Hey there, are you an international student, studying in the UK?
We’ve got some fantastic news to share with you. Did you know that you can now apply for a post-study work visa under the Graduate Immigration Route? That’s right! This visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to two years (three years for PhD students) and gain valuable work experience. And the best part? You don’t need sponsorship from anyone in the country to extend your stay!
But wait, there’s more!
The Graduate Route isn’t just great news for you, but it’s also beneficial for the UK. It aims to retain global talent in the country and boost its economy. However, there’s one thing you need to keep in mind – the Graduate Route doesn’t count towards settlement. So, what are your job prospects like after the two-year visa ends? Well, you can apply to other routes, such as the Skilled Worker, Global Talent, and Innovator routes, once your Post-Study Work visa ends.
Now, we know the UK job market can be highly competitive, but don’t worry, We’ve got your back. You can increase your chances of getting hired and settling in the UK by choosing the right course to study. And we are here to make things easier for you. In this guide, we have compiled a Shortage Occupation List UK so you can have an edge.
So, let’s start exploring your options now and make the most of your study abroad experience in the UK!
What is the Shortage Occupation List UK?
The Shortage Occupation List UK is like the official lineup of jobs that need more people because there aren’t enough locals to fill them. The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) keeps an eye on this list, making sure it stays up to date.
If your job is on this special list, you get a bonus of 20 points in the new point-based immigration system. That’s good news for professionals trying to make the UK their home. These jobs are highly sought-after as everyone wants them because there aren’t enough skilled people to go around.
And if you’re into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), you’re in luck! These fields have awesome job opportunities not just in the UK but all around the world. So, it’s a win-win for those looking for exciting career prospects in Great Britain.
Degrees Based on the Shortage Occupation List UK in 2024
When mapping out your future in the UK, it’s not sufficient to just opt for popular subjects to study. The key is to carefully select the right subject area and course that will enhance your employability. In the UK, where the job market is fiercely competitive, making wise choices in your education becomes essential for securing a promising career. Let’s talk about the degrees based on shortage occupation in UK.
1. Medicine
Opting for a degree in medicine not only allows you to become a doctor, cardiologist, or anesthetist, but it also opens doors to various other roles like general practice doctor or dental technician. In the UK, where you can access top-notch medical education and facilities, graduates enjoy an impressive 99% employment rate. Starting salaries begin at GBP 45,000, per annum making it a rewarding and secure career path.
2. Health-Related Subjects
Choosing health-related fields, such as nutrition or physiotherapy, helps unlock a diverse range of fulfilling careers as a nutritionist or physiotherapist. Graduates typically secure employment within six months and commence their professional journeys with a starting salary of GBP 22,000.
In this field, the job market is robust, with a high employment rate of 95%. Beyond just nutritionists and physiotherapists, graduates can explore various roles like dieticians. This can expand their job prospects and opportunities. This promising start not only ensures financial stability but also sets the stage for a rewarding career in the healthcare sector.
3. Engineering
A career in engineering presents exciting opportunities in various roles. Graduates in this field are highly employable, and their professional journey usually begins with a starting salary of GBP 25,000.
With a high employment rate of 92%, engineering offers a pathway to acquire skills that lead to innovative roles in the corporate world. Job prospects include positions like Mechanical Engineer, Design and Development Engineer, Civil Engineer, and more. It’s a dynamic field that promises a rewarding career and ample room for growth.
4. Teaching
Getting a teaching degree really sets you up for some cool gigs like being a teaching assistant or getting into early years teaching. After graduating in this field, you can expect your starting salary to be around GBP 20000. Moreover, the demand for teachers in the UK is huge, leading to a 92% employment rate.
So, if you’re into making a difference in education, this career path is not just rewarding but also has some awesome job prospects for you. These usually include becoming an Ofsted inspector, teaching assistant, or an early years teacher.
5. Architecture
A career in architectural engineering opens doors to crafting the physical world around us. As an architect or urban designer, you get to shape the places we live and breathe. Starting your career in this field brings not just creative fulfillment but also some solid perks.
After getting done with this degree, you can step into the professional realm with a decent starting salary of GBP 22,000. And here’s the good news – the employment rate for architecture graduates is a solid 92%!
Now, let’s talk about job options. You’re not just limited to being an architect; in fact, you can also explore options like CAD Technician, Urban Designer, and more. It’s a versatile field with room for creativity. Some grads even take the entrepreneurial route and start their own ventures or join established firms. So, if you’ve got a passion for shaping the world we live in, architecture could be your way to a fulfilling and promising career journey.
6. Business & Management
A career in business and management can set you up for exciting roles like Supply Chain Manager or Project Manager, with a solid starting salary of GBP 37,000 per annum. These courses aren’t just about textbooks, instead, they equip you with versatile skills in communication, strategic thinking, and leadership that can be applied across different roles within an organization.
Imagine landing a job where you’re not just earning a good salary but also stepping into diverse roles like Supply Chain Manager, Project Manager, Business Analyst, and more. It’s like having a toolkit filled with skills that organizations are actively seeking.
