Healthcare courses in UK are in high demand among international students, but choosing the right one can still be confusing. Don’t worry, we’ve prepared a comprehensive guide to help you out.
Read the blog and prepare yourself for a rewarding healthcare career in the UK.
Which Healthcare Courses are In Demand in UK
The most in demand healthcare courses in UK include:
- Nursing
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Midwifery
- Clinical Psychology and Mental Health
- Paramedic Science
Aging population, NHS workforce shortage, mental health crisis and high employability and immigration opportunities, are the factors responsible for the increasing demand for these healthcare courses.
Top 10 Best Healthcare Courses in UK
The UK offers a wide range of healthcare courses designed to meet global medical and clinical standards. Here are the top 10 best healthcare courses in UK:
1. Nursing
Nursing in UK are designed to combine theoretical learning with hands-on clinical practice, making students adept in patient care, medical assessments, and teamwork. Universities prepare students for rewarding careers in nursing across a range of settings.
| Eligibility / Basic Requirements | - For Bachelor’s – Your 10th and 12th marksheets are evaluated (60-65% or higher in key subjects including Biology, English, Chemistry, and Maths.)
- For Master’s – Bachelor’s degree in Nursing with at least 50-65%.
- Language Proficiency Test (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE)
|
| Course Duration | - Bachelor’s – 3 years or 4 years with a foundation course
- Master’s – typically 1-2 years
|
| Popular Courses | - BSc Nursing
- MSc Nursing
- MSc/PGDip/PGCert Nursing
- MSc Children and Young People Nursing
|
| Some of the Top Universities | - University of Edinburgh
- Kingston University
- University of Essex
- University of Nottingham
|
| Average Tuition Fees | - £12,000 – £35,000 per year
|
| Job Opportunities | - Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing Associate
- NHS Nurse
- Private Healthcare Nurse
|
2. Pharmacy
Pharmacy courses in the UK cover theoretical knowledge and patient care, with a curriculum including medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, pharmaceutics, clinical practice, and patient consultation. Students gain practical experience in laboratories and clinical placements, learning to assess prescriptions, recommend treatments, and understand drug interactions.
| Eligibility / Basic Requirements | - UG – Completion of 12th grade with at least 65 – 70% in core subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics
- PG – Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy (BPharm or MPharm)
- Language Proficiency Test (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE)
|
| Course Duration | - UG – 4 years + 1 year foundation course (if needed)
- PG – 1 year
- PhD/Doctorate – 3-4 years
|
| Popular Courses | - Master of Pharmacy (MPharm)
- BSc Pharmacology
- BSc Pharmaceutical Sciences
- MSc Clinical Pharmacy
- MSc Drug Discovery and Development
|
| Some of the Top Universities | - University College London
- University of Nottingham
- University of Manchester
- University of Strathclyde
|
| Average Tuition Fees | |
| Job Opportunities | - Community Pharmacist
- Pharmacologist
- Pharmacist Officer
- Medicines Advisor
|
3. Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy courses in the UK equip international students with the knowledge and clinical skills required to assess, treat, and support patients across a range of medical settings. As one of the most in-demand healthcare courses in UK, physiotherapy benefits from the country’s strong emphasis on evidence-based practice and patient-centred care.
| Eligibility / Basic Requirements | - For Bachelor’s: Must have completed high school (A-Levels or equivalent) with Physics, Biology, and one other relevant subject.
- For Master’s: Must have an undergraduate degree in Physiotherapy or related field, along with clinical experience.
- Language Proficiency Test (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE)
|
| Course Duration | - Bachelor’s – 3 years or 4 years with a foundation course
- Master’s – typically 1-2 years
|
| Popular Courses | - BSc Physiotherapy
- MSc Physiotherapy
- MSc Advanced Physiotherapy
- MSc Rehabilitation Studies
- Pre-Registration MSc Physiotherapy
|
| Some of the Top Universities | - University of Southampton
- University of Birmingham
- University of Nottingham
- Robert Gordon University
|
| Average Tuition Fees | |
| Job Opportunities | - Physiotherapist (NHS or private sector)
- Sports Physiotherapist
- Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
- Neurorehabilitation Physiotherapist
- Rehabilitation Specialist
|
4. Medicine
A medical degree from a UK university is globally recognised and highly respected. Strong clinical training and patient‑centred teaching ensure graduates are proficient in medical practice. Upon graduation, candidates can register with the General Medical Council (GMC), making them eligible to practice medicine in the UK and pursue careers internationally.
| Eligibility / Basic Requirements | - Must complete 12th grade with at least 85-90% overall.
