Top 10 Best courses to study in the UK in 2024

For multiple reasons, the United Kingdom (UK) is among the top destinations for international students. The UK offers a rewarding and challenging academic experience, as it has some of the world’s most prestigious and renowned universities. UK universities are at the top of the university rankings. They offer world-class education, various courses across various disciplines, and unparalleled career prospects. Whether interested in the arts, sciences, humanities, or business, you can find a course that suits your interests and goals. However, choosing the best course might be complex. But with HSA consultants, you can get assistance on all these aspects. We have listed the top ten courses to study in the UK based on their popularity, reputation, and career prospects. This list of the top 10 best courses in the UK may help you choose the right course for your career choice. 

1. Business Analytics Program in the UK

The world is growing fast, and so is technology, and with the changing world, the demand for certain professions has increased. The profession whose demand has increased tremendously over the past few years is business analytics. Among the best courses in the UK, business analytics tops the list. 

Business analytics is one of the best courses to study in the UK for its relevance in the data-driven business landscape. Students learn to analyze datasets, extract insights, and make informed decisions, gaining practical experience through real-world projects. They help improve the performance of companies and businesses by studying their specifics. Graduates enjoy excellent career prospects as the demand for data-driven decision-makers rises across industries. Specializations in 

• Marketing
• Finance
• Supply chain 
• Healthcare. 

Specialization in any of the above fields enhances their appeal to employers. The course’s popularity is fueled by its ability to produce skilled professionals equipped to succeed in today’s competitive market.

Top Courses	BSc Data Science and Business Analytics MSc in Data Science and Business Analytics MSc in Business Analytics MSc in Business Analytics and Management Sciences MSc in Business Analytics and Marketing MSc in Business Analytics & Big Data
Average tuition fee/year	£18,000 – £29,500
Top Universities	Imperial College London University of Leeds The University of Manchester University of Warwick Lancaster University University of Edinburgh
Job Prospects	Machine Learning Engineer Data Scientist Data Architect Data Analyst Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst Chief Data Officer (CDO) Project Manager
Average Annual Salary	£47,302
Duration in years	2 – 4 years

 

2. Data Science

In recent years, there has been an increased demand in UK to study Data Science. Data Science is a highly sought-after course in the UK, offering students expertise in statistics, programming, and machine learning to extract valuable insights from data. UK is one of the finest countries to pursue your career in data science because of an excellent employment rate. According to a study, approximately 80% of businesses in UK intend to increase their hiring of data scientists in the next few years.

Specializations in Machine Learning and Big Data Analytics enable graduates to excel across diverse industries. Boasting an employment rate of over 90% and competitive salaries ranging from £45,000 to £65,000, Data Science presents promising career opportunities and continuous growth prospects.

Popular Programs	MSc Health Data Analytics  Machine Learning MA Big Data in Culture & Society Big Data Analytics MSc Health Data Analytics  Natural Language Processing  MSc Data Science & Analytics
Average Tuition fee/year	£19,000 – £40,000/Year
Top Universities	King’s College London University of Birmingham University of Southampton University of Manchester University of Edinburgh Imperial College London London School of Economics and Political Science
Job Prospects	Data Scientist AI Research Scientist Machine Learning Engineer Big Data Analyst Applications Architect Data Architect NLP Specialist Data Scientist Data Engineer
Average Annual Salary	£25,000 to £70,000
Duration in Years	3 years

 

3. Computer Science

Computer science is the study of computation and its applications. Studying computer science in the UK can prepare you for the rapidly evolving and expanding field of information technology. Computer Science in the UK is a top-rated and in-demand course, teaching students essential computing principles, programming languages, algorithms, data structures, software engineering, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, and more. 

You can also create software systems, games, apps, or websites. Graduates enjoy excellent job prospects, with an impressive 90% employment rate with this degree. They can specialize in Machine Learning, Web Development, and Cybersecurity for more opportunities.

Popular Programs	BSc Computer Science Software Engineering MSc in Advanced Computer Science Cybersecurity MSc Human Computer Interaction Artificial Intelligence
Average Tuition Fee/ year	£20,000 – £43,000
Top Universities	The University of Oxford The University of Cambridge University of Manchester Imperial College London University of Edinburgh University College London ( UCL)
Job Prospects	Software Developer Cybersecurity Analyst Computer Hardware Engineer Machine Learning Specialist Computer Systems Analyst Quality Assurance Engineer Computer Network Architect Full-stack Developer/Web Developer AI Engineer
Average Annual Salary	£22,000 to £90,000
Duration in Years	3 years

 

4. Business and Management

The UK is a global business and management education leader, with many top-ranked business schools and programs. You can learn from world-class faculty, network with industry professionals, and gain practical skills and knowledge to prepare you for the competitive and dynamic business world. Some popular specializations include 

• Accounting
• Finance 
• Marketing
• Entrepreneurship 
• International business.

