Most Popular University Courses In The UK

The UK is a global education hub with its university degrees being touted as one of the most prestigious in the world. The reason for this lies in the fact that UK universities have a long and rich history of attracting the brightest minds from all over the world and moulding them into future professionals. This process is aided by years of excellence in cutting-edge research and teaching activities, provided by world-class academics and supported by modern facilities. Among a wide range of degree programmes offered at UK universities, here are some of the most popular university courses in the UK that enjoy more global popularity.

Business Studies

Business and Management degrees enjoy immense popularity, not only in the UK but also all around the world. They are arguably one of the most popular degrees in the UK. If you plan on pursuing a career that revolves around planning, running and operations of an organization, this is the degree for you. Students get exposed to all facets of a business including core avenues like finance, marketing, human resources and administration. Many successful and influential people from all over the world often hold a Business Management degree.

Here are some of the best UK universities for Business studies – 

• University of Law Business School
• London Business School
• London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
• University of Warwick – Warwick Business School
• University of Cambridge Judge Business School
• University of Oxford Said Business School
• Imperial College London – Imperial College Business School
• The University of Manchester – Alliance Business School
• Cranfield School of Management – Cranfield University
• University of Edinburgh Business School
• Lancaster University Management School

Accounting and Finance

While researching the most popular degrees in the UK, you will inevitably come across Accounting and Finance. Getting your Accounting and Finance degree from a UK university will open up many doors for you in the finance sector. UK universities craft their programmes carefully to ensure students have unique perspectives and knowledge on economics, mathematics, political science, psychology and sociology, this is what makes it one of the most popular university courses in the UK. The best universities in the UK will also make sure students have a strong theoretical and practical understanding of core financial principles.

Here are some of the best UK universities for Accounting and Finance –

• University of Oxford
• University of St Andrews
• University of Bath
• Loughborough University
• University of Warwick
• University of Leeds
• University of Exeter
• Lancaster University
• University of Derby
• University of Southampton

Undergraduate Law

Law programmes at UK universities provide a critical and comprehensive understanding of core legal principles and practical skills. Law universities in the UK permit students to combine Law with another subject such as politics, journalism or business. This subject is in high demand and is the most popular degree in the UK. Average starting professional salary is £18,720, whereas the average starting non-professional salary is £16,500. As of 2020, Law was one of the most popular degree in the UK.

Here are some of the best UK universities for Undergraduate Law –

• University of Law
• University of Cambridge
• University of Oxford
• University of Glasgow
• London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
• The University of Aberdeen
• Queen Mary University of London
• King’s College London
• University of Edinburgh
• University College London

Economics

Economics degrees holders are skilled at problem-solving, data analysis, computing, writing and presenting. The city of London is one of the leading global financial centres in the world and studying economics close to where many of its theories are based can be a massive advantage to any international student. Some of the world’s most famous and largest banks and corporate firms operate in the UK; hence there are many opportunities for economic graduates to pursue. Economics is one of the most popular degrees in the UK that enjoys attention from students all over the world. 

Here are some of the best UK universities for Economics –

• University of St Andrews
• University of Cambridge
• University of Oxford
• University of Warwick
• University of Leeds
• University of Buckingham
• Nottingham Trent University
• University of Stirling
• University of East Anglia
• King’s College London

Art & Design

Arts and design is the most popular university courses in the U, especially among international students. You probably wouldn’t know this but Art & Design is actually one of the most popular degrees in the UK. Art courses are enjoying a steady increase in popularity among talented international students. The reason for this is that UK universities have comprehensive study modules and a thriving creative environment of renowned artists. Many UK universities that specialise in Arts and Design allow students to dabble in art courses that include painting, sculpture, installation, printing, photography and digital media. 

Here are some of the best UK universities for Arts and Design –

• University of Oxford
• Royal College of Art
• University of the Arts London
• The Glasgow School of Art
• Goldsmiths, University of London
• Loughborough University
• University College London (UCL)
• University of Brighton
• Edinburgh College of Art (ECA)
• Kingston University, London

Politics and International Studies

A degree in this field helps students to understand the key dynamics of different political systems around the world, nature of society, how governments deal with human rights, crisis, natural disasters, debt and so much more. It should be noted that it is not necessary to possess a degree in Politics if you intend to become a politician. A postgraduate politics degree can, however, allow a greater degree of independence and specialisation in the subject of politics that will greatly help you in performing your duties as a leader.

Here are some of the best UK universities for Politics and International Studies – 

• University of Oxford
• London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
• University of Cambridge
• King’s College London
• SOAS University of London
• University of Essex
• University of Edinburgh
• University College London (UCL)
• Durham University
• The University of Manchester

Mechanical Engineering 

Mechanical Engineering is a discipline of engineering that applies the principles of physics and materials science for manufacturing, design, analysis and maintenance of mechanical systems. Many well-known personalities like Nikola Tesla, Charles Koch, Ursula Burns, have graduated with a mechanical engineering degree and this is what makes it the most popular university courses in the UK. There are many quality UK universities that offer excellent Mechanical Engineering programmes that make students highly employable. Mechanical Engineering is easily one of the most popular degrees in the UK.

Here are some of the best UK universities for Mechanical Engineering  –

• University of Cambridge
• University of Oxford
• Imperial College London
• The University of Manchester
• Cranfield University
• Loughborough University
• University of Nottingham
• University of Sheffield
• University of Bristol
• University of Bath 

Sports Science

Sports Science practitioners are very much in demand because of the need for experts who can help improve athletes’ performance and take care of their health. The UK is one of the leading counties in the world that offers a degree in this field. Sports Science is the most popular degree in the UK in addition to Sports & Exercise Sciences, Sports Science & Physiology, Sport & Exercise Nutrition.

Here are some of the best UK universities for Sports Science –

• Loughborough University
• University of Birmingham
• University of Bath
• University of Exeter
• University College London (UCL) 
• Liverpool John Moores University
• University of Manchester
• University of Edinburgh
• Brunel University London    
• University of Glasgow

Media and Communication

We can’t leave out Media and Communication in our list of the most popular university courses in the UK. The UK is home to some of the best and most valued film and television companies. The country has essentially become a hub for media and communication students from all over the world. Apart from being one of the most interesting courses to pursue, Media and Communication is one of the most high-paying careers in the UK.

Here are some of the best UK universities for Media and Communication – 

• London School of Economics
• Goldsmiths, University of London
• Cardiff University
• King’s College London
• University of Leeds
• University of Westminster
• University of Leicester
• City, University of London
• Loughborough University
• Royal Holloway, University of London

Hospitality and Tourism

When it comes to the most popular degrees in the UK, Hospitality and Tourism stands tall. It’s true that this industry took a huge hit due to the coronavirus, but with many vaccinations out already, experts are of the opinion that the Hospitality and Tourism industry in the UK will thrive again. That’s why, there is a glaring demand for competent managers who would professionally deal with issues related to this sector. Just because this degree is not as popular as traditional degrees does not mean you can’t enjoy a long and fruitful career in Hospitality and Tourism. 

Here are some of the best UK universities for Hospitality and Tourism –

• University of Strathclyde
• University of Birmingham
• University of Surrey
• University of Kent
• Robert Gordon University
• Manchester Metropolitan University
• Sheffield Hallam University
• University of Exeter
• Oxford Brookes University