities in the UK offer over 65,000 courses catering to every student’s needs, making it a preferred destination for international students. From medicine to creative arts and finance to technology, it’s no wonder the best courses to study in the UK open doors to endless opportunities.
But with so many options, how do you pick the best course? Don’t worry; we’re here to help! In this guide, we’ll look at some of the best courses to study in the UK for promising career prospects.
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Key Highlights
| Particulars | Description |
|---|---|
| Best Courses to Study in UK | Business Analytics Data Science Computer Science |
| Top Universities to Study Highly Demanded Courses in UK | University of Manchester Imperial College London University of Edinburgh |
| Best Courses in UK for Jobs | Master of Business Administration (MBA) Medicine Cloud Computing |
Best Courses to Study in UK After 12th
UK universities provide a range of options for students to mix academic and vocational courses, which can be great for those who wish to steer away from the conventional academic path.
With a 74.8% employment rate for international students graduating from UK universities, the country provides opportunities across various fields.
Whether interested in computer science, healthcare, engineering, or business, the UK educational system ensures you have the skills employers seek.
Here is a list of the 10 best courses for international students to study in the UK.
1. Business Analytics
The UK business analytics market is experiencing significant growth. According to a report, the market is projected to reach US$16.97 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 22.9% from 2024 to 2030.
Business analytics is a field that uses past business performance to gain insight and drive business planning.
Let’s look at popular programs, top universities and average annual fee for Business Analytics:
| Popular Programmes | Top Universities | Average Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| BSc. Data Science and Business Analytics MSc. Business Analytics MSc. Business Analytics and Management Science MSc. Business Analytics and Big Data | Imperial College London University of Manchester University of Warwick University of Edinburgh | £18,000 – £29,500 (INR 19L – INR 32L) |
Career Prospects and Salaries
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Machine learning engineer | £56,044(INR 60L ) |
| Data analyst | £38,241(INR 41L ) |
| Chief Technology Officer (CTO) | £89,469(INR 96L ) |
| Chief Data Officer (CDO) | £1,36,638(INR 1.4Cr ) |
| Project Manager | £48,666(INR 52L ) |
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2. Data Science
Data science is a rapidly growing field in the UK that is expected to grow to £801.6 billion by 2035. The course focuses on understanding large data sets, programming, machine learning, and statistical analysis.
Students pursuing a degree in this field in the UK will benefit from state-of-the-art labs and resources, ensuring you’re ready for the tech-driven job market. With over 200 data science courses in the UK, you’ll have plenty of options to find a program that fits your career aspirations.
Let’s look at popular programs, top universities and average annual fees for Data Science:
| Popular Programmes | Top Universities | Average Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| MSc. Health Data Analytics & Machine Learning MA Big Data in Culture & Society MSc. Health Data Analytics MSc. Data Science & Analytics | King’s College London University of Southampton University of Edinburgh London School of Economics and Political Science | £19,000 – £40,000 (INR 20L – INR 43L) |
Career Prospects and Salaries
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Data Scientist | £54,119(INR 58L ) |
| Machine Learning Engineer | £58,787(INR 63L ) |
| Applications Architect | £70,000(INR 75L ) |
| Data Architect | £82,415(INR 88L ) |
3. Computer Science & Information Technology
Computer science and information technology is one of the popular and competitive fields for Indian students in the UK. Did you know the UK has the largest ICT market in Europe, with an annual turnover of approximately $170 billion?
This field includes programming languages, network security, and data management, preparing you for a career in tech, which is booming globally.
Let’s look at popular programs, top universities and average annual fee for Computer Science & Information Technology:
| Popular Programmes | Top Universities | Average Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| MSc. Computing Science MSc. Human Computer Interaction MSc. Artificial Intelligence MSc. IT Security Management MSc. Data Science MSc. Cyber Security | King’s College London University of Oxford The University of Cambridge Imperial College London University College London ( UCL) | £19,000 – £43,000(INR 20L – 46L) |
Career Prospects and Salaries
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | £48,670(INR 52L ) |
| Computer Hardware Engineer | £41,345(INR 44L ) |
| Computer Systems Analyst | £34,424(INR 37L ) |
| Computer Network Architect | £68,320(INR 74L ) |
Read more: Average Salary Of Software Engineer In UK
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4. Management (MBA and MIM)
Did you know? According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, 15 UK universities are ranked among the world’s top 100 for Business & Management Studies.
A degree in management, whether an MBA or MIM, broadly focuses on the planning and running of an organisation.
