This article is adapted from the Top Grad School Guide 2016-2017, available to read online here.

Across the globe, demographic, technological and socio-economic changes are shaping the development of a new employment landscape, and the transition of the digital workplace of the future. As some traditional areas decline, new employment sectors and roles emerge.

The next few decades will see many entirely new job titles being created, and becoming mainstream career choices. In the absence of a time travel machine, here are some predictions of the most likely careers of the future…

1. Waste data handlers

Social media, blogs and web browsing are all generating enormous quantities of data – currently 2.5 quintillion bytes of data a year – that needs to be stored, managed and analyzed. Waste data handlers help with this by disposing of data waste in a responsible and secure way, which helps to ensure that identities and personal information are not compromised.

2. Avatar managers

The next in our list of the most likely careers of the future, students with an interest in programming might be interested in a role as an avatar manager. This will mean designing and managing holograms of virtual people, which will serve as personal interactive guides that can be used in settings such as a school classroom.

3. Personal digital curator

Personal branding is another growing sector in the workplace of the future, and you could find work as a personal digital curator – a specialist who recommends and maintains a unique suite of apps, hardware, software and information sources, curating the digital personality and portfolio of clients.

4. Elderly wellbeing consultant

Moving on to healthcare for the next of our careers of the future, ageing populations in many countries means there will be an increasing need for elderly wellbeing consultants who can help manage the health and personal needs of elderly people, using the latest medical treatments.

5. 3D printer designers

3D printing is another evolving industry set to transform many areas. Ideal if you want to work at the forefront of new technology, as a 3D printer designer you’ll create designs for products to be printed in 3D – from prosthetic body parts to bespoke household items.

6. Virtual reality experience designers

Virtual reality is predicted to become as much a part of our daily life as the internet and smartphones are today. This will open up roles for virtual experience designers, who will help to create a truly in-the-moment experience in games with the design of interactive 3D environments.

7. Remote operators

The continued development of automation means the roll-out of unmanned vehicles will open up demand for remote operators. Before long, pilots, drivers and ship captains could be sitting in an office, operating vehicles from afar!

8. Remote healthcare specialists

Back in the healthcare sector, other emerging careers of the future include ‘remote healthcare specialists’ – professionals who design devices and systems that can proactively track health issues, or who are involved in remote/virtual healthcare relationships with patients.

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A version of this article was originally published in the QS Top Grad School Guide 2016-2017, available to read here.

The GMAT and the GRE General Test remain important requirements when applying to graduate schools in the US and around the world. While the two tests have many differences, the key to success in both is having a clear plan – and sticking to it!

Follow these 10 steps to kick-start your study plan, or improve on your current GMAT or GRE prep strategy.

1. Pick a sensible date for your test

When taking the GMAT or GRE, you have a degree of flexibility as to when you take the test. Pick a date that is practical and reasonable for you. It’s wise to go for a date at the end of a break, or a period of holiday, to ensure that you will have some time to focus solely on preparing, and to revisit any areas in which your confidence is lacking.

2. Expect the unexpected

There’s no way around it: revising for the GMAT or GRE is a lengthy affair, and you’re sure to run into some unexpected difficulties along the way. This could be an external factor that you hadn’t anticipated, or a part of the test that unexpectedly requires more study time. When building a study timetable, don’t forget to be overly generous with your distribution of time to compensate for these factors.

3. Prepare your study environment

It may sound simple, but having a calm, organized space to work in is an important foundation on which to build an effective study schedule. By taking the time to plan and organize your workspace, materials, and textbooks, you’ll be saving vital study time further down the line.

4. Establish a routine

For a big undertaking like the GMAT or GRE, taking an ad hoc approach to studying just won’t cut it, so it’s vitally important to have a clear structure for your study hours. If you think that you’ll only be able to concentrate on a single section for an hour or two, then adjust your study plan accordingly by factoring in a break, or a change in your area of focus.