- Must take any of these entrance tests – UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) or BMAT (BioMedical Admissions Test)
- Language Proficiency Test (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE)
|
| Course Duration | - MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) – 5 years
- Medicine with foundation year – 6 years
|
| Popular Courses | - MBBS
- MBBS with Intercalated BSc
- Medicine with Foundation Year
|
| Some of the Top Universities | - University of Birmingham
- Cardiff University
- King’s College London
- Imperial College London
|
| Average Tuition Fees | |
| Job Opportunities | - General Practitioner
- Medical Researcher
- Public Health Officer
- Surgeon
|
5. Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy courses in the UK provide international students with the knowledge and practical experience required to help individuals overcome physical, mental, and social challenges. As one of the most impactful healthcare degrees, the program covers anatomy, psychology, rehabilitation, and therapeutic interventions.
| Eligibility / Basic Requirements | - For Bachelor’s – Must have completed high school (A-Levels or equivalent) with Physics, Biology, and one other relevant subject.
- For Master’s: Must have an undergraduate degree in a related field and sometimes relevant work or clinical experience.
- Language Proficiency Test (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE)
|
| Course Duration | - Bachelor’s: 3 years (or 4 years with a foundation year)
- Master’s: 1–2 years
|
| Popular Courses | - BSc. Occupational Therapy
- MSc. Occupational Therapy
- Pre-Registration MSc Occupational Therapy
- MSc Advanced Professional Practice (Occupational Therapy)
|
| Some of the Top Universities | - Cardiff University
- University of Liverpool
- University of East Anglia
- University of Southampton
- University of Bradford
|
| Average Tuition Fees | - £14,000–£28,000 per year (varies by university and level)
|
| Job Opportunities | - Occupational Therapist (NHS)
- Rehabilitation Specialist
- Pediatric Occupational Therapist
- Mental Health Occupational Therapist
- Private Practice Occupational Therapist
|
6. Clinical Research
Professionals in the clinical research field are in high demand across hospitals and pharmaceutical companies in the UK. As a key part of healthcare courses in UK, clinical research plays a vital role to the UK’s advancement in medical treatments, drug development, and patient care innovations.
| Eligibility / Basic Requirements | - UG – 12th grade with 65–70% or above (Science stream)
- PG – A bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, biotechnology or related field
- Core subjects: Biology, Chemistry, English
- Language Proficiency Test (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE)
|
| Course Duration | - BSc – 3 years
- MSc – 1 year
- PG Dip / PG Cert – 6–12 months
- PhD – 3–4 years
|
| Popular Courses | - MSc/BSc in Clinical Research
- MSc in Clinical Pharmacology
- MSc in Drug Development Science
- PGDip/PGCert in Clinical Research
|
| Some of the Top Universities | - University of Glasgow
- University of Manchester
- Newcastle University
|
| Average Tuition Fees | |
| Job Opportunities | - Clinical Research Associate
- Clinical Trials Coordinator / Manager
- Medical Science Liaison
- Research Scientist / Project Manager
|
7. Leadership and Management in Healthcare
The UK healthcare system needs strong leaders to navigate reforms, improve patient outcomes, and manage diverse clinical teams. This course is in demand for producing professionals capable of leading NHS trusts and private healthcare organizations efficiently.
| Eligibility / Basic Requirements | - Undergraduate – 12th grade with 60-70% (Science or Commerce stream)
- Postgraduate – a bachelor’s degree in any of these relevant fields: Healthcare, Nursing, Public Health, Pharmacy, Medicine, Life Sciences, or Business/Management
- Language Proficiency Test (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE)
|
| Course Duration | - BSc/BA in Healthcare Management – 3 years
- MSc / MA in Healthcare Management – 1 year
- PG Diploma / Certificate – 6-12 months
|
| Popular Courses | - MSc in Healthcare Leadership and Management
- MSc in Health Services Management
- MSc in Global Health and Management
- PGDip/PGCert in Health Policy and Leadership
|
| Some of the Top Universities | - University of Leeds
- University of Southampton
- University of Sheffield
- London School of Economics
- University of Birmingham
|
| Average Tuition Fees | |
| Job Opportunities | - Healthcare Administrator
- Health Services Consultant
- Health Policy Analyst
- Health Program Coordinator
|
8. Mental Health
Mental health professionals are urgently needed in the UK, with growing cases of anxiety, depression, and youth mental health disorders. As part of the most in-demand healthcare courses in UK, this field is prioritized to strengthen mental health services across the NHS and community sectors
| Eligibility / Basic Requirements | - For Bachelor’s: Must have completed high school (A-Levels or equivalent) with subjects such as Biology, Psychology, or a related area.
- For Master’s: Must have an undergraduate degree in a related field (e.g., psychology, nursing, health studies).
- Language Proficiency Test (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE)
|
| Course Duration | - Bachelor’s: 3 years (or 4 years with a foundation year)
- Master’s: Typically 1–2 years (full-time), part-time options available
|
| Popular Courses | - BSc Mental Health Nursing
- MSc in Mental Health
- MSc in Clinical Psychology
- MSc/PGDip/PGCert Mental Health Studies
- MSc Psychological Therapies Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner Training
|
| Some of the Top Universities | - University of Manchester
- University of Cambridge
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Nottingham
- University of Glasgow
|
| Average Tuition Fees | - £14,000–£30,000 per year (for International Students)
|
| Job Opportunities | - Mental Health Nurse
- Clinical Psychologist
- Counseling Psychologist
- Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner
- Forensic Psychologist
- Mental Health Support Worker
- CBT Therapist
|
9. Anatomy
Anatomy forms the foundation for careers in surgery, physiotherapy, and clinical education—fields that face ongoing staff shortages in the UK. Demand for anatomy graduates is strong in both healthcare practice and academic research.
| Eligibility / Basic Requirements | - For Bachelor’s – Must have High School (A-Levels or equivalent), with Biology and other Science subjects (such as Chemistry or Physics).