Let’s look at popular programs, top universities and average annual fees for Management (MBA and MIM):
| Popular Programmes | Top Universities | Average Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) Master’s in Management (MIM) Global Executive MBA Master’s in Financial Analysis MSc. Management BSc. Business & Management | London Business School Oxford University Cambridge University Imperial College London University of Manchester | £40,000 – £1,00,000(INR 43L – 1Cr) |
Career Prospects and Salaries
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| HR officer | $78,617(INR 85L ) |
| Business development representative | £37,608(INR 40L ) |
| Finance Analyst | £44,210(INR 47L ) |
| Investment banker | £48,011(INR 52L ) |
| Management Consultant | £47,589(INR 51L ) |
5. Medicine
The UK is renowned for its medical research investments and highly qualified faculty and infrastructure.
Did you know that the UK’s pharmaceutical market is the sixth largest globally and is expected to grow 7.6% from 2024 to 2030? A degree in healthcare in the UK, regardless of the specialisation chosen, ensures excellent prospects for the future.
Let’s look at popular programs, top universities and average annual fees for Medicine:
| Popular Programmes | Top Universities | Average Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| MB BChir MBChB BSc Medicine MBBS Medicine BMBS Medicine | University of Oxford University of Cambridge Imperial College London King’s College London | £22,000 – £52,000(INR 23L – 56L) |
Career Prospects and Salaries
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Anaesthetist | £11,2873(INR 1.2Cr ) |
| Obstetrician | £93,764(INR 1Cr ) |
| Dentist | £78,503(INR 84L ) |
| Cardiologist | £83,841(INR 90L ) |
6. Nursing
Nursing is the study of principles and techniques for promoting health, preventing illness, and caring for ill, disabled and dying people.
All four areas of nursing are equally important, and it is not surprising to learn that nursing is one of the most popular subjects to study in the UK. As of 2024, approximately 743,000 nursing professionals are employed in various capacities across the UK.
Let’s look at popular programs, top universities and average annual fees for Nursing:
| Popular Programmes | Top Universities | Average Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Masters in Advanced Practice in Health Care BSc. Clinical Nursing Practice BSc. Nursing (Adult/Child/Mental Health) BSc. Learning Disability Nursing Practice BSc. Midwifery Studies | University of Liverpool University of Edinburgh University of Glasgow University of Bradford | £16,000 – £30,000 (INR 17L – INR 32L) |
Career Prospects and Salaries
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Nurse | £35,667(INR 38L ) |
| Learning disability nurse | £33,581(INR 36L ) |
| Mental health nurse | £34,581(INR 37L ) |
| Midwife | £42,275(INR 45L ) |
7. Law
The UK legal sector is the second largest in the world, with over 200 foreign law firms operating in the UK. It contributes around £60 billion to the UK economy each year.
A degree in law in England provides the skills required to practice law in the country.
Most UK law degrees offer you a chance to take a professional placement at a firm for at least a year.
Let’s look at popular programs, top universities and average annual fee for Law:
| Popular Programmes | Top Universities | Average Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| LLB LLM LLM Corporate Law | University of Cambridge University of Oxford The London School of Economics and Political Science University College London | £19,500 – £44,000 (INR 21L – INR 47L) |
Career Prospects and Salaries
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Barrister | £59,798(INR 64L ) |
| Solicitor | £58,968(INR 63L ) |
| Lawyer | £69,474(INR 75L ) |
| Legal Writer | £24,919(INR 27L ) |
| Legal Consultant | £46,777(INR 50L ) |
8. Architecture & Construction Management
Architecture is a high-paying profession that integrates science, technology, art, design, and culture. A degree in architecture not only teaches design aspects to the students but also allows them to explore their creative side.
Architecture and construction management courses in the UK provide international exposure and a modern-day curriculum with great career opportunities. The demand for construction managers is expected to increase 11% faster than average until 2030.
Let’s look at popular programs, top universities and average annual fees for Architecture & Construction Management:
| Popular Programmes | Top Universities | Average Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Master’s in Architecture BSc. Construction Management MSc. Construction Project Management MSc. Construction Cost Management MSc. Construction Management and International Development | University of Cambridge University of Edinburgh Lancaster University University of Manchester | £17,000 – £40,000 (INR 18L – 43L) |
Career Prospects and Salaries
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Architect | £45,296(INR 48L ) |
| Landscape architect | £40,064(INR 43L ) |
| Urban planner | £38,199(INR 41L ) |
| Construction manager | £57,496(INR 62L ) |
| Site engineer | £34,564(INR 37L ) |
9. Engineering
The engineering sector is a cornerstone of the UK economy, directly employing over 5 million people and contributing about 40% of its GDP, forming a major chunk of its national economy.
