Eligibility to Pursue STEM Courses in the UK

Given the increasing demand for skilled workers in various industries, more and more students are choosing to study STEM abroad. The UK has some of the best universities in the world that offer programs in STEM, short for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. And this is the reason why it has become one of the best study destinations for international students, particularly for STEM.

It is no secret that these STEM degree programmes in the UK are highly competitive. This is why it becomes important for candidates to have all the background knowledge related to their field of study as well as admissions and eligibility requirements.

Some of the most popular job roles offered by universities in the area are those related to biotechnology, computer science, and engineering. Aside from these, some of the industries that are becoming more popular include artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics.

Study STEM in UK

The UK has some of the world’s oldest educational institutes that are several centuries old. It is an incredible place to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics courses. The courses are uniquely designed to suit the needs of STEM-based industries and the students can immerse themselves in the vibrant campus life. 

If students are unsure of which subjects to take, then let us assure you that the UK offers a broad selection of courses in bachelor's and then allows them to specialise in any of them in the final years. For example, one can take up natural sciences which will allow them to explore a number of STEM courses in the first year. A course in engineering will help one to look into different aspects of the subjects before finalising the specialisation. On the other hand, if students display a passion for a particular topic, they can directly jump into courses that will give them a headstart from the beginning. 

Moreover, the STEM courses in UK are shorter than in other countries. Pursuing bachelor’s courses in STEM in UK is of three years while a master's in STEM is of one year. It allows one to join the workforce earlier while saving a lot on tuition fees and other living expenses. Also, there is enough flexibility in choosing the modules that help build a course programme that suits best. 

Reasons to Study STEM in UK

STEM is a part of our daily life and has a strong influence on our everyday world. It is a constantly growing industry with a constant demand for graduates with the skills, knowledge and know-how to make a real impact on the world. There is no better time than this to start studying STEM in UK. If students are interested to make a positive change in the world or are inspired by the latest technological inventions, the opportunities after STEM courses are endless. 

The reasons to study STEM courses in UK are:

• Increase in Job Opportunities: STEM-related job roles are on the rise and is nearly double the job created in other occupations. As the technology and engineering industries are growing, there is a huge demand for STEM graduates. 

• Gain Transferable Skills: By studying a degree in STEM subjects, students will not only learn skills that will help them qualify as professionals in one field but also can be used in a wide range of sectors. The skills include getting creative solutions for real problems, becoming efficient and organised and learning to design, develop and create.

• Lucrative Salary Package: The average salary for STEM graduates in UK is GBP 26,000 according to Inside Careers. Some of the roles which pay high are scientists and engineers and as the industries grow the salary will increase manifold. 

• Links with the Industry: STEM degrees are linked with the industry which has led graduates to gain roles in companies like Microsoft, Google, Meta and others. During the course, students will be able to build networks within the industry which will help them with work placements. 

Eligibility to Pursue Bachelors in STEM in the UK

The eligibility to pursue an undergraduate degree in STEM in the UK is quite subjective and depends on the university one wishes to apply. However, there are certain parameters that must be followed in order to ensure that your application is not rejected on the grounds of eligibility. Without any further ado, let us see the complete eligibility criteria required for international students to pursue bachelors in STEM in the UK.

Previous Education: Your previous education is one of the most important and basic requirements that you are required to fulfil in order to be considered for admission.

Most universities in the UK require that their students have at least a high school diploma in the field of science. Chemistry, Physics, and Math/ Biology are the subjects that are most important for getting into top STEM programs in the UK.

If you plan on pursuing a bachelor's degree, then your school should have provided enough exposure to the basics of science subjects. If you aspire to study biomedical engineering, then you should have studied both math and biology in your 12th grade.

In case of admission to Bachelor's degree programmes in the UK, students are required to complete their 10+2 from science specialisation with a minimum aggregate of 60% which is equivalent to a GPA of 3.3. In most cases, the minimum 12th score required by international universities will typically be 60%. However, the higher the percentage, the better your chances of being accepted.

Letter of Recommendation: Most universities require these letters of recommendation from highly skilled and experienced teachers and tutors.

Statement of Purpose: Most universities in the UK also require a statement of purpose to explain why you should apply to a particular course or institution.

Aptitude Test/SAT: Although the SAT is not mandatory, having an SAT score is still very important if you are applying to universities in the UK. A minimum of 1200 in the SAT is required to be considered by an average university. The SAT exam pattern has two major sections Reading-Writing and Math in addition to optional essay writing. These sections are scored on a range of 200-800. Aside from the SAT, UK schools usually do not require you to clear a standardised test to stay a Bachelor's degree.