5. Use breaks wisely

Research has shown that breaks and distractions are a vital part of the revision process, when they’re used correctly. Everyone has their limits when it comes to studying, so don’t be afraid to pause for a snack, or even a jog or walk around the block when you’re feeling restless. However, be wary of using breaks as an excuse to give up – instead, use them as a way of stimulating yourself to reach your next small goal. Instead of saying, “I give up on this: it’s time for a break”, it’s better to say, “I’m getting tired, but before I have a break I will achieve…”

6. Create a study diary

Nobody’s perfect, and with so much information to take in, you’re sure to forget some details along the way. That’s where a study diary can help out. By keeping a diary of the areas you’ve covered, you can easily refresh your knowledge further down the line. By making a note – however brief – of your thought processes and key facts, you’ll be making it significantly easier to recap.

7. Investigate other ways of revising

The saying, “a change is as good as a rest” is definitely one that can be applied to studying. Though rest is vital, changing up your revision format can also improve your concentration and results. Try studying as part of a group, either with friends or through a local Meetup group. Take practice tests online, and explore the large range of GMAT and GRE prep apps available. Or get creative by turning your revision into diagrams, or posting flashcards around your home.

8. Be consistent

Getting a high score on the GMAT or GRE is all about playing the long game. Cramming is simply not as effective as a well-planned and properly executed study plan, so put the hours in from the beginning, and keep at it.

9. Test yourself

There are many techniques you can use to test your knowledge, including online practice tests. If you’re keeping a study diary, remember to check it regularly, to refresh your memory. If you’re practicing for a part of the test such as quantitative reasoning, try teaching some of the algebra and data analysis involved to a friend or family member. Passing on knowledge is one of the best ways to check your knowledge and confidence.

10. Beware of complacency

Using practice tests is a tried and tested way of tracking your progress, and a handy way of highlighting any weaknesses in your strategy that you might not be aware of. However, without sounding too pessimistic, it’s important to remember that they are just practices. There are a myriad of factors that can affect your performance on test day, so keep pushing yourself, whether you’re scoring high on practice tests or not: aim high, but keep your feet firmly on the ground.

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Sponsored by Study in Sweden (the Swedish Institute)

You’ve probably lusted over Sweden’s progressive politics and much-envied welfare system. Or perhaps you’ve gotten itchy feet hearting pics of its beaches and mountains on your Insta-feed. But did you know that Sweden is also home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities? In case you hadn’t already considered studying in Sweden, well, here are seven great reasons you should…

1. Banish rote learning forever.

If you’re 100% allergic to rote learning, you may be interested to learn that Sweden – home of the GPS, Nobel Prize and Daim chocolate – is partial to a bit of disruptive pedagogy... In a concerted effort to train the planet’s future problem solvers and world leaders, Swedish schools and universities encourage students to think creatively about pressing issues, in informal non-hierarchical classrooms with a strong emphasis on holistic thinking and sustainability.

If you’re concerned about how this approach translates into global reputation, the answer is pretty well. Sweden comes 14^th in the QS Higher Education System Strength Rankings, and eight Swedish universities feature among the global top 300 in the latest QS World University Rankings®.         

2. Protect the environment and defend sustainability.  

The most sustainable country in the world with the highest percentage of renewable energy in the EU, Sweden is a great study abroad destination for students interested in sustainable energy and environmental conservation. Sustainability is at the heart of Swedish customs and values – a fact that accords well with its stunning natural landscapes – including mountains, beaches, nature reserves and parks.

3. Attend a terrific university, with a scholarship.

In order to attract and support talented students from around the world, the Swedish Institute, as well as a number of other top Swedish universities, offers scholarships to international students on the basis of nationality, merit and economic background.

4. Be yourself!   

The stats don’t lie. The Swedes are a young, multi-cultural urban lot. Of the country’s 9.9 million, 85% live in large cosmopolitan cities (mostly Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmo, Uppsala and Lund), and about two million are under 18!

The most equal country in the world according to Business Insider, and known for being ahead of the curve on LGBTQ rights, Sweden is famous for its commitment to diversity. Almost 15% of the Swedish population are first-generation immigrants, while one in five Swedish children has relatives from another country.

What does this mean for you? If you study in Sweden, you’ll benefit from an inclusive multicultural environment and the sense of being liked just as you are, Bridget.

