International students studying in the UK can apply for a post-study work visa to stay and work in the UK under the Graduate Immigration Route for two years (three years for PhD students). With this visa, Indian students can stay in the UK for much longer and gain international work experience without needing to be sponsored by someone from the UK.
The Graduate Route aims to retain global talent in the UK and boost its economy. However, the Graduate Route does not count towards settlement. Hence, one may wonder, what are the job prospects in the UK at the end of the two-year visa? The good news is that graduates can apply to other routes once their PSW visa ends, such as the Skilled Worker, Global Talent and Innovator routes.
The UK job market is fiercely competitive, and choosing the right course to study is a crucial first step in getting hired and being able to migrate to the country. Focusing on certain courses, such as STEM courses and the professions listed in the Shortage Occupation List, will give you an edge in settling in the UK.
Read below to learn about what you should study in the UK for better job prospects, or directly contact our in-house visa experts by booking a free consultation today.
What is the Shortage Occupation List?
The UK Shortage Occupation List is the official list of jobs for which there are not enough resident workers to fill the vacancies. The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) regularly reviews and updates the list.
Jobs that appear on the Shortage Occupation List are awarded an additional 20 points under the new point-based immigration system benefiting professionals applying for a residence permit in the UK. Jobs under the Shortage Occupation List are easier to find and much in demand due to skill shortages in the UK. Further, STEM professionals enjoy great job prospects in the UK and worldwide.
The UK Shortage Occupation List includes two job categories facing nationwide shortages.
1: Occupations with 80% of the Going Rate
Health Services and Public Health Managers and Directors – All Jobs
- Areas: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
- Salary: £33,040 per year (£16.94 per hour)
Residential, Day, and Domiciliary Care Managers and Proprietors – All Jobs
- Areas: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
- Salary: £22,640 per year (£11.61 per hour)
Chemical Scientists – Nuclear Industry Jobs Only
- Areas: Scotland only
- Salary: £22,800 per year (£11.69 per hour)
Biological Scientists and Biochemists – All Jobs
- Areas: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
- Salary: £24,480 per year (£12.55 per hour)
Civil Engineers – All Jobs
- Areas: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
- Salary: £27,760 per year (£14.24 per hour)
IT Business Analysts, Architects, and Systems Designers – All Jobs
- Areas: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
- Salary: £30,080 per year (£15.43 per hour)
Welding Trades – High Integrity Pipe Welders Only
- Areas: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
- Salary: £18,480 per year (£9.48 per hour)
Care Workers and Home Carers – Private Households Excluded
- Areas: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
- Salary: £20,960 per year or £10.75 per hour
2: Health and Education Occupations Based on National Pay Scales
Medical Practitioners – All Jobs
- Areas: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
Secondary Education Teaching Professionals – Specific Subjects Only
- Areas: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
- Subjects: Maths, Physics, Science (with a physics element), Computer Science, Modern Foreign Languages
Nursing Auxiliaries and Assistants – All Jobs
- Areas: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
This list addresses shortages in critical sectors, allowing employers to hire skilled workers from abroad to fill these gaps in various regions of the UK.
Best Subjects to Study in the UK based on the Shortage Occupation List
Choosing from popular subjects to study in the UK when planning your future in the country is no longer enough. It’s extremely important to pick the right subject area and course to increase your employability in the UK, as the job market is highly competitive.
1. Medicine
Pursuing a degree in medicine opens doors to becoming a doctor, cardiologist, or anaesthetist, caring for hospital patients. With a starting salary of GBP 45,000, the UK's world-class medical education and facilities ensure a 99% employment rate for graduates.
- Employment Rate: 99%
- Starting Salary: GBP 45,000
- Job Prospects: Cardiologist, General Practice Doctor, Dental Technician, etc.
2. Health-Related Subjects
Opting for health-related subjects, like nutrition or physiotherapy, leads to roles such as nutritionist or physiotherapist. Graduates find employment within six months, kickstarting rewarding careers with a starting salary of GBP 22,000.
- Employment Rate: 95%
- Starting Salary: GBP 22,000
- Job Prospects: Nutritionist, Physiotherapist, Dietician, etc.
3. Engineering
Engineering offers exciting career paths as a mechanical engineer, civil engineer, or design specialist. With a starting salary of GBP 25,000, engineering graduates, known for their high employability, acquire skills for innovative roles in the corporate world.
- Employment Rate: 92%
- Starting Salary: GBP 25,000
- Job Prospects: Mechanical Engineer, Design and Development Engineer, Civil Engineer, etc.
