A Complete Guide to Studying STEM in UK

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It denotes the collection of topics included in these four academic areas. Practical learning is emphasised in STEM education to equip students with the necessary skills for the fast-evolving real world.

Several subjects fall under STEM. These include:

• Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering

• Architecture

• Astronomy

• Biomedical Sciences

• Biological Sciences

• Computer Science

• Civil Engineering

• Chemical Engineering

• Chemistry

• Electrical and Electronic Engineering

• Economics

• Information Technology

• Mechanical Engineering

• Mathematics

• Physics

• Paramedic Science

• Pharmacology and Pharmacy

• Psychology

STEM is a popular field of study in UK. The country’s STEM courses are ranked in the list of best STEM courses worldwide by many ranking platforms. 

Let us take a look at some of the reasons why you should study STEM subjects.

• You get to learn directly from well-reputed professors and leading researchers. 

• With technology at its best, there’s a huge demand for STEM graduates all around the globe. 

• STEM subjects include some of the world’s fastest-growing industries, like artificial intelligence, data analysis, software development, etc.

• You would gain amazing skills from problem-solving to collaboration and analytical reasoning. Throughout your course, you’ll be able to hone these skills with the help of projects, discussions and work experience.

• Numerous STEM courses are highly analytical and can be supported by data and figures. Yet, you'll discover that many of these topics also call for your original thinking. You'll encounter situations that call for creative thinking on your part.

• Recent plans have been to increase STEM funding by the Campaign for Science and Engineering. This means that the UK government will be involved, and as a result, the field will see increased employment opportunities for STEM graduates.

Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements while applying for STEM programmes in the UK to be accepted into their selected programme. The prerequisites for STEM programmes in UK universities vary depending on the institution and programme. In the UK, the following are some typical entry requirements for STEM programmes:

• In high school, you must take physics, chemistry, arithmetic, and biology.

• If candidates are looking for a graduate degree, they must have completed coursework in one of the STEM fields.

• In addition to a statement of purpose and letters of recommendation from their teachers, applicants must have the necessary job experience.

Apart from the points mentioned above, you are also required to submit certain documents along with your application. 

• Academic Transcripts

• Statement of purpose

• UG degree in case students are applying for PG course

• English language proficiency test scores

• CV/Resume

• Letters of Recommendation

UK universities are globally recognised for their academic excellence and practical learning approach to studies. These universities offer different courses in various fields, one famous one being STEM. To study STEM courses in UK, the following universities are ranked amongst the best. 

• University of Cambridge

• University of Oxford

• Imperial College London

• University of Manchester

• University College London

• University of Edinburgh

• University of Bristol

• King’s College London

• University of Leeds 

• University of Birmingham 

• University of Nottingham 

• University of Warwick

• University of Bath 

• Queen Mary University of London

Some of the most popular STEM courses in UK are listed below. 

• Civil Engineering

• Aerospace Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering

• Biotechnology

• Electrical  Engineering

• Computer Science

• Chemical Engineering

• Maths

• Physics

• Chemistry

• Life Sciences

• Statistics

• Biomedical Sciences

• Information Technology

• Design and Technology

• Pharmacy

• Artificial Intelligence

• Astronomy

• Data Science

• Materials Engineering

The average cost of studying STEM courses in UK ranges from 9000 GBP to 38000 GBP. Other costs, such as accommodation, living expenses, and others, range from 12,000 GBP to 15,000 GBP yearly. To reduce the financial cost you can apply for different STEM scholarships. One famous scholarship offered is Women in STEM scholarships. There are others too which you can check on the university’s official website.

With the help of a STEM degree in UK, you can enter the field fully prepared and with a high payscale. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), a list comprising 10 high-paying majors consisted mostly of only STEM fields.

Some common job routes after studying STEM courses in UK include:

Science

• Nurse Practitioner 

• Genetic Counsellor

• Forest Science Technician

• Exercise Physiologist 

• Clinical Laboratory Technologist 

• Veterinarian 

Technology 

• Software Developer 

• Web Developer 

• Digital Designer 

• Information Security Analyst 

• Animator 

• Special Effects Artist 

Engineering 

• Chemical Engineer 

• Civil Engineer 

• Petroleum Engineer 

• Technical Writer 

• Industrial Engineer 

• Aerospace Engineer 

• Materials Engineer 

Mathematics 

• Statistician

• Mathematician 

• Economist 

• Operations Research Analyst 

• Data Scientis

STEM is a lucrative field, with industries hiring graduates at some of the highest salaries. The average income for STEM graduates ranges from about £19,673 to about £35,198. It can go up to £76,000 and more depending upon the skills.

To conclude, STEM courses are an ideal choice for you to study in UK, as there are high-paying jobs, wider opportunities, and a guaranteed future. Some of the highest paying jobs in the UK are of STEM graduates.

We hope we were able to draw a clear picture on the subject and effectively convey the significance of studying STEM in UK. If you also wish to pursue the same, contact our expert education counsellors at any nearby branch of Meridean Overseas Education Counsellors. Get help with profile evaluation, application shortlisting, drafting SOPs and complete visa process. You can also get free video counselling. Please do not hesitate to contact us at application02@merdean.org or call us at 1800-1230-00011.