5. Learn Swedish. Watch Bergman films without subtitles. Brag about it.

While you may not be required to speak fluent Swedish in order to live or study in Sweden, you may want to take advantage of the opportunity to pick up a new language and increase your employability.  

While most people will struggle for a fair while before being able to watch Scenes From a Marriage without subtitles, studying in Sweden could certainly help... Many Swedish universities in fact offer international students a chance to pursue part-time Swedish language courses during their studies, but you could start learning even earlier either online or by signing up on a summer course. Find out more here.

6. Find a job after you graduate.

A number of multinational firms are based in Sweden, and there are plenty of opportunities for ambitious grads – especially if you’re interested in becoming an engineer, software developer, architect, or any of these high-demand jobs listed by the Swedish Migration Agency (this document is in Swedish – use Google Translate if you’re not fluent yet!). 

IKEA, Spotify, Ericsson are all, unsurprisingly, Swedish. Innovation continues to be a Swedish specialty, as reflected in rankings such as the Global Innovation Index. Government investment in technology, climate change research and medicine and biotechnology has stimulated growth, research output and job opportunities.

7. Experience the much-discussed (and praised) Swedish Model.

Sweden’s welfare system is incredible. Benefits of working in Sweden include free healthcare, sick leave, childcare and education, state subsidies in a variety of areas to make life inexpensive and pleasant, as well as 18 months of paid parental leave per child. You’ll also find that workers in Sweden are incredibly well-represented and protected through strong union support and the Swedish Work Environment Authority.

This article is adapted from the QS Top Grad School Guide 2016-2017, available to read online here.

Need to hit a high benchmark in an English language test such as the TOEFL or IELTS? Follow these eight tips to up your game, and show your language skills at their best on assessment day…  

1. Work out the practical details. Do this now.

Do yourself a favor and get the basics out of the way well in advance. Where and when will your English language test take place? What are you required, or not allowed, to bring to the assessment center? Print out directions or save the route in your travel app for offline use, to make sure everything runs smoothly when travelling to the test.

2. Practice does make perfect.

Most English language tests follow a clear and predictable format, with each paper being a variation on the previous one. To achieve the highest scores, you need to be familiar with the format and requirements of the exam.

Practice, practice, practice. A simple search on your internet browser will take you to dozens of free online quizzes designed specifically for the test you will be taking, and you should also be able to find examples of past papers, along with answers and a grading rubric. 

3. Purchase a test-specific textbook or prep guide.

Consider investing in prep material designed specifically for the English language test you will be sitting, especially if you feel that you need a little extra support. If you are keen to keep costs down, look for second-hand copies of official material being sold on sites such as eBay or Amazon.

4. Scribble down a new word every day.

It’s generally a good idea to dedicate time to expanding your vocabulary while you study for an English language test. You could try to make your task easier by restricting yourself to just a few words per day. Learn these using mnemonic devices and a little creativity! If you’re a visual learner and/or social media fanatic, one trick is to set up a dedicated Tumblr or Instagram account and update it with new words every day, just as the Portuguese illustrator Inês Santiago has done with her blog, adutchwordaday.tumblr.com.

5. Challenge your ears by listening to podcasts.

Are you an amateur of crime fiction or second wave feminism? Are you ‘into leather’ like the bespectacled little girl in Annie Hall? With about a million free online podcasts to choose from on sites such as iTunes and the BBC website, there should be something online for you, whatever your interests! Find a regular time each day to immerse yourself in an English-language podcast, such as just before bed or during your commute.

6. Watch TV shows or films (without subtitles).

Everyone knows that all non-native speakers learn English by watching Friends or Game of Thrones without subtitles! Jot down any words or idioms that you are not quite sure about while watching the show, like ‘maester’ or ‘pyromancer’, and look them up afterwards.

7. Read English-language newspapers and magazines.

Being able to read news in a foreign language is a very good indicator of your fluency level. Read newspapers and/or magazines in English and look up any words that you are not quite sure about. Try to stick to the variety of English (US/UK/Australian) your English language test is in, to avoid getting spellings and idioms mixed up.

