Let’s start with a question - what is STEM?
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and covers various subjects and specialisations that come under these 4 disciplines. If you are interested in pursuing any one of these subjects, STEM education in the UK is an ideal choice for you. Be it in terms of quality of education, choice of courses, research facilities, innovation or job opportunities, or a high ROI - STEM courses in the UK excel in all aspects.
Multiple STEM courses are offered by various universities in the UK, and choosing the best among this pool that suits you can be a daunting task. But not with Yocket Premium! By becoming a Premium Yocketer, you get expert guidance and counselling in finding the top universities in the UK that suit you the best. You are just a click away from finding your dream university and dream course.
To make it easier for you, here is a complete guide to all the relevant information related to STEM education in the UK. Read ahead to find out about the various STEM courses offered in the UK and details regarding top universities, eligibility criteria, the application process, STEM scholarships in the UK, placements and more!
Let’s dive in and learn more about STEM courses in the UK.
Table of Contents |
Why Study STEM Courses in the UK?
Wondering whether studying STEM courses in the UK is worth it or not? Here are a few reasons why you should definitely consider pursuing a STEM program in the UK:
- Top universities: When it comes to rankings, the UK is home to several universities that have ranked among the top for their STEM related courses such as Engineering and Technology, Life Sciences and Medicine, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, etc. University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London, among others, are some prominent universities that rank within the top 10 in all STEM related QS subject rankings.
- Future prospects: UK offers promising career opportunities to students in terms of employment opportunities as well as salary prospects. Over 50 UK universities rank in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022, which is reason enough to understand how well employable graduates come out of UK universities, especially after completing in-demand STEM courses. The scope of STEM courses is also not restricted to any particular sector, as there is always demand for skilled professionals across various industries.
- World-class education: STEM education in the UK is recognized worldwide for its excellent quality, high-tech facilities and contribution to research. As a graduate from UK universitys, you will be valued by employers as well as welcomed by top universities to pursue research.
List of STEM Courses in UK
Various STEM courses related to Engineering, Mathematics, Medicine and Natural Sciences are highly sought after in UK universities. The list of STEM courses in the UK that an international student can opt for is not limited. Among an array of options available, take a look at the 10 most popular STEM degree lists in the UK:
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Data Science
Top STEM Colleges and Universities in UK
Having learned about the STEM degree list UK, let us take a look at the top 5 STEM universities in UK:
- University College London
Now let us take a look at the detailed information of each top university with some key aspects:
University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge ranks 3rd worldwide and is the top institution in the UK when it comes to Engineering and Technology and Mathematics programs. The name and reputation of the university are what make it a dream institution for several aspirants.
University Type |
Public |
QS Rankings 2023 |
Engineering and Technology: 3 Mathematics: 2 |
Admission Requirements |
|
Average Annual Program Fees |
£26,000-35,000 (INR 23,65,000-31,85,000) |
University of Oxford
The University of Oxford ranks 1st in the UK and 2nd worldwide which makes it one of the most desirable institutions to study among international students. No doubt the university has an excellent academic and employer reputation. It is also the 2nd oldest university worldwide offering several top ranked programs.
University Type |
Public |
QS Rankings |
Engineering and Technology: 4 Mathematics: 3 |
Admission Requirements |
|
Average Annual Program Fees |
£27,000-39,000 (INR 24,57,000-34,49,000) |
Imperial College London
Ranked among the top 10 in almost all categories, Imperial College London enjoys a long standing reputation for its excellent programs in science, Engineering and medicine. The university is home to more than 11,000 international students. Getting into this prestigious institution is a hard nut to crack, given the competitive entry requirements.
University Type |
Public |
QS Rankings 2023 |
Engineering and Technology: 6 Mathematics: 10 |
Admission Requirements |
|
Average Annual Program Fees |
£23,000-48,000 (INR 20,92,000-43,68,000) |
University of Manchester
Ranked among the top 50 worldwide, the University of Manchester is a popular choice of institution among Indian students. It is home to nearly 600 Indian students and is also the most targeted university among top employers in the UK.
University Type |
Private |
QS Rankings 2023 |
Engineering and Technology: 32 Mathematics: 57 |
Admission Requirements |
|
Average Annual Program Fees |
£24,000-47,000 (INR 21,84,000-42,77,000) |
University College London
The UCL is a remarkable institution in London that ranked 1st in London in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022, with average salary offers for graduates being around £30,000 (27,30,000 INR). It is also popularly known as London’s global university, with around 48% of its international student body coming from more than 150 countries.