4. Teaching
A teaching degree opens doors to roles like teaching assistant or early years teacher. With a starting salary of GBP 22,000, the high demand for teachers in the UK ensures a 92% employment rate, making it a rewarding career choice.
- Employment Rate: 92%
- Starting Salary: GBP 22,000
- Job Prospects: Ofsted Inspector, Teaching Assistant, Early Years Teacher, etc.
5. Architecture
Studying Architecture leads to becoming an architect or urban designer, shaping the built environment. With a starting salary of GBP 22,000, architecture graduates enjoy a 92% employment rate, often venturing into self-employment or working for established firms.
- Employment Rate: 92%
- Starting Salary: GBP 22,000
- Job Prospects: CAD Technician, Architect, Urban Designer, etc.
6. Business & Management:
Business and management courses prepare students for supply chain or project manager roles. With a starting salary of GBP 37,000, these courses offer diverse skills in communication, strategic thinking, and leadership for various organizational positions.
- Employment Rate: 90%
- Starting Salary: GBP 37,000
- Job Prospects: Supply Chain Manager, Project Manager, Business Analyst, etc.
7. Finance
Financial courses open doors to roles like accounting technician or financial officer overseeing a company's financial operations. With a starting salary of GBP 32,000, graduates gain financial management, investment, and budgeting expertise.
- Employment Rate: 90%
- Starting Salary: GBP 32,000
- Job Prospects: Accounting Technician, Bank Manager, Financial Officer, etc.
8. Computer Science
Studying computer science leads to exciting careers as a web developer, data analyst, or software engineer. With a starting salary of GBP 30,000, computer science graduates meet the high demand for tech professionals, acquiring skills in programming, digital marketing, and cloud computing.
- Employment Rate: 90%
- Starting Salary: GBP 30,000
- Job Prospects: Web Developer, Data Analyst, Software Developer, etc.
9. Economics
Economics courses provide insights into global economies, offering roles like statistician or economist. With a starting salary of GBP 35,000, graduates can work in diverse fields, applying economic strategies and regulations to maintain fiscal discipline.
- Employment Rate: 89%
- Starting Salary: GBP 35,000
- Job Prospects: Statistician, Economist, Data Analyst, etc.
10. Law
A law degree opens avenues to become a solicitor, patent attorney, or arbitrator, with an average annual salary of GBP 35,000. With an 88% employment rate, legal degrees from UK schools are globally recognized, paving the way for prestigious careers.
- Employment Rate: 88%
- Starting Salary: GBP 35,000
- Job Prospects: Patent Attorney, Barrister, Solicitor, etc.
These courses offer diverse opportunities, reflecting the competitive job market in the UK. Students can align their interests and skills with these courses to enhance their employability and pursue successful careers.
Other Subjects
According to the list, other subjects that can provide good employment prospects in the UK include human resource management, archaeology, life sciences, and social work.
Study in the UK
Studying these popular and in-demand subjects in the UK can help you have a long-term future in the country. Book your free consultation with SI-UK India today if you want to apply to the above courses at UK universities.
FAQs
How does the shortage occupation list impact Indian students studying in the UK?
The shortage occupation list can benefit Indian students in the UK. If their chosen field is on the list, it may increase job opportunities as employers can hire skilled workers from abroad. This can make it easier for Indian students to find employment related to their studies.
Does the shortage occupation list affect job prospects for Indian students post-graduation?
The shortage occupation list can positively impact job prospects for Indian students after graduation. If their field is on the list, it indicates a shortage of skilled workers, making it more likely for them to find employment in the UK.
Is there a time limit to enter the UK after getting a skilled worker visa?
There is no specific time limit for entering the UK after obtaining a skilled worker visa. However, it's crucial to enter before the visa's expiry date. Planning and timely entry are essential to ensure a smooth transition to work or study in the UK.
How often does the shortage occupation list update, and how does it affect students?
The shortage occupation list is typically updated periodically. The frequency can vary, but students must stay informed about the updates. Changes to the list can impact job opportunities and the demand for specific skills.
How can Indian students best prepare themselves to pursue these in-demand UK subjects?
Indian students aiming for these in-demand subjects should stay informed about industry trends and the evolving job market. Networking, gaining practical experience through internships, and staying updated on advancements in their field can enhance their readiness for pursuing these subjects in the UK. In addition, checking the shortage occupation list regularly can help them align their studies with the current demands of the job market.
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