8. Study on the go with an app.

There are many free language learning and/or test-specific gaming apps to help you prepare. While mobile self-study might not be optimum on its own – you still need to do some in-depth revision of grammar and practice essay-writing – it can be a great way to extend your vocabulary, try your hand at multiple choice questions and keep practicing.  

Memrise, Open Language, Duolingo, Rosetta Stone and FluentU are just some of the many great language-learning apps available for free! Each app has a different approach so try a few to see which best matches your learning style.

Best of luck!

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Greek student Platon Selemenakis is pursuing a PhD in the US at Colorado State University, specializing in cancer biology. Having attended the QS World Grad School Tour while researching his study options, Platon spoke to the TopUniversities team to share his advice on choosing a university, submitting a successful PhD application, and adapting to life in the US.

What motivated you to apply for a PhD in cancer biology?

I was always interested in research, especially in cancer biology. This particular field is very challenging, mainly because the behavior of cancer cells is not black and white. The more you dig into the different pathways that drive tumorigenesis, the more vague it gets. I love challenges and that is why I took the big step to start a PhD in cancer biology.

What and where did you study previously?

In 2014, I graduated from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens with a BSc in Biology. After my graduation I worked for two years in Dr Gorgoulis’ lab at the Medical School of Athens, Greece.

Why were you attracted to studying a PhD in the US?

I have the privilege of being a dual citizen; I am Greek-American. I was born in Brooklyn and grew up in Greece. I have family in the States so the decision was easy. In addition, universities in the US offered me a chance to apply directly for a PhD, which is what I wanted.

How did you choose a university? What made you decide on Colorado State?

I searched for universities based on two things: the PhD program of my interest and faculty members involved in research that I am interested in. Last year’s QS World Grad School Tour event in Greece also helped me find other universities to apply to. In fact, St. John’s University in New York was one of the universities that I had actually had the chance to meet with at the event.

Finally, when I had to narrow down which offer to accept, I went with Colorado State University (CSU) in Fort Collins, Colorado. When I went for the interviews at CSU, I was amazed by the program, the faculty members who I had the chance to speak with, and the quality of the research. St. John’s did not have the type of research I was looking for, so my decision was easy and I chose CSU. Not to mention that the town here in Fort Collins is beautiful and the people are amazing.

What is most important when choosing a PhD program?

When you are at the point of finding a university for your PhD, you have to consider:

1) Do they have the PhD of your interest?

2) What are the admission requirements and do you meet them?

3) Faculty members and their quality of research, papers published, grants

4) Tuition, stipend and living costs – can you make it through with the amount of money offered?

What advice would you give to others applying for a PhD in the US?

Start searching for the PhD programs that you will apply to ahead of time, at least one year before. Start preparing for the standardized tests at least seven to eight months before the application deadlines. Spend some time researching the work of faculty members that you would like to work with. Finally, apply to more than one university, as the positions for PhD are highly competitive

What do you think makes a strong PhD application?

The key to success is a strong GPA (grade point average), a diverse CV and a flawless personal statement. Also, if you have publications, it is always a helpful addition.

In the US, apart from a good GPA and high marks on the standardized tests, they also look at the extracurricular activities you’re involved in. They are not searching for a student that is all about school and work, but a person who is active, enrolled in volunteer groups or in sports clubs.

When it comes to the personal interviews, show your passion and be well-informed about the research work of your interviewers. You need to show them that you care about the position and that they should choose you over several other candidates.

How has your experience of studying in the US been so far?

I can say that so far my experience has been the very best. I am very happy with my decision. My schedule is quite hectic during the week, but my work is productive and I enjoy it. So far, no surprises and I hope it will stay like this.

The most challenging thing was to adapt to the lifestyle here and the cultural differences. It was difficult in the beginning. However, I manage day by day to overcome these challenges by meeting other international students, attending events and being involved in sports clubs. Always be open to new things!

