5 Reasons to Study STEM in the UK

From Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin to major scientific discoveries such as penicillin and the structure of DNA, and engineering innovations including the steam locomotive, the jet engine and the World Wide Web, the UK has a long and proud history in science and technology. But why might studying a STEM degree in the UK today be a good option?

Here’s 5 reasons why it could be an excellent place for you to study a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics:

1.     Quality and style of university education

For a relatively small island, the UK really punches above its weight when it comes to academic quality. Our universities consistently feature strongly across a range of rankings, including in the QS Subject Rankings for Engineering and Technology, Life Sciences and Medicine, and Natural Sciences, as well four UK universities placing in the top 10 in the world over-all, and numerous others in the top 100.

But rankings are just a small part of the story. UK universities utilize a variety of innovative teaching techniques, designed to encourage independent and critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and self-motivation – all key qualities when it comes to the STEM fields. With access to practical labs, students will be working on real-world problems with many university programmes being designed with industry collaboration and STEM careers in mind.

2.     Research powerhouse

If you’re considering a degree in STEM, then access to research is often high on the list of priorities. Universities are at the heart of UK STEM research and our academic staff include some of the world’s most renowned scientists, medics, and engineers. The strength of this research has never been more evident than the work carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic – from epidemiologists advising national and international governments, to developing advanced technologies for rapid testing, as well vaccine development. UK universities were at the forefront of tackling the pandemic, with four UK universities collectively contributing to nearly one-third of all published papers on COVID-19.

Many of our university researchers are directly involved teaching so as a student you get to experience their expertise first-hand in your lecturers, seminars and reading materials. Hands on experience of research is also key to studying STEM in the UK with many degrees in this area involving a research project at both undergraduate and graduate level. Additionally some universities offer schemes such as the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme (UROP) or the International Research Opportunities Programme (IROP) as a chance to gain first-hand experience of life in a research lab under expert supervision.

3.     International outlook and experience

Innovations in science and technology do not lend themselves to working in isolation, and what better environment to learn to work collaboratively than one that is internationally diverse. When you study at a university in the UK, you won’t just be gaining a British perspective. The UK university sector is incredibly diverse with over 20% of our students and staff coming from overseas, providing you the opportunity to gain new outlooks from international academics and to tap into fresh thinking from your peers who represent some of the most talented minds from around the world.  The people you’ll meet and the connections you’ll make will become your global network well beyond your university years.

UK universities also pride themselves on international collaboration, whether that’s though partnerships, student exchanges or joint research projects, and this cooperation carries through into the wider research landscape. In 2018, 55% of UK publications were the result of international collaboration, compared to the world average of 21%.

4.     Specialized (and often shorter!) degrees

Mad about mathematics? Eager to be an engineer? Convinced science is for you? Well, the UK lets you dive straight into the subject you love from day without having to continue with the other subjects you don’t like so much. Applying to an undergrad programme in the UK means you apply directly to a major which you will study for the duration of your degree giving you a chance to delve deeper into the subject right from the start. Consequently, in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, Bachelor’s degrees are only three years in duration saving you time and most likely money.

Similarly for graduate students, a PhD in the UK is usually carried out in 3-4 years and Master’s degrees are usually only one year in duration allowing you to gain expertise in your field in a much shorter space of time and springboard you into your career….

5.     Employability and career options

And speaking of careers, taking that leap to study abroad will always look great on your resume but there are added opportunities available to give you a head start in your career with a UK degree. As an international student you are entitled to work off campus and this provides an excellent opportunity to gain experience and build professional networks through internships and placements particularly relevant to your chosen field – and be paid for it!

            And if you’re too busy enjoying all the other aspects of university life during your studies, international students who have successfully completed an undergraduate or graduate degree will be able to benefit from two (or three for PhDs) years’ work experience in the UK upon graduation, through the new Graduate Route.

 So, there’s some great reasons to start considering the UK as a destination to study a degree in STEM – now it’s just a question of which subject and where! With thousands of degree programmes ranging from the more general such as “Natural Sciences” to super specific like “Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering” and a range of universities across the country, you’re sure to find the right fit for you.

About the author

Catherine Eames is the International Student Recruitment Manager at Imperial College London, a global top 10 university and the only UK university to focus entirely on science, engineering, medicine and business. Catherine has been working in UK Higher Education and international student recruitment since 2008 and has been at Imperial College London for nine years.