Management programs like MBA and MIM are top-rated in the UK, offering comprehensive education in various business aspects, including finance, marketing, operations, strategy, and leadership skills. In most organizations worldwide, students with UK degrees in management are the most in-demand workers. In this program, students learn to make strategic decisions, analyze complex scenarios, and develop effective management techniques. With promising job prospects and competitive salaries, graduates can specialize in finance, marketing, or entrepreneurship for more significant career opportunities.

Top Program	MBA Global Executive MBA MSc in Management and International Business Masters in Financial Analysis MSc Management MSc in Engineering Business Management BSc Business & Management
Average Tuition Fee/ year	£40,000 to £1,00,000
Top Universities	Oxford University King’s College London. Cambridge University University of Bath. Imperial College London UCL (University College London) University of Manchester
Job Prospects	HR Officer Business Development Representative  Finance Analyst Investment Banker Management Consultant
Average Annual Salary	£35,000 – £65,000
Duration in Years	1 -2 Years

 

7. Engineering: 

Engineering might be your perfect course if you have a passion for innovation and problem-solving. The UK has a long history of excellence in engineering, producing some of the most influential and groundbreaking inventions and discoveries. You can choose from various engineering disciplines, such as 

• Civil
• Mechanical
• Electrical
• Chemical
• Software
• Aerospace
• Biomedical engineering. 

Engineering courses in the UK are top-rated and 37 different streams are offered in this field. Students learn problem-solving, critical thinking, and practical skills, making them adaptable to real-world challenges. You can also benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, research opportunities, and industry links in the UK. The field offers vast career opportunities across the construction, automotive, aerospace, and electronics industries, ensuring graduates remain in high demand globally. 

Top Programs	MEng Chemical Engineering MEng Civil and Structural MSc Civil Engineering MSc Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering Biomedical Engineering
Average Fee per Year	£14,000 – £50,000
Top Universities	University of Cambridge University of Oxford University College London Imperial College London University of Nottingham University of Manchester
Job Prospects	Chemical Engineer Civil Engineer Aeronautical Engineers Mechanical Engineer Biomedical Engineers Software Engineer Petroleum Engineers
Average Annual Salary	£25,000 to £45,000
Duration in Years	3 – 4 years

 

6. Law courses in the UK 

Studying law in the UK can open up many doors for your future career, whether you want to become a lawyer, a judge, a legal advisor, or a policymaker. The UK has a rich and diverse legal system influenced by common law and civil law traditions. You can learn about the fundamental principles and concepts of law and the practical aspects of legal practice and procedure. The fields of specialization in law includes,

• Human rights law
• International law
• Commercial law
• Criminal law
• Environmental law
• Intellectual property law.

It allow students to choose based on their interests and career goals. Lawyers, particularly business lawyers, are prevalent in the UK. Legal counsel and attorneys are needed by businesses worldwide to handle their legal affairs. The UK is one of the best nations with a structured legal education system. Law degrees in the UK are highly demanded and widespread across the globe. Students learn about various branches of law, including criminal, contract, tort, and more. 

Top Programs	LLB Master of Laws (LLM) LLM Corporate Law Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) Law Practice Course (LPC)
Average Fee per Year	£19,500 to £44,000
Top Universities	University of Cambridge University Of Glasgow University of Oxford King’s College London The London School of Economics and Political Science Durham University University College London
Job Prospects	Barrister Solicitor Lawyer Legal Writer Legal Consultant Chartered legal executive
Average Annual Salary	£21,000 to £73,000
Duration in Years	2 – 3 Years

 

5. Medicine Degrees in UK

If you dream of becoming a doctor, dentist, nurse, or health professional, studying medicine in the UK can help you achieve it. The UK has some of the best medical schools and hospitals in the World, offering high-quality education and training. You can learn from experienced and respected medical practitioners, gain hands-on experience in clinical settings, and develop your scientific and ethical understanding of medicine. You can also choose from various specializations, such as 

• Surgery 
• Psychiatry
• Pediatrics
• Cardiology
• Neurology
• Public health.

The UK has made significant investments in the field of medical research. It is known for its facilities and professors, who are of the highest caliber. MBBS is among the most in-demand undergraduate courses due to high salaries. Students receive the best medical education, clinical skills, and patient care training. The scope is vast, with global recognition of UK qualifications.