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The costs of studying in the UK will vary, depending on the location, institution, study level, subject and your child’s nationality. Once you’ve started to get an idea of the tuition fees that apply, you’ll also want to find out what financial support could be available, and how much you should expect to contribute. Read on for a quick checklist…

Scholarships

There are many governmental, non-governmental and university-specific scholarships, available for both UK nationals and international students.

Some scholarships cover full tuition fees, others contribute a set amount, and some even include a small monthly stipend to cover living costs. They may be awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, demographics, or a combination of factors.

To explore current opportunities, read our list of scholarships to study in the UK, and consult the funding section on the websites of the universities your child is considering.

Student loans

If your child is a national of the UK or another EU country, s/he may qualify for a student loan to cover tuition fees and a portion of living costs. These loans are available only for certain courses, mostly at undergraduate level. Loan repayments are collected automatically, in small monthly amounts once your child graduates and earns a salary above a certain level.

To fund a master’s degree or a PhD, your child could take out a postgraduate loan of up to £10,000 to cover tuition fees and living costs. S/he would be charged interest from the first payment onwards and have to repay the loan at the same time as any other student loans. To qualify for a postgraduate loan, your child would need to be enrolling in his or her first postgraduate course at a UK university, be under the age of 60 on the first day of the course, and be a UK/EU national or have ‘settled status’.  

Professional and career development loans (PCDLs)

If your child is studying a course related to career development, s/he may be eligible for a professional and career development loan (PCDL). These are available for certain courses lasting up to two years (or three years if one year of work experience is included), with the option to borrow between £300 and £10,000 to help cover fees and expenses. Like government-funded student loans, PCDLs typically offer lower interest rates than other types of loan.

To qualify, applicants must be over 18 years old, have been based in the UK for three years before the course start date, and plan to work in the EU, EEA or UK after the course. Those who are eligible for a government-funded student loan cannot apply. Applicants with a poor credit rating may not be granted a PCDL.

Parental contributions

When deciding how much to contribute to your child’s finances during her or his studies, it’s important to understand what government support s/he will receive.

The government assumes that families with a certain income level are able to supplement their children’s living costs. For your child to be eligible to apply for a full student loan, your household income must be under £25,000 per annum.

To get an idea of how much money you should expect to chip in, use SavetheStudent’s parental contributions calculator, entering your pre-tax household income, child’s university start date and housing situation. 

A version of this article was originally published in the QS Top Grad School Guide 2016-2017, available to read in full here.

You’ve examined your personal motivations for attending grad school, outlined what you hope to achieve from the course and drafted a list of departments you’d die to be a part of, but one major issue still remains: money (or lack thereof).

It’s easy to become discouraged when facing high tuition fees, plus living expenses, but fortunately there are many ways to find grad school funding. Here are nine to get you started…

1. Academic scholarships, bursaries and grants

Scholarships, bursaries and grants are financial awards given to you by your institution, the government, private donors or agencies. Unlike loans, you do not need to pay them back. To find out what opportunities are available, consult your chosen university’s website, as well as government sites and national scholarship listings.

2. Assistantships/studentships

One of the main ways universities provide grad school funding is through assistantships, also known as studentships. This means your university will grant you a modest salary and/or fees waiver in exchange for a specific number of hours working each week in a teaching or a research role. Assistantships are often a requirement in PhD programs and especially common in STEM subjects, but are relatively rare in MBAs, MDs or JDs.

3. Employer sponsorship

Some employers have a tuition assistance program in place to support staff in their professional development. If this isn’t the case, you may still be able to gain some graduate school funding from your employer – it will just take a little more explanation and persuasion.

Put together a case detailing your contribution to the company and how your chosen program will increase your value. Then set up a meeting with your line manager and HR representative to discuss this possibility.

4. National research councils

Research councils are public sector investors in research, including research conducted by postgraduate students. They provide funding across a wide variety of disciplines, usually via universities. Eligibility criteria may require residency in the country where the council is based, as well as a strong and relevant academic record. This kind of grad school funding may cover tuition fees in their totality or partially, and perhaps a stipend for living expenses.

