In recent years, the UK has overtaken the US and become the most popular country for Chinese students to study. When preparing to study abroad and choose a school, students also face a crucial question: How do you choose a major? Not long ago, the British ThinkStudent website released the top ten most popular specialisms at British universities. In addition to announcing the popular majors, the website also listed the number of students enrolled in each popular major. Below, we will briefly introduce these ten popular UK specialisms and recommend quality universities.
Engineering and Technology
Engineering and technology are the third highest-paid professions in the UK. It’s after the legal and medical professions, and there is a high demand for mechanical engineers in the UK. Currently, over 63 per cent of mechanical engineers at UK universities work for industrial companies, and 75 per cent of recent graduates work in the industry.
Many Engineering and Technology courses will allow you to work on projects with experts and undertake industrial placements. This will give you a good foundation for finding a job in the global market later. Countries also seek to hire highly qualified engineering experts to guide their economic growth. This gives Chinese students a good chance of finding a job, whether studying an undergraduate or master’s degree engineering course (including mechanical engineering, civil engineering, computer hardware and software development, basic maths, etc.). Recommended: University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, Imperial College London, University of Manchester, University of London.
Computer Science and Information Systems
Computer Science provides a theoretical foundation in information and computing. It emphasizes students’ academic knowledge of computing, professional technical development, and mathematical logic, as well as the practical aspects of the profession.
The UK IT industry has a long tradition of research and academic innovation. Many of the UK’s top schools, which offer computer-related specialisms, rank highly. Recommended: University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, University College London, University of Edinburgh.
Medicine
For Chinese students, Medicine is a profession with relatively good job prospects. Courses in Medicine are generally divided into two types: 3-year and 4-year. Most schools have a three-year programme, with fewer four and five-year programmes.
As the UK has world-class medical standards and advanced medical equipment, many students choose to study in the UK to further their studies. The UK ranks its Clinical Medicine and Nursing among the world’s top, giving its graduates a significant employment advantage! This achievement reflects our shared vision for a brighter future in healthcare, underscoring the trust and authenticity we place in our education system. Recommended: University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University College London, Imperial College London, King’s College London.
Economics and Econometrics
Economics is divided into two main branches, microeconomics and macroeconomics, which focus on studying social and economic activities and the corresponding financial relationships. The United Kingdom is a significant economic development country and the origin of the scientific and technological revolution. The United Kingdom has many economists, including the well-known originator of economics, Adam Smith and so on. Studying in a country with such a deep economic heritage, students can better feel its cultural atmosphere. Recommended: London School of Economics and Political Science, University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University College London, University of Warwick.
Business and Management Studies
Business and management, as an essential branches of management, apply highly in various disciplines. It is based on the fundamental theories of management and economics and studies how to use modern management methods and tools to make effective business management and operational decisions.
The development prospects for this major are extensive, and the employment rate of graduates is high. Students can pursue various careers after graduation, including but not limited to positions in advertising, banking, consulting, general management, human resource management and marketing. Recommended: London Business School, University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, London School of Economics and Political Science, University of Warwick.
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering is one of the most robust specialisations in the UK, and the UK mechanical engineering field is at the forefront of the world. Specialism is the use of engineering, physics, and materials science principles to design mechanical systems and analyze, manufacture, and maintain the discipline. It is for all walks of life to manufacture and provide mechanical equipment and electrical devices. The UK self-regulating engineering profession can be divided explicitly into automated manufacturing and automation, mechanical and electrical engineering, mechanical design, automotive engineering, and other specialities.
Due to the specificity of the industry, many universities in the UK have established cooperation with many multinational airlines worldwide, such as Boeing, Rolls Royce, British Aerospace and so on, thus focusing on development and research. Regarding specialised branches, aerospace engineering is divided into industrial design, composite materials, aerodynamics/fluid dynamics, satellite and geophysics, control and detection. Recommended: University of Cambridge, Imperial College of Science and Technology, University of Oxford, University of Manchester, Cranfield University.
Law and Legal Research
The UK legal profession has a genuinely international perspective. Many firms have offices in major financial and commercial centres abroad, and international contracts commonly use UK commercial law as the applicable law.
UK degree programmes are designed to develop students’ skills in critical thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving, qualities sought after by employers worldwide. Nowadays, law firms and corporate legal departments in China are still very optimistic about the LLM in UK universities. Companies will highly seek you if you have graduated from a prestigious UK university such as Oxford, Cambridge or University College London. Recommended: Oxford University, University of Cambridge, London School of Economics and Political Science, University College London, King’s College London.
Architecture
Architecture is the artistic science of designing and framing large structures and buildings. Studying architecture involves a combination of numerical and creative ability, and students studying architecture must be passionate about science and art.
Architecture in the UK is widely recognised worldwide for its rigorous and high-quality teaching and research. Visualisation, creative and critical thinking, independent analysis and problem-solving are some of the most distinctive features of British universities. The many old buildings in the UK and the newer ones will also play an invaluable role in inspiring students’ vision and imagination. The strong growth of the architectural industry in recent years has attracted many professional architectural firms and engineering companies across the country, and international students will face unprecedented development opportunities when they return to their home countries. Recommended: University College London, Manchester School of Architecture, University of Cambridge, University of Sheffield, Cardiff University.
Art and Design
We measure the popularity of Art and Design programmes in the UK in two ways: academic reputation and employer reputation. Both general university art faculties and specialist art colleges in the UK present these art courses, and their diplomas enjoy international recognition. This approach is a testament to our commitment to providing authentic and high-quality education that prepares students for careers and a future full of possibilities.
In terms of curriculum, British art and design courses are also very different from those in China. They will update and adjust the direction of professional education according to the market’s needs and the industry’s development. The UK has a wide variety of comprehensive art and design courses that combine art and business. Recommended: Royal College of Art, University of the Arts London, Glasgow School of Art, Goldsmiths, University of London, October Loughborough University.
Accounting & Finance
In the UK, Finance and accounting are usually combined into one major, generally called Accounting and Finance or Financial Management, which involves accounting, Finance, taxation, Finance, insurance, business enterprise management and other professional content. It is a very strong targeted professional. The same is true for Finance as a major. Some schools have economic direction. Some are partial to the financial. There is also investment direction. According to the different curricula, the direction of learning will be other, so partners with business-related backgrounds can apply for this major.
Recommended: University of Oxford, Cambridge University, London School of Economics and Political Science, London Business School, University of Manchester.