And here’s the good news – with an impressive employment rate of 90%, your journey into the professional world is backed by a strong chance of finding the perfect fit for your skills. So, if you’re ready to dive into a world of opportunities, these courses are your route to a dynamic and rewarding career!
7. Finance
Enrolling in financial courses is not solely about numbers. It offers a pathway to sought-after career opportunities such as a certified accountant or a financial officer, responsible for steering a company’s financial direction. Furthermore, the starting compensation package of GBP 32,000 is commendable.
After graduating with this degree, you’ll not just be crunching numbers. Instead, you’ll be gaining top-tier skills in financial management, investment, and budgeting. It’s like having a financial toolkit that sets you up for success in the professional world. Now, let’s talk about job options.
Well, with this course, you could be an Accounting Technician, a Bank Manager, a Financial Officer, and the list goes on! And here’s the cherry on top – this career has an impressive 90% employment rate. Thus, your journey into the financial realm is backed by strong job prospects.
So, if you are ready to turn your financial inclination into a rewarding career, these courses are your golden ticket!
8. Computer Science
A computer science degree isn’t just about coding; it’s your pathway to rocking roles like a web developer, data analyst, or software engineer. And in this field, you can begin your career with a starting salary of GBP 30,000.
Acquiring a computer science degree from any of the reputable universities in the UK will not only enable you to become an expert in coding, but it will also provide you with a whole bunch of skills in programming, digital marketing, and cloud computing.
Now, let’s talk about job options. Ever dreamed of creating websites, or building cutting-edge software? Well, with computer science, you could be a Web Developer, a Data Analyst, or a Software Developer, the possibilities are endless.
And the best part? There’s a 90% chance of landing a good job in the tech world. So, choose this field and code your way to an exciting career.
9. Economics
Understanding the global economic game is not a matter of just numbers and graphs. Economics is the key to unlocking this knowledge. With a degree in economics, you can pursue exciting career paths such as a statistician or economist, starting with a decent salary of £35,000.
It’s not just a job, instead, it’s a journey into diverse fields where you get to apply economic strategies and regulations.
Now let’s explore your options. Are you interested in data analysis? With your background in economics, you have the potential to excel as a Statistician, Economist, or Data Analyst – the possibilities are limitless! What’s even more impressive? These fields boast an 89% employment rate, providing you with a solid foundation for building your career in the economic world. If you’re prepared to unravel the complexities of economies and make a difference, these courses are the key to a thriving and fulfilling career.
10. Law
A law degree opens up exciting paths to becoming a solicitor, patent attorney, or arbitrator. The impressive 88% employment rate highlights the global recognition of legal degrees from UK schools, creating opportunities for prestigious careers.
These programs offer graduates a starting salary of GBP 35,000 and open up a world of possibilities for career advancement in the UK job market. Students can align their skills and interests with the competitive job market, which not only enhances their employability but also sets them on the path to success. In essence, these courses are the perfect launchpad for a prosperous career.
Other Subjects
According to the Shortage Occupation List UK, other subjects that can prove to be beneficial for international students and provide them with better employment prospects in Great Britain typically include social work, human resource management, archaeology, life sciences, and a lot more. So, you can also consider your career in these fields.
Here’s a table representing the employment rates and starting salaries for all the above-mentioned degree programs:
| Degree Type | Employment Rate | Starting Salary (Per Annum) |
| Medicine | 99% | GBP 45000 |
| Health-Related Subjects | 95% | GBP 22000 |
| Engineering | 92% | GBP 25000 |
| Teaching | 92% | GBP 20000 |
| Architecture | 92% | GBP 22000 |
| Business and Management | 90% | GBP 37000 |
| Finance | 90% | GBP 32000 |
| Computer Science | 90% | GBP 30000 |
| Economics | 89% | GBP 35000 |
| Law | 88% | GBP 35000 |
How Can StudyWise Help You?
So, if you have set your sights on the UK to pursue your higher education and are now finding yourself lost in the sea of endless options, don’t fret. We are here to put an end to all your worries. At StudyWise, we have the world’s best student counselors and visa experts who are there to help you decide what’s best for you. Let us guide you to the best for your future, contact us today!
Looking for the perfect courses and universities abroad to kickstart your dream career? The answer is right in front of you – StudyWise. Download our amazing app from the App Store or Play Store and enjoy a smooth experience of going through a plethora of career options based on your academic background and personal preferences. With our app, you can easily compare different universities and courses, and make an informed decision that’ll shape your future. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
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Wrapping Up
For international students in the UK, their journey towards a successful career begins with choosing the right degree. With the exciting prospect of the Graduate Immigration Route, offering a two-year (or three-year for PhD students) post-study work visa, the opportunities are boundless. Remember, you don’t need sponsorship to extend your stay, and the UK values global talent, aiming to boost its economy through initiatives like the Graduate Route.
To maximize your chances in the competitive job market, consider the coveted Shortage Occupation List UK. These in-demand roles not only offer a bonus in the immigration system but also reflect the dynamic needs of the UK job market. Whether you’re inclined towards STEM fields or passionate about shaping the world through architecture, your choice of study can be your ticket to a fulfilling and promising career.