Universities in all parts of the UK have a worldwide reputation for high quality teaching and research, as evidenced by global rankings such as the QS World University Rankings and THE Global Rankings. This high standard is maintained by recruiting the best staff, building better campuses and ensuring the best facilities are available.
Another reason for the UK’s appeal is the wide variety of courses and subjects for students to study. The SI-UK course search allows you to search over 65,000 UK university courses, and below are ten of the most popular for international students.
Learn more below and begin your UK study journey by arranging your free consultation with SI-UK London today.
Most Popular UK Courses for Overseas Students
1. Business Studies
A business and management degree focuses on an organisation's planning, running and operations. Students will look at each part of a business, including areas such as finance, marketing, human resources and administration, and many Business and Management programmes offer placements with globally recognised companies, enabling you to experience firsthand what the profession involves.
- Business subject profile
- Average international fees: £21,950 per year
- Career paths: Marketing, HR, Finance, Law
2. Accounting and Finance
Accounting and finance courses in the UK will help you craft unique perspectives and knowledge on economics, mathematics, political science, psychology and sociology. Students will learn how to prepare and interpret financial information, as well as gain a theoretical and practical understanding of core financial practice.
- Accounting and Finance subject profile
- Average international fees: £15,000 per year
- Career paths: Actuary, Business Development, Data Analyst, Economist
3. Undergraduate Law
Almost all UK law courses allow students to take a year’s professional placement at a firm, while overseas study is also available. Students can also combine Law with other subjects, such as business, politics or journalism.
- Law subject profile
- Average international fees: £17,750 per year
- Career paths: Lawyer, Paralegal, Solicitor, Legal Analyst
4. Economics
Economics students will develop their problem solving, data analysis, computing and written and oral presentation skills, all highly regarded and sought after in today’s economic climate.
- Economics subject profile
- Average international fees: £23,000 per year
- Career paths: Auditor, Financial Risk Analyst, Statistician, Economist
5. Art & Design
Studio-based work is central to all art courses and can include painting, sculpture, installation, painting, photography and digital media, with students specialising in their areas of interest.
- Art & Design subject profile
- Average international fees: £18,000 per year
- Career paths: Graphic Designer, Animator, Illustrator, Fashion Designer, Interior Designer
6. Computer Science
A computer science degree at a UK university will provide you with the core skills needed to shape businesses and organisations. New tools, programs and development kits will help develop your knowledge and ability in IT, games development, software engineering, design and security.
- Computer Science subject profile
- Average international fees: £26,000 per year
- Career paths: Cyber Security, Data Analyst, Software Engineer, Web Developer
7. Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering is a discipline of engineering that applies the principles of physics and materials science for the analysis, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems.
- Mechanical Engineering subject profile
- Average international fees: £25,000 per year
- Career paths: Aerospace Engineer, Automotive Engineer, Biomedical Engineer
8. Politics
A politics degree at a UK university will provide students with an understanding of the key dynamics of different political systems worldwide, how governments deal with crises, debt, human rights and the nature of society.
- Politics subject profile
- Average international fees: £21,950 per year
- Career paths: Business, Research, Marketing, Teaching
9. Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineering is a field that generally deals with studying and applying electricity, electronics and electromagnetism. It covers a range of subtopics, including power, electronics, control systems, signal processing and telecommunications.
- Electrical Engineering subject profile
- Average international fees: £26,000 per year
- Career paths: Electrical Engineer, Aeronautical Engineer, Software Engineer
10. Biological Sciences
Biological sciences is the study of life and living organisms, their life cycles, adaptations and environment. Modules include studying various techniques for protein structure and protein complexes and their importance in cells.
- Average international fees: £23,650 per year
- Career paths: Biotechnologist, Marine Biologist, Pharmacologist, Nanotechnologist
How long does a UK degree take to complete?
Undergraduate degrees at UK universities last three years at the Bachelor level (BA, BEng, BSc). In comparison, foundation programmes can last up to two years, with the option to join a bachelor’s programme in the third year to complete the degree. Postgraduate taught courses, in most cases, last one year.
Study in the UK
If you want to learn more about UK university subjects, why not arrange a free consultation with SI-UK London today? Our friendly international team can help students of all ages and experiences.
UK University Courses FAQ
Business and management, accounting, finance, and law are some of the best subjects to study in the UK.
Nursing, psychology, and law are among the most popular degrees in the UK.
UK universities are highly diverse, and a degree from a UK university is recognised worldwide. For postgraduate students, a master's also only takes one year to complete.
Dentistry is the highest paying degree in the UK, fetching a salary of up to £38,000 per year.