Why Study Undergraduate Courses in UK?
The United Kingdom has long been one of the world’s most preferred destinations for international students.
Home to some of the oldest and most prestigious universities, the UK offers globally recognized degrees, shorter course durations and strong employability.
Fun Fact: Over 600,000 international students study in the UK every year and nearly 70% enroll in undergraduate programs.
Top Reasons to Study in the UK:
- Globally respected universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial
- 3-year bachelor’s programs (save time & cost)
- 2-year post-study work visa (Graduate Route)
- Part-time work options during study
- Access to scholarships and global internships
Top 10 Popular Undergraduate Courses in UK for 2026
| Rank | Course Name | Duration | Average Fees (per year) | Top Universities |
| 1 | Business & Management | 3 years | £18,000–£35,000 | LSE, Warwick, Manchester |
| 2 | Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical) | 3–4 years | £20,000–£38,000 | Imperial, Cambridge, Southampton |
| 3 | Medicine & Nursing | 4–6 years | £25,000–£45,000 | Oxford, Edinburgh, King’s College |
| 4 | Computer Science & IT | 3–4 years | £18,000–£32,000 | UCL, Glasgow, Leeds |
| 5 | Law (LLB) | 3 years | £19,000–£32,000 | Cambridge, Bristol, Durham |
| 6 | Psychology | 3 years | £17,000–£28,000 | Bath, Nottingham, Cardiff |
| 7 | Architecture | 5 years | £20,000–£35,000 | UCL, Sheffield, Dundee |
| 8 | Economics | 3 years | £19,000–£33,000 | LSE, Edinburgh, York |
| 9 | Design & Creative Arts | 3 years | £16,000–£28,000 | Arts University Bournemouth, Goldsmiths |
| 10 | Education & Teaching | 3 years | £15,000–£25,000 | Exeter, Glasgow, Reading |
Business & Management
Business and Management degrees in the UK are among the most sought-after courses for international students. These programs prepare you for leadership, entrepreneurship, and corporate roles across the world.
Career Opportunities:
Business Analyst • Marketing Manager • Consultant • Entrepreneur
Average Salary: £40,000 – £80,000/year
Top Universities:
Why choose this course: 90% of international business graduates secure jobs or pursue higher studies within six months.
Engineering
Engineering is one of the UK’s oldest and most prestigious disciplines. From Mechanical and Civil to Aerospace and Electrical, UK universities are known for innovation and hands-on training.
Career Opportunities:
Civil Engineer • Design Engineer • Project Manager
Average Salary: £35,000 – £70,000/year
Top Universities:
Why choose this course: The UK is investing heavily in green energy and technology — creating huge opportunities for engineers.
Medicine & Nursing
Medicine and Nursing degrees from the UK are globally recognized and come with exceptional clinical training in NHS hospitals.
Career Opportunities:
Doctor • Nurse • Public Health Expert
Average Salary: £50,000 – £100,000/year
Top Universities:
Why choose this course: Graduates are eligible to work in healthcare systems worldwide after qualification.
Computer Science & IT
With rapid digitalization, Computer Science has become one of the fastest-growing undergraduate programs in the UK. You’ll study AI, cybersecurity, data analytics, and software engineering.
Career Opportunities:
Software Engineer • Data Scientist • AI Developer
Average Salary: £45,000 – £90,000/year
Top Universities:
- University College London (UCL)
- University of Glasgow
- University of Leeds
Why choose this course: The UK’s tech industry employs over 3 million professionals — a growing hub for digital careers.
Law (LLB)
The UK’s legal education system is world-famous. An LLB degree here gives you the chance to practice law internationally or work in corporate firms.
Career Opportunities:
Corporate Lawyer • Legal Advisor • Policy Consultant
Average Salary: £40,000 – £90,000/year
Top Universities:
Why choose this course: UK Law degrees are recognized globally and respected by employers worldwide.
Psychology
Psychology is one of the most popular courses in the UK due to growing interest in mental health and human behavior.
Career Opportunities:
Psychologist • Counselor • Research Analyst
Average Salary: £35,000 – £60,000/year
Top Universities:
- University of Bath
- University of Nottingham
- Cardiff University
Why choose this course: Psychology graduates are in high demand in education, health, and HR sectors.