5. Charities, trusts, learned societies and interest groups

Charities, trusts, learned societies and interest groups often allocate a portion of their budgets to awards for graduate school funding. Some organizations target by demographic or specific interests, while others will focus on helping students from lower income families, who demonstrate academic excellence. Apply for as many relevant opportunities as you can find, focusing on those which closely match your own situation and interests.

6. Student jobs and part-time study

A fairly common option for master’s students, part-time study means you will take a longer time to complete your course, spreading out both coursework and fees over several years. This means you have time in which to earn an income, while also meeting your course commitments.

Having a part-time job in grad school can also be a good way to build up your work experience and network with people outside of your course. If you’re already working, speak to your employer about the possibility of reduced and/or flexible hours during the time it will take to complete your course.

7. Student and professional development loans

Dedicated student loans typically offer lower repayment rates than regular loans. These are fairly common for graduate applicants in countries such as the US, and the UK has also recently introduced postgraduate loans for master’s students.

Some UK banks also offer another option for grad school funding – Professional and Career Development Loans (PCDLs), available for students who intend to work in the UK, EU, Norway, Liechtenstein or Iceland upon graduation. A PCDL will cover up to two years of study, course fees and some living costs.

8. Peer-to-peer lending (P2P)

A form of crowd-sourcing, P2P lending refers to private loans given to an individual independently of a financial institution. There are a number of specialized websites designed to facilitate the process for students in particular, including StudentFunder.com and GraduRates.com.

While the lending is unsecured and would require you to have a solid credit history, P2P could provide you and your family and friends with a formal structure through which to turn favors into official business transactions.

9. QS Scholarships

Finally, you could apply to the QS Scholarships scheme, which offers a total of US$1.7 million each year. To be eligible, you’ll need to attend a QS World Grad School Tour event, and will then be able to apply online for current opportunities.

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A new survey of current and prospective students across Europe shows that a majority believe the UK’s exit from the EU will have a damaging effect on their future employment prospects. Some 59% of survey respondents currently in European countries said they expect Brexit to have a negative impact on their careers.

The survey also shows the extent to which June’s referendum result is impacting on students’ decisions about where to study, with 44% of survey respondents saying they are now less likely to study in the UK. The same proportion said they believe Brexit will have a negative impact on their education.

Conducted at QS World Grad School Tour events in nine European cities during October 2016, the research sought the views of students from within and outside of the EU. Following the recently reported drop in EU applications to UK universities, the survey confirms fears that prospective students are being deterred due to concerns about possible changes to fees, visa regulations and career opportunities, combined with a perception that incomers are now less welcome.

Students unwilling to take a gamble on UK

The UK government has confirmed that EU students commencing studies at English universities in 2017 will remain eligible for current fees and financial support, with the Scottish government matching this pledge (meaning free tuition at undergraduate level in Scotland). However, doubts remain about future visa regulations for study and work, as well as uncertainties about the future health of the UK economy, and for many students this long-term picture is a deterrent.

In interviews, EU and other international students currently in the UK noted that despite the short-term benefit of cheaper fees and living costs following the pound’s fall in value, they expect to lose out overall. Aside from the fact that UK salaries have also fallen in comparative terms, many students fear that tougher regulations will make it harder for them to stay on and seek work in the UK, and/or that the country will no longer offer such bright prospects – particularly in sectors such as finance.

Unwilling to take a gamble, many students said they would now prefer to continue their education elsewhere in Europe or further afield, in a setting where their future prospects, status and welcome are more secure. In the other direction of travel, a notable number of interviewed UK students said they were keen to pursue a degree elsewhere in the EU without delay, before fees and regulations change.

Silver lining for some sectors and (non-UK) cities

While the prevailing view of Brexit is a negative one, at least some prospective students perceive potential benefits for themselves. Those pursuing careers in certain areas of legal practice, for instance, anticipate increased demand for their services, while financial professionals foresee growth in other European hubs, assuming London will become less dominant.

Students are also in general agreement that although Brexit makes the UK a less attractive study destination, its universities remain just as appealing as ever. If current regulations could be maintained and uncertainties addressed, most would be just as keen as previously to enroll in UK higher education.

