Every year, thousands of students from overseas enrol at universities throughout the UK. If you're tempted to join the crowd, but undecided on what course to study, our list of the most popular subject areas for overseas students* may help.
*Based on data from HESA, showing first-year course enrolments for 2021–22.
1. Business Studies
First-year non-EU international students: 22,045
The number of international students choosing the UK as the destination for their business-related degrees reflects both the quality of higher education and the UK's position as a commercial world leader. Business Studies covers all aspects of business – economics, accounting, marketing and management. And if you take a course in business studies, you’ll gain a wealth of skills that can be used in most industries and sectors.
2. Management Studies
First-year non-EU international students: 17,760
Management Studies focuses on the running of a company, both in terms of strategy, finance and marketing, and organisational aspects such as human resources. It’s more popular with international postgraduate students, who may be aiming to boost their chances of climbing the career ladder. The strategic skills learned can be applied across any sector and can also be used by those seeking to work in consultancy roles with business.
3. Finance
First-year non-EU international students: 14,255
Frequently offered in combination with accounting, economics or business, a Finance degree is likely to give you insights into corporate finance, investments, financial markets and more. Some degrees include placements that will build your employability and gain you connections with businesses –while others may include modules on entrepreneurship, if you want to strike out on your own.
4. General Business and Management
First-year non-EU international students: 12,075
Courses focusing on business skills are a popular option with international students – six out of the top ten feature the management of money or business. If you can’t choose between Business Studies or Management Studies, a general course will give you understanding of both the environment in which a business operates, as well as how it functions as an organisation.
5. Law
First-year non-EU international students: 11,495
English, Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish Law – each of the UK’s jurisdictions has its own legal system. For international students, the interest may lie in British common law, which underpins over a third of the world’s legal systems, and English commercial law, which often governs international contracts. Students also gain skills in legal research and practice. Good English language skills will be essential to your success if you study a Law degree.
6. Computer Science
First-year non-EU international students: 10,330
Computer Science is a broad field, exploring computing architecture, software and systems design through to the internet, e-business and the study of high-end computing with supercomputers. The UK boasts a number of highly regarded computer scientists, and a number of UK universities appear in the top 25 of worldwide rankings. Graduate prospects are likely to be high, as nearly all areas of life now rely on computer systems in some way.
7. Economics
First-year non-EU international students: 8,460
From capitalism to doughnut economics, and from Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations onwards, the theories of economic growth and development have shaped societies – and their politics – across the world. Combining skills in mathematics with a range of topics, you could study Economics and Finance; Politics, Philosophy and Economics; or Economics and Sustainable Development, among others.
8. Marketing
First-year non-EU international students: 8,295
Modern marketing is a complex area that straddles many marketing streams to connect with consumers. Fundamentally it requires a good understanding of customer behaviour and needs, in order to build sales strategies and develop branding. Marketing is more popular with international postgraduates than undergraduates – perhaps because it can build on knowledge gained from studying another discipline at degree level, and can be applied across many sectors.
9. Accounting
First-year non-EU international students: 7,920
More popular with undergraduates than postgraduates, Accounting develops real-life skills that’ll always be in demand. The UK has tough accounting standards, and many degrees offer exceptions towards some elements of professional accountancy qualifications trusted around the world. You may also get overseas practice if you choose a course with a study year abroad.
10. Design
First-year non-EU international students: 7,855
As Steve Jobs summed up, ‘Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.’ If you enjoy problem solving in a creative form, then perhaps you could consider one of the design disciplines – from Graphic Arts and Typography to Industrial Design, or Fashion and Textiles. You’ll learn applied skills in your field, get your finger on the pulse of new developments, and gain experience of working to client briefs.