University Type |
Public |
QS Rankings 2023 |
Engineering and Technology: 37 Mathematics: 39 |
Admission Requirements |
|
Average Annual Program Fees |
£23,000-37,000 (INR 20,93,000-33,67,000) |
Apart from the top STEM universities listed above, here are some other popular universities in the UK for Engineering and Technology courses:
University Name |
QS Rankings 2023 - Engineering and Technology |
59 |
|
100 |
|
112 |
|
114 |
|
129 |
|
114 |
|
114 |
|
147 |
|
163 |
|
197 |
Here is a list of the top universities for Mathematics courses in the UK:
University Name |
QS Rankings 2023 - Mathematics |
19 |
|
36 |
|
71 |
|
74 |
|
108 |
|
92 |
|
110 |
|
201-250 |
|
137 |
|
151-200 |
Eligibility Criteria for STEM Courses in UK
You must fulfil the basic eligibility criteria to pursue STEM courses in UK pertaining to:
- Educational qualifications
- Entrance tests for STEM courses in the UK
- English language proficiency
- Work experience
- Student visa to study in UK
Let us discuss the eligibility criteria for STEM education in UK in details:
Educational Qualifications
To pursue STEM courses in the UK, you must have studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics in high school. If you are applying for postgraduate programs, a STEM related bachelor’s degree is required, which must be equivalent to a 2:1 or 2:2 bachelor’s degree in UK.
Entrance Tests for STEM Courses in UK
To seek admission to undergraduate STEM courses in the UK, you must have SAT scores unless the university you are applying to has a test-optional policy. A minimum score of 1200 is recommended for admission to competitive programs. GRE scores are a valuable addition for admission to postgraduate STEM courses; however, most universities do not ask for these scores.
English Language Proficiency
As international students, you will have to submit proof of your English language proficiency. IELTS scores are the most widely accepted English test scores in the UK, while universities also accept equivalent scores of other exams such as TOEFL, PTE, etc. A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 for undergraduate courses and 6.5 for graduate courses is recommended, although some courses may have higher requirements.
Suggested: How to get a Study Visa for the UK without IELTS?
Work Experience
Some universities may ask you for prior work experience for admission to highly specialized graduate courses.
Student Visa to Study in UK
A Tier 4 student visa is mandatory for international students to study in the UK. You can apply for one after securing a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) from a UK university.
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Application Process for STEM Courses in UK
The application process for STEM courses in the UK is similar to that of courses across other disciplines. Take a look at the stepwise process to apply for STEM education in UK:
- Shortlist the STEM courses in the UK you wish to apply for and check complete details regarding the application deadlines, requirements, fees, etc.
- Complete the online application available on the university website and pay the application fee. You will be able to apply for multiple undergraduate courses through UCAS.
- Submit additional documents required to support your application and wait for the admission confirmation.
- Once you receive an admission offer, reply to it promptly, go ahead with the visa process, and arrange for funds.
Consult Yocket Professionals for personalised help with profile building and application processes; the counselling is curated JUST FOR YOU!
STEM Scholarships for Studying in UK
Once you have been admitted, the next big thing you need to think about is your finances. At every step of the admissions process, you will be asked for proof of sufficient funds to study in the UK, especially at the time of visa application. Studying a STEM programme in the UK is definitely a huge investment. One of the best ways to reduce your financial constraints while studying in the UK is to apply for STEM scholarships. In fact, the British Council offers STEM scholarships for females in the UK to encourage women to pursue STEM courses, which is not common in other countries.
Some of the most prestigious STEM scholarships in the UK are as follows:
- Chevening Scholarship
- GREAT Scholarship
- Felix Scholarship
- Inlaks Scholarship
- British Council Scholarship for Women in STEM
Here is a brief discussion on the eligibility criteria and amount awarded through STEM Scholarships UK:
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STEM Courses in UK Placements
UK STEM education opens doors to careers in a variety of sectors such as IT, research, biotechnology, design, robotics, healthcare, AI, etc. Some of the top job opportunities for graduates after a STEM program in the UK are as engineers in different sectors. Here is a table with different job titles offered after STEM education in UK and their respective average salaries:
Job Title |
Average Salaries |
Civil Engineer |
£67,100 (61,05,000 INR) |
Electrical Engineer |
£70,100 (63,79,000 INR) |
Design Engineer |
£68,300 (62,15,000 INR) |
Mechanical Engineer |
£66,500 (60,51,000 INR) |
Robotics Engineer |
£75,700 (68,89,000 INR) |
Production Engineer |
£64,600 (58,78,000 INR) |
Developer/ Programmer |
£68,400 (62,25,000 INR) |
Biomedical Engineer |
£64,000 (58,24,000 INR) |
Medical Technologist |
£58,600 (53,32,000 INR) |
AI Developer |
£83,700 (76,17,000 INR) |
From the desk of Yocket
Now that we have explored all important aspects related to STEM courses in the UK, it's your turn to make an informed decision. Not only is it a highly valued degree worldwide, but it also promises great returns—almost 20% more than other programs—which makes it one of the most desired by students across the world. By studying in the UK, you will also get the benefits of a post study work visa in the UK and work for 2 years after completing your program.
Still confused about which course, college, sails your boat? Don’t worry; you are already in the right place. Yocket Premium comes with a dedicated counsellor for you; you get your profile built by top-of-the-field counselors; and you get guidance for making a strong application that will get you the admission you are looking for.