How pursuing STEM education in the UK can give you the edge you need
Uk/March 27, 2023/ Source: https://indianexpress.com/
Students studying STEM subjects in the UK have the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research projects, work with leading academics and researchers, and develop valuable skills in research and development.
For over a century, universities in the UK have been the cornerstone for science and technology, having inspired ideation and invention through training in technical subjects. Today, when the global economy is increasingly driven by technology and innovation, and there is a growing demand for workers with STEM-related skills, the UK has the potential to give the world what it needs across STEM education.
Scientific and technical education not only provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the demands of the job market but is also essential for driving innovation and addressing global challenges in areas such as artificial intelligence, healthcare, renewable energy, climate change and more. STEM education also fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills and allows students to work collaboratively to find solutions.
The UK government has always invested in research and development, which has supported innovation and the advancement of knowledge in STEM fields in the country. Notably, the UK has given the world some of the most successful people in science like Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking, Tim Burners Lee, Michael Faraday to name a few. Additionally, the UK has a strong track record of producing Nobel Prize winners in STEM fields like Sir Isaac Newton, Sir Alexander Fleming, Peter Higgs, and more. The revolutionaries from the UK have rewarded the world with their life-altering innovations.
With such a rich legacy, the UK has been a popular destination for Indian students pursuing STEM education. According to the UK Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) for the academic year 2019/20, approximately 49,000 Indian students were studying STEM subjects in the UK. The most popular STEM subjects among Indian students were Engineering and Technology, followed by Mathematical Sciences, Computer Science, and Biological Sciences.
Here are some key reasons for students to opt for higher education in STEM subjects across the UK –
Research Culture
The UK is a leader in research and development with a strong research culture. Universities in the UK are at the forefront of many areas of research. Students who pursue higher education in the UK have the opportunity to work with leading researchers and be part of ground-breaking research projects. Students studying STEM subjects in the UK have the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research projects, work with leading academics and researchers, and develop valuable skills in research and development.
Academic Quality
The UK is considered to be one of the leading countries in the world for STEM education at the university level, and it consistently ranks highly in international rankings, with state-of-the-art facilities, including labs and resource centers. According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022, UK universities perform very well in a wide range of STEM subjects. The University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge are consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the world for multiple STEM subjects, including mathematics, computer science, engineering, and natural sciences. Other UK universities such as Imperial College London, University College London, and The University of Edinburgh also rank highly for STEM subjects.
Availability of New Age Courses
Universities in the UK offer a wide range of new age STEM courses to keep up with the rapidly evolving fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Some of the new age STEM courses offered by UK universities include:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) – machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision
- Cybersecurity – network security, cryptography, and ethical hacking
- Data Science – data mining, data visualization, and big data analytics
- Biotechnology – genetic engineering, bioprocessing, and biomanufacturing
- Robotics – robot kinematics, control systems, and human-robot interaction
- Renewable Energy – wind energy, solar energy and biomass energy
Here are some key reasons for students to opt for higher education in STEM subjects across the UK
Career opportunities
Studying STEM subjects in the UK can lead to exciting career opportunities in a range of industries, including technology, engineering, healthcare, and many more. Many UK universities have strong links with industry, providing students with opportunities to gain work experience and develop their skills to complete tasks in real-world settings. This also positively impacts employment rates and provides students with access to careers advice and support. The UK’s post-study work visa also allows international students to stay and work in the UK for up to 2 years after graduation.
Students graduating from the UK are widely considered highly employable as they receive high-quality education, practical experience, and the opportunity to develop valuable skills. Additionally, studying in the UK can help students develop their language skills, intercultural skills, and networking skills, which are all highly valued by employers in today’s global economy.
Conclusion
Finally, it is important to remember that the UK government and universities offer thousands of scholarships grants to foreign students to be used towards tuition, living expenses and other educational costs associated with studying in the UK. One such scholarship for STEM education is the British Council Women in STEM scholarship. Applications are currently open for 48 spots are open for women STEM scholars from India and other South Asian countries, which will be awarded on merit basis alone. Students may check out the brand website for respective timelines.
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