Students are already asking about 2027. They want degrees that lead to real careers. You need fresh options to show them.
This edition looks at the new programmes and emerging areas of study to watch in 2027. It is written for our partner universities and educational counsellors. It also shows where you can find institutions across the globe on Global Study Abroad
What Is Changing for the 2027 Intake?
Students are planning their next step earlier than ever. They compare courses, countries and career outcomes before they speak to a counsellor. They expect to see modern, relevant options.
Three shifts are shaping the 2027 intake:
- Career-led choices. Students want a clear link between their degree and a job.
- New and blended subjects. Universities are updating courses and combining fields. Students can now study technology with health, or business with sustainability.
- More destinations in the mix. Students compare the UK with Europe and Australia before they decide.
For counsellors, this means more choice to offer and more questions from students. For universities, it is a chance to show new programmes to the right audience at the right time.
Emerging Areas of Study to Watch
Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
AI is moving from a specialist subject to a core skill. Students want to build it, use it and manage it responsibly. Popular routes include artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science and business analytics.
Look for programmes in:
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Data science and business analytics
- AI in healthcare, finance and marketing
Key figures
- The number of UK AI firms rose 58% between 2023 and 2024, to 5,862.
- Sector employment grew 33% to 86,139, and revenue rose about 68% to £23.9 billion.
- Investment in dedicated AI companies rebounded to £2.9 billion in 2024, above the previous record.
Partner universities
- Lancaster University. Students who applied through Global Study UK have chosen Computer Science and Software Engineering at undergraduate level, and Data Science at postgraduate level.
- Robert Gordon University. The university is recognised for computing, including cybersecurity and data science.
- University of Southampton. This Russell Group university is known for medicine, sciences and technology.
Find courses: Search AI and data science courses on UK Universities.
Cybersecurity and Digital Technology
Every organisation needs to protect its data. That keeps demand for cybersecurity graduates strong. Students can choose focused cyber degrees or wider routes such as software engineering and digital systems.
Key figures
- The UK cyber security sector earns £14.7 billion a year, up about 11%, across 2,603 active firms.
- Around 69,600 full-time staff work in cyber security firms.
- The latest skills report shows 57% of UK businesses report a basic technical skills gap, up from 49%.
- Cyber graduate numbers rose 14% to 7,950.
Partner universities
- Lancaster University. Cyber Security is one of the postgraduate courses students have chosen through Global Study UK.
- Robert Gordon University. Cybersecurity sits within its computing strengths.
Find courses: Search cyber security courses on UK Universities.
Sustainability and Energy
Students want careers that help solve climate and energy problems. Programmes in this area cover renewable energy, environmental science, water management and sustainable business.
Key figures
- The government expects clean energy jobs to grow from around 440,000 in 2023 to 860,000 by 2030.
- Jobs in heating, retrofit and building energy are forecast to grow from around 66,000 to 248,000.
Partner universities
- Robert Gordon University. Its Aberdeen location connects students with the energy industry, and it is recognised for engineering, including energy.
- Lancaster University. Sustainable Water Management is among the postgraduate courses chosen through Global Study UK.
- University of Southampton. The university is home to the National Oceanography Centre. This suits students who want marine and environmental study.
Find courses: Search sustainability and energy courses on UK Universities.
Health, Nursing and Life Sciences
Healthcare stays one of the strongest areas of student interest. Students can look beyond medicine and nursing. Biomedical science, health technology, public health and allied health are all growing routes.
Key figures
- UK life sciences companies generated £125.8 billion in turnover in 2024/25.
- The sector employed around 360,000 people in 2023 to 2024.
- Priority life sciences jobs are projected to grow by about 66,000 (44%) between 2025 and 2035.
Partner universities
- Queen Mary University of London. Its East London setting offers clinical placements and community projects. It ranks 9th of 154 UK universities in the Research Excellence Framework.
- Robert Gordon University. It is recognised for health sciences, including nursing, physiotherapy and pharmacy.
- Lancaster University. Biomedicine is one of the postgraduate courses chosen through Global Study UK.
Find courses: Search health and life sciences courses on UK Universities.
Creative Industries and Digital Media
Creative careers now rely on technology. Students are exploring game design, animation, film, digital content and design technology. These courses often include live projects and placements.
Key figures
- The creative industries added £145.8 billion to UK GVA in 2024, which is 5.5% of the total.
- Creative industries GVA grew 4.6% from 2023 to 2024.
- The sector supports around 2.4 million jobs, about 7% of all UK jobs.
Partner universities
- Arts University Bournemouth. It is a specialist creative arts university.
- University of Westminster. Its strengths include media, journalism and film, architecture, and design and fashion. It stresses live projects and placements.
Find courses: Search creative and media courses on UK Universities.
Business, Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Business degrees are changing too. Students want courses in entrepreneurship, digital marketing, analytics and international business. Many also want a London or regional city base with strong employer links.
Key figures
- The UK’s active company population reached a record 5.66 million.
- More than 400,000 new companies launched in the first half of 2026. That figure is 5.7% lower than the first half of 2025.
Partner universities
- University of Westminster. Its strengths include business, hospitality and tourism.
- Robert Gordon University. Aberdeen Business School is part of its academic offer.
- Lancaster University. Economics and Marketing are among the postgraduate courses chosen through Global Study UK.
Find courses: Search business and management courses on UK Universities.
Pathway Programmes: A Flexible Route In
Not every student meets direct entry requirements. Pathway programmes help them build academic skills and English first.
Kaplan International Pathways is a confirmed partner. Kaplan offers pathway, preparatory and English-language programmes with established progression routes into partner universities. You can read more in our Global Study UK x Kaplan story.
Beyond the UK: Growing Options in Europe and Australia
Many students compare several destinations. Counsellors need options in more than one country. You can explore all of these institutions on Global Study Abroad.
Germany (Berlin): Berlin School of Business and Innovation, PFH – Private University of Applied Sciences and SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences
Greece: University of York Europe Campus, Mediterranean College and American College of Greece
Spain: Universidad Europea, UCAM, IED and Saint Louis University Madrid
Australia: La Trobe University, Murdoch University and Edith Cowan University (ECU)Offering a wider choice helps students find the best fit for their budget, goals and lifestyle.
How Counsellors Can Use This in Practice
New programmes only help if students can find them. Here are four simple steps:
Start with the student's goal. Ask what job or industry they want.
Match the goal to an emerging area. Use the list above as a guide.
Search for courses. Use UK Universities to find UK courses by subject.
Check entry requirements early. Confirm deadlines, language needs and documents.This keeps the conversation focused and helps students decide faster.
Find New Courses and Universities on Global Education Hub
Global Education Hub brings partner universities, courses and counsellors together in one place. Partners and counsellors can explore UK partners on Global Study UK, institutions abroad on Global Study Abroad, and UK courses on UK Universities.
