Top UK Courses for 2023: What British Students Chose Most
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January 10, 2023
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The year 2023 marked a defining moment for higher education in the UK. British students, faced with evolving job markets, global competition, and post-pandemic realities, shifted their preferences toward degrees that balanced passion with purpose. From London to Leeds, the trends showed a strong focus on employability, digital innovation, and healthcare — proving that British students are choosing smarter, future-ready pathways.
Whether you’re planning your own degree or advising a young learner, understanding what British students prioritised in 2023 reveals the nation’s changing academic heartbeat.
1. Business and Management: The Everlasting Favourite
Unsurprisingly, business and management remained among the top UK courses in 2023, with more than one in every five students opting for degrees that offered career versatility.
Universities such as Aston University and University of Greenwich expanded their undergraduate business programmes with built-in internship options, allowing students to gain professional experience while studying.
Why British students chose it:
- High employability across finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship
- Pathways to management roles immediately after graduation
- Strong postgraduate options like MBA or MSc International Business
Top universities offering Business Management (2023):
- Aston University
- University of Greenwich
- University of Hertfordshire
2. Health and Social Care: Compassion Meets Career
Another clear winner was Health and Social Care — driven by growing awareness of mental health and the demand for skilled healthcare professionals post-pandemic. British students saw these degrees as not just careers, but contributions to society.
Popular courses:
- Nursing (BSc Hons)
- Counselling and Mental Health
- Social Work and Wellbeing
Why it stood out:
- Guaranteed job demand across the NHS and private sectors
- Funded training routes through Student Finance England
- Career growth in clinical and community healthcare
Universities such as the University of Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire New University introduced flexible study schedules, making it easier for students to balance academic and practical work.
“Flexibility is the foundation of the future, because learning should adapt to your life, not the other way around.”
Mak Education
3. Computer Science and Cybersecurity: The Digital Surge
2023 saw a record number of British students choosing Computer Science, Data Science, and Cybersecurity courses. The UK’s ongoing digital transformation meant opportunities across every sector — from fintech to government infrastructure.
Key reasons for popularity:
- Strong starting salaries for graduates (£28,000+ average)
- Growing demand for cybersecurity specialists
- Innovative teaching at universities like Brunel University London and University of Hertfordshire
These degrees also offered hybrid learning, allowing students to work on real-life projects remotely — an attractive feature for the tech-savvy generation.
4. Construction and Engineering: Building the Future
A practical, career-secure route — Construction Management and Civil Engineering made a strong comeback in 2023. With major UK infrastructure projects and sustainability goals in play, this field became a safe bet for students who preferred tangible impact.
Highlights:
- High placement rates in London and Birmingham
- Industry partnerships offering apprenticeships
- Degree pathways blending design, technology, and project leadership
Top choices included University of Hull London Campus and Buckinghamshire New University, both known for applied, hands-on learning.
5. Psychology and Education: Understanding Minds, Shaping Futures
British students also showed deep interest in psychology, early childhood education, and teacher training — courses centred on understanding human behaviour and supporting the next generation.
What made them popular:
- Growing focus on mental health awareness
- Career routes into teaching, counselling, or HR
- Flexibility with part-time and postgraduate progression
Universities across London and the Midlands expanded these courses to accommodate the rising demand for mental health practitioners and educators.
2023 proved that British students are thinking strategically. Rather than choosing degrees purely for passion, they’re aligning their studies with employability, purpose, and national needs. From business and health to digital and design, the UK higher education landscape continues to evolve — empowering every student to learn, earn, and make a difference.
Book a Free Consultation with MAK Education to discover which degree aligns with your ambition and career goals.