What is a STEM degree?

At degree level, STEM encompasses a wide array of academic disciplines beyond science, technology, engineering, maths, and medicine. If you’re considering a STEM degree, there are numerous fields to match your interests, skills, and aspirations. You might explore:

  • Science-related degrees such as Biomedical Science, Zoology, Astrophysics, Natural Sciences, Pharmaceutical Science, Pathology, Biochemistry, Neuroscience and Medicinal Chemistry.
  • Technology-related degrees such as Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, Computing, Creative Music Technology and Computer Games Technology.
  • Engineering-related degrees include Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, Construction, Agricultural Engineering, Robotics and Civil Engineering.
  • Mathematics-related degrees include Mathematics, Pure Mathematics, Statistics, Mathematics for Data Science and Actuarial Science.
  • Medicine-related degrees include Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Midwifery, Nursing, Optometry, Food and Nutrition, and Osteopathy.

Remember, many STEM degrees are available beyond those listed above. If none of these appeal to you, keep searching until you find something that truly excites you. It’s crucial to thoroughly research and understand what your degree will entail. Three (or more) years is a long time to study a STEM subject you’re not passionate about.

Having decided which academic discipline is right for you, the next step is to determine which degree level and type to pursue.

STEM university students in lecture theatre.

What different types of STEM degrees are there?

STEM degrees offer a diverse range of educational paths beyond the typical three-year bachelor’s program. From advanced studies to practical experience opportunities, the options available are broader and more flexible than you might expect.

  • Bachelor’s degree: An undergraduate programme typically lasting three to four years, providing foundational knowledge in a specific field.
  • Placement year: A year-long work experience component integrated into a degree program to gain practical skills and industry insight.
  • Master’s degree: A postgraduate programme usually lasting one to two years, offering advanced knowledge and specialisation in a specific area of study.
  • Conversion degree: A postgraduate course designed for students to switch fields and gain expertise in a new discipline.
  • PhD: A doctoral programme focused on original research and advanced study, culminating in a dissertation and typically taking three to five years.

Choosing the right STEM degree depends on your current academic stage and career goals. Bachelor’s degrees provide a solid foundation, whereas postgraduate options such as master’s programmes, conversion degrees, and PhDs typically offer more advanced specialisation. Other options focus on enriching your practical skills and preparing you for work in industry, such as the degree with a placement year programme.

Reflect on your academic background and career goals to determine the best-fit degree, and explore our corresponding articles to be guided through this decision.

Why study a STEM degree at university?

STEM degrees are exciting, challenging, and highly rewarding, offering students a range of benefits.

Situated at the cutting edge of research, you’ll learn from professionals who are top of their fields and will challenge you as you pursue your degree. You will develop practical and theoretical knowledge and apply what you learn in class to solve real-world problems. You will also develop crucial transferable skills that will improve your employability.

Perhaps you are eager to explore the “why” behind concepts rather than just accepting them at face value, or you are excited to finally learn about topics that weren’t on your school curriculum. Maybe you’re enthusiastic about mastering challenging theoretical topics and gaining the technical skills needed to solve problems. Or do you just really love your subject? There are many great reasons to study a STEM degree, and here are some reasons we think are worth considering:

1. Expand your knowledge

STEM courses cover a vast array of fields across many specialisms and welcome anyone inquisitive and prepared for a challenge.

Studying a STEM subject at university enables you to deepen your understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of your chosen field, offering reassurance that your selected field holds the career path for you. You’ll develop existing interests and explore new, often unexpected ones. Many university students find that by studying STEM at university, they finally get to the core of the subject that truly captivates their interest.

You will also find that you can expand your knowledge in more than your subject area alone. STEM subjects are highly interrelated and provide many opportunities for collaboration across disciplines and between fields.

The idea of achieving such high standards can seem intimidating, but STEM courses are designed to give everyone the knowledge and tools they need to succeed. The first year is usually spent learning the basics of the subject, so that all students are on the same level. This helps to address any differences between the educational backgrounds of students.

2. Enhance your career prospects

A STEM education develops transferable skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, communication and teamwork – attributes that are becoming increasingly important to employers. Moreover, STEM university degrees, or equivalent qualifications, are highly respected for helping to foster interpersonal skills, technical knowledge and methodological expertise.

Whether or not you want to pursue a career in STEM, undertaking STEM qualifications open many doors to provide you with a strong footing as you begin your graduate job search.

Group of STEM university degree students completing a project.

3. Enable innovation

STEM is everywhere. It defines the environments that surround us, and the challenges we face every day. By studying STEM subjects at university, you will acquire a variety of tools and strategies for innovation in tackling real-world problems, from disease prevention and the development of artificial intelligence to infrastructure improvement and climate change action.

University learning surrounds new theories, current research, and your creative input. This places you at the forefront of your subject, different to secondary school learning, which focuses on well-established concepts to prepare you for this advanced stage.

4. Learn from leaders in STEM fields

Studying STEM at university often includes learning from professionals who are leading experts in their fields. Some of your lecturers might even be authors of the textbooks you use or pioneers of the theories you study! This unique exposure allows you to gain insights directly from those who have made significant contributions to the field.

The combination of classes, seminars, and workshops offered by universities enhances this experience, allowing you to engage in discussions and seek advice from these experts in a variety of settings. Working closely with these accomplished individuals can greatly benefit your academic and professional development.

5. Find your academic identity

STEM fields are typically more objective, but as you advance through your degree, you’ll begin to form your own opinions and discover your subject niche. While the core principles and methodologies remain constant, your individual interests and perspectives will shape how you engage with the material.

Senior Chemistry professor giving lecture to STEM students.

STEM courses provide ample opportunities for specialisation, allowing you to tailor your studies to your interests. Through optional modules, research projects, and experimental work, you can delve into areas that fascinate you and carve out your own academic identity. This freedom to explore and focus on specific aspects of your field helps you develop a personalised path and deepen your expertise in areas that interest you.

A STEM degree provides you with a solid foundation in your subject while also offering the flexibility to explore and specialise in areas that align with your interests. This makes these degrees excellent choices for those keen to engage with knowledge at the forefront of their subject as well as shape their own academic and professional futures.

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