What is STEM?
STEM subjects are some of the most sought-after degrees from employers. Learn about STEM subjects and what careers a STEM degree can lead to.
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CONTENTS
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What is STEM?
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What are STEM subjects?
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Why study STEM subjects?
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What careers can STEM subjects lead to?
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What are the entry requirements for STEM subjects?
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Funding for STEM subjects
- Advice on studying a STEM subject
What is STEM?
STEM stands for Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics. It represents the group of subjects that fall within these four areas of study. STEM education focuses on practical learning, to develop the necessary skills in students so they鈥檙e prepared for the rapidly-developing real world.
What are STEM subjects?
STEM subjects are any subjects that can be classified under the disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics. Common STEM subjects include:
- Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
- Architecture
- Astronomy
- Biological Sciences
- Biomedical Sciences
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Information Technology
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Paramedic Science
- Pharmacology and Pharmacy
- Physics
- Psychology
Why study STEM subjects?
Learn from leading researchers and professors
While studying a STEM subject you鈥檒l work on different research projects and be exposed to what鈥檚 currently being studied within your chosen field. Many universities employ world-class researchers within many STEM disciplines, giving you the opportunity to develop skills from those with vast experience and knowledge.
Growing demand for STEM graduates
The rise of technology and innovation in the modern world has increased the need for graduates with a STEM degree. New industries are developing all the time within STEM which has not only required more STEM-educated people, but has also created new jobs such as security analysts and data scientists. Some of the world鈥檚 fastest growing industries, such as artificial intelligence, software development and data analysis, are grounded in STEM subjects.
Develop transferable skills to everyday life
You鈥檒l learn invaluable skills that translate into all areas of life. These will include problem-solving, analytical reasoning and collaboration 鈥� all of which you鈥檒l employ in your day-to-day living. You鈥檒l have the chance to really hone these through collaborative research projects and real-world scenarios, whether through uni projects or work experience.
You get to be creative
Many STEM subjects are heavily analytical and can be grounded in numbers and data. But you鈥檒l find that many of these subjects will also need your creative brain. You鈥檒l be presented with scenarios that require you to think outside the box.
Increasing investment in STEM
The have recently set out plans to increase STEM funding. This will involve the UK Government heavily investing in research and development efforts to attract more STEM graduates. This investment will see more employment opportunities for those who鈥檝e studied a STEM subject.
What careers can STEM subjects lead to?
The breadth of courses that fall under STEM subjects means that you shouldn鈥檛 be short of career options. Depending on what you choose to study you could become a marine biologist, an aerospace engineer or even a game designer. The demand for STEM graduates also means that graduate-level jobs are often well-paying.
Mimi Nwosu is one graduate making the most of her STEM degree. Having earned a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Portsmouth, she currently works as an Assistant Materials Engineer at Sir Robert McAlpine. In June, Mimi was named as one of the 2021 Top 50 Women in Engineering by The Guardian and the Women's Engineering Society.
We chatted with Mimi about her experience of studying a STEM subject at uni and how that's lead to her current career:
What are the entry requirements for STEM subjects?
Entry requirements will vary based on what STEM subject you apply for and where you choose to study.
A Levels
At least one science-based A Level will be needed for most science courses. Some courses will require two, with a minimum grade ranging from A to B. A Maths A Level is a minimum requirement for most Technology, Engineering and Maths courses. You may also need a science-based A Level.
BTECs
Science-based STEM degrees will require a science-based BTEC, while engineering-based degrees ask that you have an engineering-based BTEC. Technology or Maths degrees will want you to have completed a Maths or science-based BTEC. A Maths or science-based A Level may be needed for higher-entry courses.
GCSEs
A minimum grade C/4 for each of your GCSEs will be needed, with at least two of these being English and Maths. Courses with higher entry requirements will want one of your GCSEs to be in a science-based subject, often with a minimum grade of A/7 or B/6.
International Baccalaureate
You鈥檒l need a Maths and/or specific science-based Higher Level for most STEM degrees. A minimum grade of 5 or 6 for each Higher Level will be specified.
Scottish Higher
Most STEM degrees will ask that you鈥檝e studied Maths and/or a specific science-based subject. A minimum grade for each is sometimes specified, depending on how limited places on the course are.
- READ MORE
- Entry requirements
- Choosing A Levels
Funding for STEM subjects
As with non-STEM degrees you鈥檒l be able to apply for a student loan to cover your tuition fees. This can be applied for through the student finance company of whichever UK nation you鈥檙e from. Below you鈥檒l find further details on student finance if:
- You come from England
- You come from Northern Ireland
- You come from Wales
- You come from Scotland
- You come from a country outside of the UK
As well as general scholarships, bursaries and grants available to both undergraduate and postgraduate students, some are specifically available to students studying a STEM degree:
- : to support female students from low-income households that are applying for Computer Science or a similar Engineering course at a UK university.
- : to support undergraduate students pursuing an Engineering course at a UK university.
- : offer a range of scholarships for those students pursuing a Civil Engineering degree.
- : offer an array of different undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships and awards for students pursuing a Mechanical Engineering degree.
- : to support postgraduate students in their final year of an Aerospace or Aeronautical Engineering master鈥檚, or a related aviation-based master鈥檚.
Many universities now also offer scholarships specifically for students wishing to pursue a postgraduate degree in a STEM subject. You can find a full list of these on the university鈥檚 website.
Advice on studying a STEM subject
We also asked Mimi what advice she had for any students considering a STEM degree at university:
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