The latest data published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education depicts that graduates from Scotland have the highest record of securing jobs at the professional levels in the UK. The figures showed that university graduates of Scotland land graduate-level jobs six months after graduation. This is 4% higher than their mates in other parts of the UK. Furthermore, the starting salary for graduates in Scotland is £23,500, and this is £1000 higher than the average salary for graduates in the UK.
The university sector of the country promotes learning, and this is very necessary in the national development of the country. The UK Commission for Employment and Skills estimated that almost half of the jobs in Scotland will be filled by graduates by 2020. This is because the employment sectors predominantly require graduate-level qualifications.
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One area that the Scottish people are growing rapidly in strength is in its diversity. This helps the university sector to drive specialist and regional skills that are in demand across all sectors for all types of learners. There is a need for graduate-level and sometimes postgraduate-level skills as well as research skills in Scotland because the key growth sectors require them for the economy.
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Reasons to Study in Scotland
The following are some reasons you could give the idea of studying in Scotland serious consideration:
1. You will choose a suitable learning style:
There are about 4,500 courses in over 150 subject areas offered in Scottish universities, both at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Research-led programs are also available in these universities, both online and traditionally. Since one learning style is not fit for all, the universities in Scotland all take different approaches to offering their courses. This means that there are no study programs that are the same. You could consider it when choosing to study in Scotland.
2. Most universities in Scotland are historic.
They know their education game and have been into it since the 15th century. The universities, in addition, are known for their excellence and impactful research. Times Higher Education also ranked three of her universities as the highest. They include the University of Edinburgh, the University of Dundee, and the University of Glasgow.
3. The living costs are affordable.
According to The Independent, the cheapest universities in the UK are found in Scotland. Students just pay about 9000 GBP per annum in some universities. This is significantly low compared to other UK universities. The living costs for students are also affordable, just ranging from 700 to 1,100 GBP per month.
4. Students are well represented:
The National Union of Students (NUS) in England has a strong student representation across the country. They are quite easy to contact and have representations locally, making it very easy for every student to come together and fight for one another. The student associations in the universities make it very easy for students to host programs and events within the campus.
5. Scottish people are friendly.
Scotland is known for its friendliness. Students are warmly welcomed into the country to study, and the people are glad to help foreigners while giving them advice on the best places to find a beautiful life the most.
What are the most in-demand degrees in Scotland?
#1. Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is one of the most lucrative careers in Scotland. A bachelor’s degree is the barest minimum for working in the field. However, to explore your career better and earn higher salaries, it would do you good to go for more schooling. The field would never go on extinction; therefore, developing your career in this field could be the best decision you can take. Your degree can open doors of opportunity in areas like research, drug development, science writing, toxicology, patenting, and teaching. Getting relevant work experience is very necessary for building your career. The UK has a great penchant for pharmaceuticals and has invested greatly in the field; Scotland is not an exception.
#2. Computer Science:
Virtually every field and industry is affected by the computer. There is no field in this 21st century that can survive without the computer. As such, computer science is a growing field of study with specialty areas. Those who specialize in management information systems are the most sought-after in the area. This is because big data is rapidly expanding. You will need to complete at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science before specializing in your area of interest. Also, it will help you to easily land a job in most companies. Due to the vastness of the field of computer science, you can still get a job with an associate degree in Scotland, but you cannot compare the pay.
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#3. Health Science:
As medical technology, health science is a great career choice in Scotland. The average life expectancy of the course keeps shooting high as a result of the demand for more health workers. Graduates who major in health science could work in varying fields like the hospitals, rehab clinics, nursing homes, doctor’s offices, and others. Analytical thinkers good communicators and strategists can also choose to mix business and health, thereby expanding their horizons. Having experience in mentoring and counseling could be useful in areas of social work and related careers.
#4. Education:
Education is a course that is in high demand across the globe. There have never been sufficient teachers anywhere. You could even choose to pursue your education online if the traditional teaching method is not favorable to you. As an educator, you have a great role to play in shaping the educational landscape of Scotland while preparing the next generation on how to succeed in life. Some states require certification and licensure to enable you to practice within a classroom, but the entry level for educators is a bachelor’s degree. To become an administrator and climb the corporate ladder faster, it would be beneficial to go for your master’s degree and earn your master’s education. Then, go for your doctorate degree when you can. Most of the time, money is not the driving force for choosing to be an educator, but the thought of making a difference in the lives of our future leaders is a priceless reward you may wish to consider.