Though recognizing that UK universities have limited powers over many of the factors involved, many EU students nonetheless appreciate institutions’ efforts to provide both information and reassurance. They would welcome more of this, as well as calling for increased investment in maintaining strong partnerships between UK and other European universities.

The results of this research are consistent with those of a pre-referendum survey conducted in March this year, in which 56% of UK and other EU students said they believed Brexit would harm their career prospects.

About the research

The research discussed in this article was conducted at QS World Grad School Tour events in London, Paris, Copenhagen, Oslo, Madrid, Milan, Frankfurt, Cologne and Bucharest during October 2016. A total of 951 survey responses were collected, along with more than 60 individual interviews. Participants in the research were all interested in applying for a postgraduate degree; some were currently studying, while others were returning to education after gaining professional experience. As well as the nations visited, many participants in the research came from other countries, both within Europe and elsewhere in the world.

Sponsored by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) School of Medicine

If you’re looking to gain international experience, receive top medical education of the highest standards, or gain hands-on exposure to some of the world’s most exciting medical technology, give studying medicine in the UK some thought.

A popular study abroad destination across most subjects, the UK has much to offer medical students looking for that first initial professional experience, as well as improving their English language skills and boosting their CV with an internationally recognized qualification. Here are seven eminently sensible reasons to study medicine in the UK…

1. Access world-leading medical education.

More than 70 UK universities, are ranked among the world’s best in the QS World University Rankings®, and the nation is recognized worldwide for the high quality of both its research and teaching. If you study medicine in the UK, you’ll be able to choose from a selection of world-leading medical schools, safe in the knowledge that your qualification will be well-respected where you go on to seek work.

2. Increase your employability.

If you’re looking to export your medical knowledge back home after your studies, having experience studying abroad could improve your chances of finding work and help you progress more quickly.

The best medical schools in the UK give students opportunities to learn using the latest facilities and equipment. At the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), for instance, students enjoy access to five clinical skills labs and several high fidelity clinical human simulators.

3.  Gain professional experience.

Studying medicine in the UK is a chance to gain some professional experience while you study. UCLan’s Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), for instance, incorporates patient contact from Year 1 through to graduation.

From Year 3 onwards at UCLan, you’ll be assigned your own patients during clinical placements. The course, led by expert staff and National Health Service (NHS) education providers, is designed specifically for international students who want to study medicine in the UK.

4. Satisfy your wanderlust.

Obviously studying abroad also means that you get to discover an entirely new country and culture. While studying medicine in the UK, you’ll be able to explore the country on your weekends and holidays. 

Whether you’re keen on historic sites and national parks, or bright lights and city life, the UK has more than enough to fill your semester breaks to the brim. And if you’ve got the travel bug, you could also take advantage of the country’s many well-connected international airports, as well as train, coach and ferry services to nearby European destinations.

5. Learn medical English.

English is the international language of medical communities. Knowledge of both medical English and colloquial English can be a real differentiator between job applicants, even for those who wish to practice outside of Anglophone countries. One of the reasons frequently listed by doctors for wishing to learn colloquial and medical English is for career advancement.

If you dream of, say, practicing abroad for an NGO or attending international seminars on global health issues, it’s absolutely vital that you are able to understand medical English jargon while also talking confidently to patients. And there’s no better way to learn medical English than studying medicine in the UK.

6. Benefit from the UK’s leadership in medical research.

According to the public portal Scimago Journal & Country Rank, the UK comes second (behind only the US) in the world for medical research. The list considers both the quantity of papers being published and the total number of citations per country. 

The UK also claims the second-highest number of Nobel Prizes for medicine since 1901, just ahead of Germany. Studying medicine in the UK is a chance to benefit from world-leading expertise in research-intensive establishments.

7.  Challenge yourself.

Studying abroad doesn’t come without its fair share of challenges, and these may or may not include culture shock, figuring out how to navigate UK supermarkets and bus timetables, and the odd bout of homesickness.

But if you study medicine in the UK, you’ll have the opportunity to make friends from all corners of the world, while learning to live independently in a foreign country, and challenging yourself both academically and personally. Whatever the future brings, you’ll be ready!