Looking for a rewarding career with job opportunities all over the world? Health sciences might be right for you! Graduates with skills and training in health care are in high demand, and the number of health care jobs is expected to continue to grow over the next decade.
There’s never been a better time to pursue a career in health sciences, and the UK is an exceptional learning environment for international students. Institutions in the UK are known for providing world-class education, diverse research opportunities, and hands-on experiences that can fast-track your career in healthcare.
If you want to gain a competitive edge in the global job market, read on to learn more about studying health sciences in the UK!
Considering different courses? Here are a few reasons why you might want to study health science.
World-Class Education
The UK is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities and institutions specializing in health science. Universities like University College London (UCL), King’s College London, and the University of Oxford offer a wide selection of health science courses. Thanks to professors and students at UK universities, there have been major innovations in health sciences such as:
- The COVID-19 vaccine (Oxford University and AstraZeneca)
- The world’s first full-body MRI scanner (University of Aberdeen)
- Care robots for the elderly (Middlesex University)
These advancements also illustrate the strong partnerships between UK universities and healthcare institutions, hospitals, research organizations, and sector-leading businesses. Through these partnerships, students can complete internships and research projects that provide them with practical experience. This hands-on time can prepare you for challenges you may face or work to solve in your career.
Fast-Track Your Career in Healthcare
One of the most compelling reasons to study health science in the UK is the potential to take what you’ve learned and fast-track your career. Upon graduation, you’ll be well-positioned to enter the workforce with a globally recognized qualification, no matter where you choose to work.
The healthcare sector in the UK is constantly evolving and offers a wide range of employment opportunities. As an international student, the UK’s Graduate visa, also known as the Graduate Route, makes it possible for you to stay and work in the UK for up to two years (or three years if you’re a doctoral graduate) after completing your studies. This post-study work visa helps international students gain valuable industry experience and build their professional network.
Health and social work jobs in the UK are expected to grow by nearly 350,000 over the next decade! Learn more about working in the UK while studying and after you graduate.
Looking beyond the UK, the skills you’ll build in health science courses are needed at organizations worldwide. As many healthcare systems face pressure to meet the needs of aging populations and new health challenges, graduates with a health science degree can fill many essential roles. Even outside of health care, employers value the problem-solving, critical thinking, and research skills that are honed during health science courses.
Diverse Specializations
Health sciences students can focus their studies in areas such as nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, clinical research, public health, and healthcare management. This diversity allows students to pursue their passion while addressing specific needs within the healthcare sector.
From anatomy to health informatics, different course pathways allow students to learn from leading healthcare experts while accessing cutting-edge research and technology.
Students interested in improving health outcomes for those in need may choose to specialize in courses like Regent College’s Bachelor of Science in Health and Social Care.
Global Recognition and Employment Opportunities
A health science degree from a university in the UK is recognized and respected worldwide. This global recognition can open doors for job-hunting graduates. UK graduates are known for their academic strengths and practical experience, which are highly valued by employers in healthcare, research, and government sectors.
Health science graduates may also be eligible for the UK’s Skilled Worker visa. This visa allows qualified individuals to live and work in the country on a long-term basis. Several healthcare roles such as nurses, physiotherapists, and medical radiographers are on the UK’s Shortage Occupation list, which is used to assess eligibility for both the Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker visas. Having multiple job options on this list related to their studies means it can be easier for health sciences graduates to secure these UK work visas.
No matter where UK health science graduates choose to live, their studies can prepare them for higher-paying roles and career advancement in their field.
Make the most of your time in the UK, whether you accelerate your studies with International Year One or dive into the country’s legendary cultural scene.
Ready to Start Your Health Care Journey?
Studying health science in the UK is a transformative decision that can fast-track your career in health care. If you’re ready to make a difference in the health and lives of others, the UK could be your ideal destination! Diverse specialization options, global credential recognition, and robust post-study work opportunities help to make the UK a global leader in health sciences.
Take the first step towards a rewarding career in health care by exploring your study options with our free ApplyBoard platform!
