Undergraduate Programmes at University of Glasgow : Top and Most Popular Programmes

If you are preparing to study at the University of Glasgow (UofG) and want to find out which undergraduate programmes are most popular and in demand, this post gives you a helpful guide. It covers the major fields where UofG is well known, examples of programmes, and reasons these programmes stand out — helping you better align your interests and career goals with what many students are choosing.

Why knowing the popular programmes matters

Choosing a degree is not just about your interest — it’s also about the environment, the demand in the job market, the university’s strength in that area, and how many students are drawn to that subject. At UofG:

A large number of undergraduate subjects are available (see the A‑Z list) which means competition for the more popular ones is often stronger.
The university’s reputation in certain disciplines means those programmes often attract more students and more resources (research, teaching staff, lab facilities) which benefits you.
If you choose one of the popular programmes you may have better peer networks, more specialised facilities, and possibly more options for study abroad or employment afterwards.

Top or Most Popular Undergraduate Programmes at Glasgow

Here are some of the programmes that are frequently listed as popular or high‑demand among undergraduates at UofG, including both professional and academic routes.

1. Medicine & Health Sciences

The undergraduate medical degree (MBChB) is one of the flagship professional programmes at UofG and draws many applicants.
Health‑related studies including Nursing, Dentistry and Life Sciences are also highly sought.
For example, the “Veterinary Medicine & Surgery” (BVMS) programme is also notable for high demand.

2. Business, Economics & Accounting

Programmes such as Business & Management, Economics, Accountancy & Finance attract many students because of clear career pathways.
UofG’s business school (Adam Smith Business School) is triple‑accredited, which adds to the appeal of business‑related undergraduate degrees.

3. Computing Science / Data Science / Engineering

Degrees such as Computing Science, Artificial Intelligence, Electronic & Electrical Engineering appear among the most popular in terms of student interest.
STEM fields are growing globally, and UofG’s strong offering helps drive popularity.

4. Law & Social Sciences

Undergraduate law (LLB/Common Law) and joint honours/social sciences programmes (Politics & International Relations, Sociology) are popular choices.
These subjects offer many career paths (legal, public service, policy, media) which contributes to their popularity.

5. Arts & Humanities

Although perhaps less “professional” in the narrow sense, programmes in English Literature, History, Philosophy, Modern Languages remain popular among students who want broader intellectual training or careers in education, writing, media, culture.

Things to note when considering the popular programmes

Popular does not always mean easy to get into. Because these programmes draw many applicants, competition might be higher and entry requirements may be stricter. For example, some sources list Computing Science, Accountancy with Finance etc among courses with high UCAS tariff requirements.
Popular programmes often have more specialised modules/paths, so review the curriculum carefully and ensure the subject aligns with your interest.
While popularity is a useful indicator, the right fit for you is more important. Just because a course is popular does not guarantee it’s what you will enjoy or succeed in the most.
Popular professions (medicine, business, engineering) often involve professional accreditation or licensing requirements — so ensure you check how the undergraduate degree links to your career plans.
Facilities, teaching staff, research opportunities and industry ties often support popular programmes more strongly — that’s a plus for students selecting these fields at UofG.

How this helps you as a prospective applicant

If you are undecided between several subjects, knowing which ones are popular can help you ask more informed questions at open days or in university chats (e.g., how many students are in year 1, what the typical entry tariff is, what the graduation/employment outcomes are).
It can help you benchmark your qualifications: popular programmes often require higher entry‑standards, so you may need to strengthen your grades, choose appropriate subjects earlier, get extra experience or clarify your motivation.
It helps you realistically assess your chances and identify backup options: while aiming for a top popular programme is good, also have a related subject option where competition is slightly less fierce.
For international students (including those from Bangladesh), knowing these popular fields helps you plan your foundation qualifications, required subjects and also understand what global demand looks like for graduates in those fields.

Conclusion

The University of Glasgow offers a very wide array of undergraduate programmes, but some stand out as particularly popular due to strong demand, excellent reputation and clear career pathways. These include Medicine & Health Sciences, Business & Economics, Computing & Engineering, Law & Social Sciences, and Arts & Humanities. While popularity is a useful guide, choosing a degree that fits your interest, strengths and career goals is ultimately the priority. Use the popularity insights to inform your decision, but make sure you feel passionate about the subject you select.

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