A UK engineering degree enables you to gain practical skills and work on real-world problems, from designing bridges to developing new technologies.
Let’s look at popular programs, top universities and average annual fees for Engineering:
| Popular Programmes | Top Universities | Average Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| MEng Chemical Engineering MEng Civil and Structural MEng Civil Engineering MSc. Mechanical Engineering | University of Cambridge University of Oxford Imperial College London University of Manchester | £14,000 – £50,000 (INR 15L – 53L) |
Career Prospects and Salaries
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Chemical Engineer | £28,600(INR 31L ) |
| Civil Engineer | £36,906(INR 40L ) |
| Mechanical Engineer | £38,235(INR 41L ) |
| Software Engineer | £57,972(INR 62L ) |
| Petroleum Engineers | £55,141(INR 59L ) |
10. Fashion & Interior Design
Studying fashion and interior design in the UK offers a lively blend of creativity, technical skills, and industry connections.
The UK is home to some of the world’s best fashion and design schools, and with events like London Fashion Week, you’ll be part of a buzzing, innovative industry.
Let’s look at popular programs, top universities and average annual fees for Fashion & Interior Design:
| Popular Programmes | Top Universities | Average Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| MDes Interior Design MA Interior Design BSc. (Hons) Fashion Management MA Fashion Marketing MSc. Strategic Fashion Management | Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design London College of Fashion Conde Nast College of Fashion Design Royal College of Art University of Arts London Oxford University | £10,000 – £30,000 (INR 10L – 32L) |
Career Prospects and Salaries
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Interior designer | £33,709(INR 36L ) |
| Architectural designer | £43,503(INR 47L ) |
| Design manager | £55,782(INR 60L ) |
| Fashion designer | £29,985(INR 32L ) |
| Stylist | £21,088(INR 23L ) |
Best Courses to Study in UK: High Salary for Indian Students
With its world-renowned universities and vibrant job market, the UK has long been a coveted destination for Indian students seeking high-paying careers. For instance, graduates in Data Science can expect average salaries of around £52,000 (INR 56L) annually, while those in Medicine often earn even more due to the high demand for healthcare professionals.
So, whether you’re an aspiring engineer, a future business leader, or someone passionate about healthcare, let’s dive into the courses that can help you secure a high-paying job in the UK!
Technology and IT
| Top Courses | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Network Engineering | £30,000 – £45,000(INR 32L – INR 48L) |
| Data Science | £40,000 – £65,000(INR 43L – INR 69L) |
| Computer Science | £44,143 – £50,000(INR 47L – INR 53L) |
| Cybersecurity | £48,316 – £60,000(INR 52L – INR 64L) |
| Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) | £50,000 – £80,000(INR 53L – INR 86L) |
| Blockchain Technology | £50,000 – £75,000(INR 53L – INR 80L) |
| Software Engineering | £55,000 – £72,938(INR 59L – INR 78L) |
| Cloud Computing | £60,000 – £190,204(INR 64L – INR 2Cr) |
Business and Management
| Top Courses | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| International Business Management (MSc) | £40,000 – £65,000(INR 43L – INR 69L) |
| Business Analytics and Data Science | £40,000 – £70,000(INR 43L – INR 75L) |
| Project Management (MSc) | £40,000 – £70,000(INR 43L – INR 75L) |
| Marketing Management (MBA) | £45,000 – £75,000(INR 48L – INR 80L) |
| Finance and Investment | £45,200 – £105,000(INR 48L – INR 1.1Cr) |
| Human Resource Management (MBA) | £50,000 – £80,000(INR 53L – INR 86L) |
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | £85,000 – £110,000(INR 91L – INR 1.1Cr) |
Healthcare and Medicine
| Top Courses | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy | £30,000 – £50,000(INR 32L – INR 53L) |
| Nursing | £30,000 – £65,000(INR 32L – INR 70L) |
| Physiotherapy | £38,000 – £42,000(INR 41L – INR 45L) |
| Pharmacy | £40,000 – £50,000(INR 43L – INR 53L) |
| Clinical Research | £40,000 – £70,000(INR 43L – INR 75L) |
| Mental Health | £40,000 – £90,000(INR 43L – INR 96L) |
| Medicine | £60,000 – £100,000(INR 32L – INR 1Cr) |
Also Read: Career Opportunities in UK
Cost of Studying in UK
Studying in the UK can be expensive and can vary depending on the program, type of institution, and the city where you choose to live.