Top Programs	MB BChir MBChB PhD in Medicine BSc Medicine PhD in Digital Health and Care MBBS Medicine BMBS Medicine
Average Fee per Year	£22,000 – £52,000
Top Universities	University of Oxford University of Bristol Imperial College London University of Glasgow University of Manchester University of Edinburgh King’s College London.
Job Prospects	Anesthetist Hospital Doctor Obstetrician  Clinical Scientist Cardiologist genomics Medical sales representative.
Average Annual Salary	£35,000 – £92,000
Duration in Years	5 – 6 Years

 

8. Accounting and Finance

The demand and popularity of accounting and finance programs are high. These programs focus on equipping students with essential financial skills and knowledge. A master’s degree in finance from the UK can lead to opportunities in top financial firms. There are various specializations available in this program. The scope is promising, as businesses increasingly require skilled financial experts and accountants for strategic decision-making in the growing technology-driven economy. 

Top Programs	MSc in Financial Economics Masters in Finance MSc in Finance and Accounting Master of Science (MSc) in Corporate Finance MSc Accounting BSc Finance Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting and Finance
Average Fee per Year	£20,000 – £45,000
Top Universities	University of Oxford Imperial College London University of Warwick University of Glasgow London School of Economics and Political Science University of Cambridge
Job Prospects	Financial Planners Financial Analysts Investment Analyst Accountants Management Consultant Business Advisors CA
Average Annual Salary	£32,200 to £69,500
Duration in Years	1 – 3 years

 

9. Architecture and Construction Management

The need for Infrastructure and construction is expanding rapidly and every country wants to build world-class skyscrapers, cutting-edge infrastructure, and functional places. So, the demand for Architects is increasing making this course popular in the UK. Architecture and Construction Management are in high demand due to the global emphasis on modern infrastructure and sustainability. 

This course is the most popular choice among the students because of its modern curriculum and exposure to other countries. They learn architectural design, construction materials, project planning, and innovative technologies through practical workshops and real-world projects. Graduates enjoy diverse career opportunities in architecture, engineering, and construction, with specializations available in areas like sustainable architecture and historic preservation. This course’s international exposure and modern curriculum make it highly sought-after in the UK.

Top Programs	Master of Architecture BSc Construction Management MSc Building Science MSc Construction Project Management Bachelors in Architectural Engineering MSc Construction Cost Management MSc Construction Management and International Development
Average Fee per Year	£17,000 – £40,000
Top Universities	The University of Cambridge The University of Edinburgh University of Sheffield Lancaster University Cardiff University The University of Manchester
Job Prospects	Architect Landscape Architect Arbitrator Urban planner Construction manager Building control surveyor Building services engineer Site engineer
Average Annual Salary	£25,000 – £65,000
Duration in Years	4 – 5 Years

 

10. Fashion & Interior Design Programs in the UK

The Fashion & Interior Design course is top-rated in the UK. It is known for its influence on the global fashion and interior industry. The UK is home to innovative stylists, prominent designers and top luxury fashion businesses. This course educates design principles, fabric selection, and spatial planning for fashion and interior spaces, with specializations available. Graduates have vast career opportunities in fashion houses, interior design firms, luxury brands, and styling agencies in the UK and internationally. This course is offered by a number of universities in the UK.

Top Programs	MDes Interior Design MA Interior Design Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Graphic Design BSc (Hons) Fashion Management MA Fashion Marketing Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Photography and Visual Communication MSc Strategic Fashion Management
Average Fee per Year	£10,000 – £30,000
Top Universities	Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design London College of Fashion Kingston University Conde Nast College of Fashion Design Glasgow School of Art Royal College of Art University of Arts London Oxford University
Job Prospects	Interior designer Architectural designer Textile Designer Design manager Retail Merchandiser Fashion designer Stylist Brand Manager
Average Annual Salary	£20,000 – £115,000
Duration in Years	1 – 3 years

 

 Other Courses

• Psychology
• Art and Design
• Literature
• History
• Education

Conclusion

In conclusion, the UK’s robust educational system makes it an attractive destination for students worldwide. To study abroad, you must choose a course offering numerous in-demand job opportunities. The courses offered in the UK for international students to study in 2024 provide a diverse range of disciplines, from science courses to arts, from medicine to computer science, and even performing arts, accommodating various fields of interest. These degree programs provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills that are globally competitive and sought after by employers.

We have made this list to familiarize aspiring students with the latest trends and the popular courses in high demand to help them make the right choice. The cultural richness and international perspective of studying in the UK further enhance graduates’ personal growth and employability. Therefore, prospective students should consider these top 10 courses to study in the UK as they embark on their journey towards academic excellence and career success. For further details and guidance on studying in the UK for international students, you can contact HSA consultants. We have experienced personnel who can guide you through the process and make it easy.