The most in-demand undergraduate courses in the UK for international students offer strong career prospects, academic prestige, and high graduate salaries. Data show that fields such as business and management and computer science attract the largest share of students. For example, business and management account for approximately 21% of all UK enrollments, while medicine, engineering, and law offer some of the highest graduate salaries. The ten leading courses are listed below, along with reasons for their popularity and examples of top UK universities offering them.
The booming demand for technology makes computer science a top choice. UK universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial are among the top-ranked CS programs worldwide. CS degrees lead to well-paid jobs in software, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and data analytics, with a median starting salary of around £27k. The demand for computing applications rose by ~6% in 2024. These programs emphasize practical skills and placements, ensuring strong employability.
Top UK universities for Computer Science & IT
Engineering (All Branches)
Engineering (mechanical, civil, electrical, etc.) remains a popular choice due to its career opportunities. UK schools, such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial, lead global engineering subject rankings. Engineering graduates command high salaries (starting at ~£28k) and possess in-demand skills in innovation, such as AI, renewable energy, and infrastructure. Interest in engineering grew by ~10% in 2024 as countries invested in technology and green projects. UK engineering degrees combine strong theory and lab work with industry links, making graduates highly employable worldwide. Additionally, UK graduates are always prioritized for hiring at the world’s top companies.
Business & Management (including Accounting/Finance)
It ranks high because Business and Management is the largest subject area in the UK, accounting for approximately 21% of undergraduates. Its programs, including BBA, economics, finance, and marketing, have strong global appeal. Graduates enter fields such as consulting, banking, and entrepreneurship and often pursue professional qualifications (e.g., CFA or ACCA). Employment outcomes are excellent. On average, UK business graduates earn about £30k at the start of their careers, and top firms actively recruit from UK schools. With London as a financial hub, UK business degrees, especially from top schools, carry worldwide prestige and networking opportunities.
The top UK universities for business and management are the University of Oxford (Saïd), the University of Cambridge (Judge), the London Business School, the London School of Economics, the University of Warwick, and the University of Manchester.
Medicine & Dentistry
A degree in medicine (or dentistry) can lead to a career as a doctor or surgeon with global demand. The UK’s five- to six-year MBBS/BDS programs are world-renowned and highly selective. Graduates’ top salary rankings show that average starting salaries are ~£35K, which is far above the UK average. The intensive curriculum and clinical training at UK medical schools, such as Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, KCL, and UCL, carry significant international prestige. Nearly all UK medical graduates enter practice or further study, and international physicians trained in the UK find opportunities worldwide.
The University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, King’s College London, and University College London are the top UK universities for medicine.
Law
Why it ranks high: The law degree remains prestigious and popular. UK LLB programs (three years) foster critical thinking and qualify graduates for legal careers. Some of the world’s best law schools are in the UK, including Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, UCL, and KCL. Law graduates enter competitive careers such as solicitor, barrister, or in-house counsel, often with high lifetime earnings. Although average starting salaries are moderate (~£22k), top legal roles pay very well. UK legal qualifications are respected globally, and international students value the UK’s strong legal training and professional networks.
Economics & Finance
Economics, often combined with finance or management studies, is a popular choice among international applicants. Rigorous UK programs (e.g., BSc Economics) open doors to careers in banking, policy, and consultancy. Graduates command high salaries; recent data show an average salary of £35.6k for economics majors. The UK’s status as a financial center, with its London markets and LSE, boosts the appeal of finance and economics degrees. Accounting and finance courses also rank high. For example, finance and accountancy graduates earn similar salaries (£28k) and pursue careers in auditing, investment banking, and more.
Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
As industries seek big-data and machine learning experts, Data Science and AI courses have surged in popularity. UK degrees focus on statistics, coding, and AI applications. Graduates can pursue tech and finance roles as data scientists or analysts, both of which are in high demand. QS/THE rankings highlight the UK’s strengths in this area; leading programs are offered at Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial, LSE, and Edinburgh. In fact, a recent survey lists data science as one of the most in-demand UK courses. The combination of math, computing, and business skills means that these graduates have excellent job prospects and high starting salaries (comparable to those in other tech fields).
Psychology
Psychology is a popular social science that offers diverse career paths. In the UK, BSc programs (three to four years) teach research methods and theory, and many are accredited by the British Psychological Society. Although the average starting salary is modest (~£25k), there is strong global demand for psychologists and those in related roles (clinical, educational, human resources, and marketing). UK psychology programs have excellent academic reputations. Top programs include those at Cambridge, UCL, Oxford, King’s, and Edinburgh. These programs provide a solid foundation for careers in psychology or postgraduate specializations.
Nursing & Allied Health
Nursing and allied health courses, often classified under “Subjects Allied to Medicine,” are in high demand due to global healthcare needs. In the UK, BSc Nursing programs combine classroom study with clinical placements, and graduates typically enter the National Health Service (NHS) or other international health systems. Enrollment in allied health programs reached record highs in 2024, with approximately 26,625 acceptances in the UK. These degrees lead directly to licensure as a nurse, physiotherapist, or radiographer, and graduates enjoy near-100% employment. Starting salaries are around £25k, but they quickly rise with experience.
Art, Design & Creative Arts
UK art and design programs are world-renowned. Institutions such as the Royal College of Art (RCA), the University of the Arts London (UAL), the Glasgow School of Art, Goldsmiths, and the University of Edinburgh are global leaders. Degrees in fine art, graphic design, animation, fashion, and media attract international students seeking a competitive advantage in the creative industries. Although starting salaries are lower on average (around £21k), graduates enter dynamic fields such as design, film, gaming, and advertising and benefit from UK industry connections. The creative sector is a significant UK employer, and these programs emphasize portfolios and industry-ready skills, making graduates highly valued by recruiters.
These are the most in-demand courses for international students in the UK in 2025. You may have trouble with career planning, setting future goals, and choosing the right country and university after college. Here at STS Global Education, we are an education consultancy that helps with these issues.