Here is the cost of studying in the UK for Indian students based on the type of course.
| Program Type | Annual Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Programs | INR 9L to INR 39L (£9K – £ 38K) |
| Postgraduate Programs | INR 11L to INR 31L (£11K – £30K) |
| PhD Programs | INR 16L to INR 26L (£16K – £25K) |
Scholarships to Study the Best Courses in UK
Studying some of the most in demanding courses in the UK can be affordable with scholarships. One notable option is the British Council Great Scholarships, which offers 198 scholarships annually, with a total fund of £2.6 million, in collaboration with 40 UK universities.
Here is a quick overview of some top scholarships in UK available for international students.
| Scholarship Name | Offered By | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth Masters Scholarships | The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) | Tuition fees Airfare Living allowance of £ 21K (INR 22L) for 12 months |
| The Chevening Scholarships | The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office | Full tuition fees Monthly stipend Travel costs Up to £18K (INR 16L) |
| GREAT Scholarships | British Council | £10K (INR 11L) towards tuition fees for a one-year postgraduate course |
| The University of Oxford Scholarship | Oxford Business School | Up to £30K (INR 32L) |
| Cambridge Masters Scholarships | Cambridge Business School | Up to £15K (INR 16L) |
Also Read: How to get jobs in UK
Ready to pursue the best course to study in the UK? LeapScholar is here to help you study in the UK. We provide personalised assistance with expert counselling, university selection and application support, SOP reviews, financial planning, and visa assistance. Book a free consultation call today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which course is best for studying in the UK?
Ans. The best course to study in the UK depends on your interests and career goals. Popular options include Computer Science, Business Administration, Engineering, Medicine, and Social Sciences. Courses that offer strong career prospects and opportunities for growth, like STEM-related fields, are often considered the best.
Q. How do you pursue a master’s in computer science in the UK?
Ans. To pursue a master’s in computer science in the UK, you need a relevant undergraduate degree (usually in computer science or related fields). Apply to universities offering this course, providing academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, recommendation letters, and proof of English proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL).
Q. Which course is best for a high salary in the UK?
Ans. Courses in high-demand fields such as medicine, dentistry, law, engineering, and computer science typically lead to high-paying jobs in the UK. Business-related courses like an MBA and AI, data science, and cybersecurity roles also offer lucrative salaries.
Q. What are the best short courses to study in the UK?
Ans. The best short courses in the UK focus on high-demand skills such as digital marketing, project management, data analysis, coding, and business management. These courses provide quick upskilling and are ideal for career advancement in areas with immediate job opportunities.
Q. Is it worth studying MBA in the UK?
Ans. Studying for an MBA in the UK can be worthwhile due to the world-renowned universities and strong connections with industries. An MBA from the UK can enhance your career prospects, provide access to global networks, and offer high salary potential, especially in business and leadership roles.
Q. What is the easiest course to study in the UK?
Ans. The easiest course to study in the UK depends on your strengths and interests. Generally, courses like humanities, social sciences, or some arts-related programs might be considered less challenging than those in STEM fields. However, the level of difficulty is subjective and depends on individual aptitude.
Q. Which are some of the top courses to study in London?
Ans. Top courses in London include business administration, finance, engineering, computer science, media and communications, law, and design. London’s universities are renowned for offering high-quality education and access to a vibrant job market.
Q. Which college has the lowest fees in the UK?
Ans. The college with the lowest fees in the UK varies depending on the course and location. Generally, public universities like the University of Bedfordshire, the University of Cumbria, and the University of East London offer relatively low tuition fees, especially for international students.
Q. What are some of the in-demand professions in the UK?
Ans. In-demand professions in the UK include healthcare roles such as nurses and doctors, IT professionals (data analysts, software engineers, and cybersecurity experts), engineers, financial analysts, and teachers. The tech, healthcare, and green energy sectors are particularly growing and hiring rapidly.
Q. Which course is best for UK PR?
Ans. Courses in sectors with skill shortages, such as healthcare, engineering, IT, and education, are the best for gaining a Permanent Residency (PR) in the UK. Studying a course in one of these fields increases your chances of securing a job offer, a key requirement for PR.
Q. Which course is the cheapest in the UK?
Ans. The cheapest courses in the UK are typically vocational courses or those in fields like humanities, social sciences, and education. Universities in smaller cities or regional areas tend to have lower tuition fees than those in major cities like London, which can help reduce overall study costs.
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