The UK has a vast university system of nearly 200 institutions. While this number may seem significantly more approachable than the number of US institutions, it’s important to narrow your options as you consider studying in the UK.
A good way to do so is to first consider the coursework offered. Because the UK education system differs from that of the US, understanding the types of study subjects available to you is a great first step for determining what exactly you want to study and where in the region (England? Wales? Northern Ireland or Scotland?) to do it.
Undergraduate courses UK
Unlike the broad, liberal arts approach typical of US universities, UK institutions offer a more focused academic path. This allows you to dive deeper into your subject more quickly. In fact, you'll likely take fewer classes per semester and graduate within three years, compared to the US standard of four.
Read More: How does the UK education system differ from the US?
There are several different types of bachelor’s degrees in the UK that get pretty granular; you’ll see several examples throughout this blog, including the fun and diverse UK acronyms for them, too!
When you’re ready to fill out your UCAS (the UK’s CommonApp equivalent), you must know and decide what degree subject you want to pursue, as it’s part of the official application process. Again, this is different than in the US, where many incoming freshmen may choose to enter university without a declared degree.
Read More: How can a US student apply to college in the UK?
Below, we offer details on the UK’s approach to degree programs in STEM, business, and the humanities. Use this blog as a guide to narrow down your UK study options by fields in which you’re interested. Once you’ve decided on your field of study, peruse different regions and countries of the UK to pinpoint institutions that sound interesting and that align with your overall goals.
Keep in mind that similar to Ivy League institutions in the US, The Russell Group in the UK is made up of the region’s top universities, including some institutions you’ve likely heard of before, like University of Cambridge, University of Edinburgh, Imperial College London, University of Oxford, and more. While these world-renowned universities are outstanding options, don’t forget there are hundreds more universities across the UK that offer high-quality courses and degrees that are absolutely worth exploring!
Tip: Are there any UK universities that excel in the subject you are interested in? Rankings for specific courses (or degrees) might be more relevant than the institution’s overall ranking. This could also give you more flexibility to explore other locations and living costs.
Read More: World-famous universities
Let’s take a closer look at a few excellent degree programs at course offerings you may find at universities across the UK.