#5. Accounting and Finance:
A degree in accounting and finance helps you to develop the skills that will usher you into the financial profession. There are extensive opportunities available to accounting and finance graduates in banks, accounting firms, the public sector, insurance companies, management consultancies, and the like. Large multinational companies are the main recruiters, using large-scale recruitment campaigns to attract the best hands with minimum requirements. A cluster of public sector jobs is available in Scotland. You can also work in a more specialized area by going for postgraduate training.
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#6. Animation:
A degree in animation helps you to develop technical and creative skills that are suitable for films and digital careers. You could become an animator, concept artist, game developer, graphic designer, illustrator, web designer, and many more. With work experience in this competitive field, you can develop your technical skills, build your network, and expand your level of experience. Try to learn other complementary skills like teamwork, strong communication, problem-solving, analytical, and others. You can also go for further studies to deepen your expertise in animation.
#7. Creative Writing:
To become an expert creative writer depends on your personal determination and perseverance. Your skills as a creative writer can be useful in fields like marketing, public relations, teaching, libraries, digital copywriting, lexicography, journalism, advertising, and many more. To gain work experience, you can build a portfolio of your written and published works and present them to your prospective employer as evidence of your writing prowess. To become more employable, you can look for opportunities that would enable you to gain solid work experience, even if it means volunteering in a publishing company. This could enable you to get afoot at the door in a highly competitive industry. To further hone your skills, you can go for further study in creative writing or undertake a master’s or doctorate in related fields like the English language, teaching, and journalism.
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#8. Criminology:
As a criminology graduate with critical and analytical thinking as well as strong communication skills, you are a very good target for prospective employers. You have a variety of fields to work in, such as criminal justice agencies, law courts, police departments, security services, government establishments, social work, and community education departments, as well as with victims of crime. Your specific job roles could include taking a visit to the prison, writing a report, working as a constable, and being involved in drug treatment schemes. As a criminologist, you need to understand the social and personal aspects of crime, victimization, and responses to crime and deviance. Most criminology graduates could further study in areas like social work, teaching, and law. You can also earn a master’s degree in criminology or criminal justice, as well as alcohol and drug studies.
#9. English:
Studying English will enable you to gain employment in a variety of fields, as the course is highly marketable. You could choose to become a writer, digital copywriter, editorial assistant, English or foreign language teacher, lexicographer, journalist, editor, private tutor, and a host of others. The skills you developed outside your study could also be relevant in building your CV. While a student, you can write for student newspapers and magazines or partake in student radio or film societies. For further study, you could obtain your master’s degree in English language and literary studies, creative writing, Victorian, fantasy, or medieval literature, and linguistics. Other areas like teaching, journalism, marketing, and management also have promising offers for you in case you wish to change your career.
Read Also: 20 English Expressions You Didn’t Know Were Wrong
#10. Information System:
As a graduate of the information system, your skills will be very relevant in a number of fields. Aside from your studies, you can be required to go for placement in your final year so as to develop your skills and gain experience. Work experience in a corporate environment is very necessary for developing such skills as client management, communication, the ability to understand, and commercial awareness. Obtaining a professional certification from a Chartered Institute for IT will be useful to you in following the trends in your field as well as for professional development. You could be recruited by IT consulting firms, software houses, and telecom companies.
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When choosing the field to earn your degree, also note that it is the most likely field for you to build your career in. So, do not just take a decision based on your emotions; find out what it entails to study the course and follow your passion. That is not all; consider the fields that are experiencing booming and highest growth because they will offer you the most opportunity to land a job and hone your career after graduation. You can also take a certification in fields that need extra oil and run it concurrently with your degree program. This will give you a competitive advantage over other applicants.
Gaining some work experience is very crucial in getting professional qualifications. If you have the opportunity to offer an internship program while in school, it will be immensely helpful in showing your potential employers that you have the skills and experiences for the job. If your course does not require a work placement, you can look for a job role in a field that interests you. You could work part-time in an organization to gain some experience.
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