- For Master’s – Must have an undergraduate degree in a related field (Biology, Anatomy, Biomedical Science, etc.).
- Language Proficiency Test (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE)
|
| Course Duration | - Bachelor’s – 3 years (or 4 years with a foundation year)
- Master’s – Typically 1 year
|
| Popular Courses | - BSc Anatomy
- BSc Human Anatomy
- BSc Developmental & Human Biology
- MSc Human Anatomy
- MSc Clinical Anatomy
|
| Some of the Top Universities | - University of Manchester
- King’s College London
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Bristol
- University of Glasgow
|
| Average Tuition Fees | - £15,000 – £35,000 per year
|
| Job Opportunities | - Anatomist
- Anatomy Lecturer
- Medical Laboratory Technician
- Medical Illustrator
- Research Assistant
- Clinical Anatomist
- Anatomical Pathology Technologist
|
10. Paramedic Science
Paramedic Science stands out as one of the most dynamic healthcare courses in UK, preparing students for fast-paced roles in emergency medical services. It combines advanced clinical training with real-world experience to shape confident and competent paramedics.
| Eligibility / Basic Requirements | - UG – a minimum average of 85% or above in 12th
- BMAT (Biomedical Aptitude Test) or UKCAT (UK Clinical Aptitude Test)
- PG – An average of 70%–75% is required in a bachelor’s degree
- Language Proficiency Test (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE)
|
| Course Duration | - Bachelor’s – 3 years
- Master’s – 2 years
- Degree Apprenticeship – 3–4 years
|
| Popular Courses | - MSc Paramedicine
- PhD in Paramedic Science
- MSc Advanced Clinical Practice
- BSc Paramedic Science
|
| Some of the Top Universities | - University of Hertfordshire
- Oxford Brookes University
- University of Surrey
- Coventry University
|
| Average Tuition Fees | - £16,000 – £25,000 per year
|
| Job Opportunities | - Emergency Care Practitioner
- Military Paramedic
- Registered Paramedic (both in NHS or private sector)
- Advanced Paramedic Practitioner
|
Short Medical Courses in UK for International Students
Short healthcare courses in UK help international students gain quick, hands-on training for entry-level healthcare roles. These programs, including several diploma courses in UK, are ideal for skill development, certification, or career enhancement, these short courses typically run from a few days to a few months.
Whether you’re a doctor, nurse, or any other healthcare professional, these health related courses in UK can help you in refining your expertise and exploring new career doors.
- Clinical Psychology and Mental Health
- Phlebotomy Training
- Leadership and Supervision in Health
- Mental Health Skills for Healthcare
- Neonatal Care
- Health and Social Care Diploma
- Human Anatomy course
- Professional Diploma in Tropical Medicine & Hygiene
- Professional Certificate in Pharmacoepidemiology & Pharmacovigilance
- Return to Practice (Nursing)
There are a wide range of healthcare courses in UK for international students. Its globally ranked universities and strong clinical training opportunities make it one of the best choices for students around the world. By choosing the right course and the right university, you can gain valuable knowledge, practical experience, and global recognition that will open the door to a successful future in healthcare. Whatever your area of interest, be it nursing, occupational therapy, or human anatomy, the UK has it all under one roof. Check out study-uk.britishcouncil.org to find out why the UK continues to be a top choice for higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which health care course is best in UK?
Top healthcare courses in the UK include Nursing, Public Health, Physiotherapy, and Healthcare Management. These programs offer strong academic training and practical exposure, preparing students for rewarding careers in the UK and globally.
Is it possible to study in the UK without IELTS?
Yes, many UK universities accept alternatives like TOEFL, PTE, or proof of previous education in English. Some institutions also offer internal English assessments for admission.
Is healthcare management in demand in UK?
Yes, healthcare management is a rapidly growing field in the UK due to the demand for efficient hospital and care system administration. Graduates in this field find opportunities in both public and private healthcare sectors.
How much does it cost to study health care in the UK?
The average tuition fee for healthcare courses in the UK ranges between £10,000 and £25,000 per year. Costs vary based on the university, course type, and location.
What are the entry requirements for medicine courses in the UK?
Students typically need excellent grades in science subjects, UCAT or BMAT scores, a strong personal statement, and English language proficiency. Work experience and interviews may also be required.
Who is eligible for healthcare in the UK?
International students who pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa application are entitled to access NHS services in the UK at no extra cost during their stay.
What is the highest paid healthcare job in the UK?
Surgeons, anesthetists, and psychiatrists rank among the highest-paid healthcare professionals in the UK. These roles require advanced qualifications and several years of training.
