3 UK institutions providing future-proof STEM subjects

The UK’s STEM sector boosts its economy and drives demand for talent. However, key areas such as emerging technologies, engineering, and data science are currently facing skills shortages, leading many companies to report recruitment difficulties.

According to the UK Commission’s Employer Skills Survey, 43% of STEM vacancies are hard to hire because of these skills shortages. As a result, this is reported to cost the UK economy an estimated US$1.97 billion a year. This failure to meet today’s demands often stems not from a lack of academic knowledge but from limited workplace readiness and underdeveloped soft skills. Which is why UK institutions now are bridging the gap between theoretical expertise and practical proficiency, prioritising internships and hands-on experience, as well as developing essential leadership and problem-solving skills.

These UK universities will make you stand out from the estimated 9.4 million people already employed in STEM-related jobs.

Seventy-two per cent of University of Greenwich graduates are working in highly skilled roles. Source: University of Greenwich

University of Greenwich

A University of Greenwich degree can take you far. Nearly three-fourths (72%) of its graduates are in highly skilled employment and 95% are in work and/or further study, surpassing the sector averages. Such outcomes and many more career milestones are key reasons why international students from around the world choose to pursue a postgraduate degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics here.

Applied Artificial Intelligence for Engineering, MSc graduates are now futurologists, engineers, scientists and technical managers in the private sector (engineering design firms, engineering consultancy, communications companies, social media companies and similar), in the public sector (local government, town and country planning), and as entrepreneurs. They’re sought after by city banks, currency and stocks trading companies, consultancies, government agencies and NGOs as well.

Engineering Management with Industrial Practice, MSc graduates achieve the same success. With the MSc, experienced industry practitioners have enhanced their academic knowledge and gained professional recognition in key management areas of private industry or the public sector internationally.

Support is available every step of the way. There is a team focused on boosting student employment outcomes, from helping you understand the jobs market and writing CVs to preparing for jobs and placement applications in your final year. An Employer Partnerships Manager also works with companies to provide placement and employment opportunities. Work placements are an effective way to gain practical experience with a company of your choice, either in the UK or overseas. Employers are often impressed by a graduate’s exposure to varied tasks and responsibilities required in the workplace.

Most Swansea University students find jobs 15 months after graduating. Source: Swansea University

Swansea University

At Swansea University, 95% of graduates are employed or pursuing further studies within 15 months of graduation. . It consistently ranks  among the top UK universities for graduate prospects, a testament to its career-focused education. 

This is especially true for programmes like Artificial Intelligence, MSc that deal with emerging technologies. As the demand for AI expertise grows, graduates with this master’s degree can find work in various industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, automotive, manufacturing, entertainment, and more. 

Another programme that has an impressive track record of shaping leaders is the Engineering Leadership and Management, MSc. Here, you will learn key leadership strategies and how to manage projects efficiently and effectively within the engineering field. You will also learn how to navigate complex engineering topics and environments, covering areas such as smart manufacturing, the circular economy, and sustainable technologies, while developing your soft skills to become a leader. 

Regardless of your programme, you can enhance your learning experience and career prospects by completing an internship, placement, or year in industry. These opportunities are useful to help you develop professionally by gaining hands-on experience while expanding your network with industry leaders. The Careers and Employability team will assist you with this in addition to providing services like developing your CV and interview skills, connecting you with employers, and advising on your next career step. 

University of Dundee graduates are among the most highly skilled employees in the UK. Source: University of Dundee

University of Dundee

Although the University of Dundee only recorded a 64.5% employability rate, its graduates are the most skilled in the UK. As evidence, 87.4% of graduates enter high-skilled employment, demonstrating that the university is the right choice for students looking to work in roles that require proficiency, precision, and a high level of knowledge and skills. 

One such field that demands all these traits is in AI. The university’s Artificial Intelligence MSc programme will train you to design and build AI systems, which will be used to drive the future of technology. This will prepare you for roles in AI engineering, data science, and software development as a machine learning engineer, data scientist, robotics engineer, and more. 

The university is committed to helping you build the skills, experience, and confidence you need to succeed in whatever path you choose, which is why the new Employability Curriculum Design Principle is enforced in all degrees.  This programme offers you early exposure to your career, including collaborations with real-world employers to gain industry insights, working on tailored employability modules to enhance your professional skills, and many other opportunities. 

If you need more help, the university’s Careers Service can guide you towards the right direction. From teaching you how to ace a job interview to perfecting your CV, you can find various resources and support here that will develop your employability skills. 

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International