Every year, thousands of international students move to the UK for higher education, but not all courses are created equal! Today, we’ll uncover the worst courses to study in the UK as an international student, why they might not be worth it, and what challenges you could face if you choose the wrong course. Let’s jump in!
If you’re new I’m Ashika and I talk about moving across the world to work or study and with that, let’s dive in!
International Students in the UK and Costs
The UK is home to nearly 605,000 international students, making it one of the most popular study destinations globally. Studying in the UK has a lot of perks. But something to keep in mind is that studying here is no small investment:
Tuition Fees: On average, international students pay between £10,000 and £38,000 per year, depending on the course and university.
Living Expenses: Add another £12,000 to £15,000 annually for accommodation, food, and other essentials.
If you don’t plan on working in the UK after this, the challenges are fewer but like the vast majority, if the plan is to get a job in the UK after your course, the decisions you make can be the difference between a wonderful life here or thousands of pounds worth of debt.
Speaking of picking wrongly, most students in the UK end up spending more than they plan to all because they pick the wrong student accommodation. Accommodation in the UK can be one of the biggest expenses so picking wisely is very important. Thats why I recommend Amber student housing. It’s got housing at all price points and more importantly, they’ve got accommodation close to universities so you don’t have to pay too much for transport to get there. Plus many rooms have free cancellation if you don’t get your student visa and yet others don’t require you have to a local UK guarantor so they tick all the boxes.
If you’d like more info, check this out.
And suddenly the biggest decision of your life becomes the worst. So its very very important that you plan carefully.
Most people jump at the opportunity to study in the UK assuming they’ll land a job. Fewer still get jobs at the end of their courses. There are many reasons for that like
Picking the wrong university - some universities just aren’t that great. The faculty is average, the modules are dated and they’re not hotspots for recruiters. Paying thousands of pounds to study there is equivalent to studying back in your home country. They don’t do anything for your resume.
Focusing on the wrong things - when many students come to the UK, it’s completely different to what they’re used to. So much to see, so much to do so naturally, their university takes a backseat and their grades suffer. And then there’s the other scenario where students get so overwhelmed with their part time jobs, that they forget that they’re here to study, they miss classes all for a part time job and they’re left with no degree, no job and mounting debt.
Choosing the wrong course- And then there’s the third scenario which leads most students not having a job at the end of their course and their two years of PSW here. And that’s picking the wrong course. Because unfortunately where some courses are concerned, even if you attend your classes religiously, even if you pick the right university and do everything you need to to get that job, you might still be left without a job in the end because those courses simply do not recruit foreigners unless you are absolutely phenomenal. Lets be honest, most of us are not.
So today we’re breaking down the worst possible courses you can pick in the UK from the point of view of getting a job in the UK with sponsorship at the end of it, to help you choose wisely.
Worst Courses to Study in the UK
At the top of the list we have
1. Hospitality and Tourism Management
Cost of Studying: £15,000–£25,000 per year.
Job Prospects: Entry-level jobs with salaries starting at £18,000–£22,000 per year.
While the UK is a global hub for tourism, the industry offers limited growth opportunities for graduates and often requires additional certifications to advance.
2. Fashion Design
Cost of Studying: £18,000–£30,000 per year.
Job Prospects: Highly competitive with starting salaries of £20,000–£25,000 per year.
Breaking into the UK fashion industry is tough, and many graduates struggle to find stable, high-paying jobs.
3. Media Studies and Film Production
Cost of Studying: £16,000–£28,000 per year.
Job Prospects: Freelance-heavy, with most roles offering less than £25,000 annually to start.
The media industry in the UK is saturated, making it hard for graduates to secure consistent, well-paying work.
4. Fine Arts
Cost of Studying: £15,000–£25,000 per year.
Job Prospects: Freelance or gig-based work with minimal starting salaries.
Passion is essential for arts, but financial stability can be a significant challenge for graduates.
5. Sports Science
Cost of Studying: £14,000–£22,000 per year.
Job Prospects: Limited to niche roles with starting salaries around £18,000–£23,000 per year.
Unless you’re aiming for top-tier coaching or research positions, the field offers limited opportunities in the UK job market.
So, let’s quickly talk about what you can do to make sure you are not one of the folks left unhappy at the end of your stint in the UK.
Research Job Markets: Well, for starters, focus on courses with strong demand. We all know Engineering, IT and healthcare offer the most sponsored jobs in the UK. But if your line of study does not come under these divisions, you have two options - you either up-skill and become extremely skilled at the line of work you’re in to make yourself valuable and this is only if your line of education actually sponsors or your other option is reconsider studying in the UK. There might be other countries that are better suited for your interests.
Speak to Alumni: Next, speak to your alumni and learn from their experiences to gauge the value of a course. If pretty much everyone you speak to says they couldn’t get a job, you need to have a plan of action.
Think Long-Term: And finally, choose a course that aligns with your career goals and offers good return on investment. Because while you pick a course that can help you get sponsored, if it’s not something you enjoy, you won’t last at that job anyway. And you also need to get a job that pays well because you’ll probably have a huge student loan to pay off. If you’re going to keep earning £30,000 for the next 10 years, it’s not going to help much with paying off those loans or saving.
Remember, studying in the UK is a huge commitment—make sure your choice sets you up for success!
I hope this was helpful. Until next time!
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