Engish Language Proficiency Test: Since English is the medium of instruction in most universities in the UK, international students are obliged to appear for at least one English language test. For admission to a Bachelor's degree in STEM in the UK, the minimum scores required in different tests are:

• IELTS Score: 6.5 band

• TOEFL Score: 78

• PTE Score: 50

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Eligibility to Pursue Masters in STEM in the UK

To be eligible for a postgraduate degree in STEM in the UK, here are the eligibility criteria that an applicant needs to meet:

Bachelor's Degree: In case of admission to Masters degree programmes, students are required to complete their bachelors degree in a field related to their Masters specialization with an aggregate of 60%. However, students should note that the aggregate could be low or high depending on the university's requirements.

To pursue masters in STEM abroad, you need a minimum of 60% (or 3.3 on a 4.0 scale)in your undergraduate degree. If your aggregate score in Bachelors exceeds 60%, you may be eligible to apply to some good universities in the UK.

Work Experience: Many countries, including the UK and many European ones, require at least two years of work experience before applying. Some schools may accept candidates without work experience. However, it is better to gain relevant experience before applying.

Standardised Test: GRE or GMAT is one of the most integral parts of a student's application. Some schools may require a GRE score while some may accept a GMAT score. Although many international students do not have to take the GMAT exam, it is still important that they take the GRE.

• GRE: The GRE General Test consists of three main sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing, and Verbal Reasoning. The total time allotted to take the test is three hours and thirty minutes.

• GMAT: The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test that consists of 80 questions. It is one of the most critical tests for students wanting to study in some of the most prestigious business schools in the world. The main sections of the GMAT exam are - Verbal reasoning, Quantitative reasoning, and Integrated reasoning.

Engish Language Proficiency Test: For admission to a Master's degree in STEM in the UK, the minimum scores required in different tests are:

• IELTS Score: 6.5 band

• TOEFL Score: 80

• PTE Score: 50

Letter of Recommendation: Letters of recommendation (LORs) are especially valuable to admissions officers as they help them paint a better picture of who you are and what impact you will have on campus.

Most selective schools and universities require at least three letters of recommendation from teachers, guidance counsellors, and professors.

Statement of Purpose: One of the most important pieces of advice when applying to study abroad is writing a statement of purpose. This short essay will introduce you to the parts of your ideal program and highlight the various aspects of your academic background.

Students should note that if they decide to study a field that they have never even studied in the past, the admission process would be very challenging. It would be difficult for an admission committee to explain to them why they should accept someone who has never studied a particular field.

To study a course in one of the UK's top universities, candidates must meet the requirements established by the universities. Most of the STEM programs offered by the UK's top universities require that their applicants have completed their high school studies in the field of science. The courses and the requirements of the universities vary depending on the field of study. However, most STEM courses have more or less a similar requirement.

The UK's universities are known for their creativity and innovation. There are various STEM undergraduate and postgraduate courses available in the country for international students. After completing their STEM studies in the UK, students can look for job opportunities in a wide range of industries. In the UK, students from universities are widely sought- after by employers globally.

Top STEM Courses in UK

The STEM courses in UK are shaped by the latest thinking and research and students get to learn in state-of-art learning environments and laboratories. Each course is very different and provides wide as well as specialised knowledge in the courses. Students can study traditional science subjects like physics and chemistry or chemistry-related specialisations like forensic science and pharmacology. They can learn technology courses like materials science or creative music technology. 

Given below are some of the top STEM courses in UK to be pursued at Bachelors or Masters levels: 

Top STEM Universities in UK 

The STEM universities in UK help students develop their skills and stand out of the crowd with degrees created out of industry inputs. It gives them professional and practical exposure. The universities work closely with industries to develop their STEM courses to meet the needs of the industry. These courses are delivered by academics with a wealth of expertise and experience. The universities also ensure that students develop transferable skills and therefore project works are integrated into the courses to grow teamwork, leadership and communication skills. 

The top STEM Universities in UK are given below along with their STEM Rankings: 

Top UK universities have highly experienced faculty members who are devoted to teaching and learning. The UK's universities offer a variety of courses and degrees in various fields of study, which are in sync with the student's dreams. To be a part of such educational institutes, it is important for students to take the right steps at the right time and ensure their admission to the top universities of the world.

For any queries related to admission to STEM courses at UK universities, you can write to us at abroad@collegedekho.com.