Architecture
UK universities provide cutting-edge architectural education blending art, engineering and sustainability.
Career Opportunities:
Architect • Urban Designer • Project Planner
Average Salary: £40,000 – £80,000/year
Top Universities:
- UCL (Bartlett School of Architecture)
- University of Sheffield
- University of Dundee
Why choose this course: Architecture degrees from the UK are accredited by RIBA, making them globally valid.
Economics
Economics is a top choice for students interested in finance, policymaking, and global business.
Career Opportunities:
Economist • Financial Analyst • Data Consultant
Average Salary: £40,000 – £85,000/year
Top Universities:
- London School of Economics
- University of Edinburgh
- University of York
Why choose this course: Economics degrees from the UK open doors to top global firms and government roles.
Design & Creative Arts
From fashion to animation, the UK is a global hub for creativity. Universities emphasize portfolio-based learning and real-world projects.
Career Opportunities:
Designer • Illustrator • Brand Strategist
Average Salary: £30,000 – £60,000/year
Top Universities:
- Goldsmiths, University of London
- Arts University Bournemouth
- University of the Arts London (UAL)
Why choose this course: Perfect for students passionate about creativity, design, or media careers.
Education & Teaching
UK education degrees are ideal for students who wish to build a career in teaching, educational leadership, or curriculum design.
Career Opportunities:
Teacher • Lecturer • Academic Coordinator
Average Salary: £35,000 – £65,000/year
Top Universities:
- University of Exeter
- University of Glasgow
- University of Reading
Why choose this course: Education degrees are globally recognized, allowing you to teach anywhere in the world.
Cost of Studying Undergraduate Courses in the UK (2026)
| Expense Type | Average Cost (per year) |
| Tuition Fees | £15,000 – £35,000 |
| Accommodation & Living | £9,000 – £15,000 |
| Health Insurance (NHS) | £470/year |
| Visa & Application Fees | £350 – £500 |
Tip: You can work up to 20 hours/week during your studies and full-time during breaks.
Scholarships for International Students
Top Scholarships in the UK:
- Chevening Scholarship
- Commonwealth Scholarship
- GREAT Scholarship
- University-specific scholarships (Manchester, Leeds, Bath, etc.)
Career Opportunities After Graduation
UK graduates are highly employable worldwide. You can stay in the UK for 2 years under the Graduate Route Visa after completing your degree.
Top Industries Hiring Graduates:
- Business & Finance
- Technology & IT
- Healthcare
- Engineering
- Media & Design
Conclusion
Studying undergraduate courses in the UK gives you a global advantage; top universities, practical education and international career opportunities.
Whether you dream of becoming an engineer, lawyer, doctor or designer, the UK has the perfect undergraduate program waiting for you.
Take the first step toward your global career with Stubard — your trusted guide for study abroad and student accommodation solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which undergraduate course is most popular in the UK?
Business, Engineering, Computer Science, and Law are the most popular undergraduate courses in the UK.
2. Which UK degree has the highest salary after graduation?
Medicine, Law, and Engineering degrees typically offer the highest starting salaries.
3. What is the duration of undergraduate courses in the UK?
Most undergraduate degrees in the UK last 3 years, while Medicine and Architecture can take up to 5–6 years.
4. What is the average tuition fee for international students?
Fees range from £15,000 to £35,000 per year, depending on the course and university.
5. Can I work while studying in the UK?
Yes, international students can work 20 hours per week during term time.
6. Do I need IELTS for undergraduate admission in the UK?
Yes, most universities require IELTS 6.0–6.5 or equivalent TOEFL/PTE scores.
7. What are the top universities in the UK for undergraduates?
University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and University College London (UCL) are among the top choices.
8. Can I stay in the UK after my studies?
Yes, you can stay for 2 years on the Graduate Route Visa after graduation.
9. Which undergraduate courses are best for Indian students?
BBA, Engineering, Nursing, and Computer Science are highly popular among Indian students.
10. How can Stubard help me apply for UK universities?
Stubard helps you choose the right course, apply to top universities, secure accommodation, and guide your visa process.