Top 5 UK Courses That Still Make Sense After the Skilled Worker Salary Increase

With the UK government raising the Skilled Worker visa salary threshold, many people are asking the right question:

> “What courses actually lead to jobs that can meet this salary?”

This is no longer the era of study first, figure it out later. If your long-term plan includes switching from a Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa, your course choice now matters more than ever.

Below are five programs that still make sense in the UK today. Not because they sound fancy, but because entry-level salaries can realistically clear the new threshold, especially with the right preparation.

This guide is written with Nigerians in mind: practical, direct, no fluff.

1) Nursing (Adult, Mental Health, Learning Disability)

Let’s start with the most straightforward path.

UK nursing is still one of the clearest routes from study to sponsored work. Newly qualified nurses often earn salaries that sit very close to—or already exceed—the Skilled Worker threshold, especially once London weighting, NHS band progression, and unsocial hours are factored in.

Why it works

- Chronic shortage across the UK

- Structured NHS pay scale (Band 5 → Band 6)

- Sponsorship-friendly sector

- Clear progression within 12–24 months

How to increase your chances

Before or during your program:

- Volunteer or work as a healthcare assistant (even part-time)

- Get familiar with NHS values and patient safety standards

- Build experience in care homes, clinics, or community health settings

Certifications that help:

- Basic Life Support (BLS)

- Care Certificate

- Safeguarding Adults & Children training

Nursing is demanding, yes—but from an immigration perspective, it remains one of the most reliable options.

2) Data Science / Business Analytics / Artificial Intelligence

This category is wide, but the rule is simple: technical roles pay.

Entry-level data and analytics roles in the UK often start above the Skilled Worker threshold, especially in London, fintech, consulting, and tech firms.

Why it works

- High demand across industries (finance, health, retail, tech)

- Skills-based hiring (less obsession with “UK experience”)

- Salary growth is fast if you’re competent

How to increase your chances

Before or during your program:

- Start learning Python, SQL, Power BI, or Tableau early

- Build personal projects (GitHub matters)

- Do internships, even unpaid or short-term ones

Certifications that help:

- Google Data Analytics Certificate

- Microsoft Power BI certification

- AWS Cloud Practitioner (for data-heavy roles)

Degrees alone won’t save you here. Skills will.

3) Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Software)

Engineering remains one of the few fields where graduate roles can still justify sponsorship—especially outside oversaturated areas.

Civil and electrical engineering roles tied to infrastructure, energy, and construction are particularly strong.

Why it works

- Skills shortages in multiple engineering subfields

- Professional registration pathways

- Clear industry demand

How to increase your chances

Before or during your program:

- Join industry bodies early

- Take placement or sandwich-year options seriously

- Work site-based roles or technical assistant jobs during holidays

Certifications that help:

- Working toward Engineering Council registration

- Health & Safety (CSCS for construction-related roles)

- Software engineers: cloud or DevOps certifications

Engineering rewards preparation. Those who wait till graduation struggle.

4) Pharmacy (and Pharmaceutical Sciences)

Pharmacy remains one of the strongest healthcare-linked routes into sponsored work, especially after professional registration.

While the pathway is structured and demanding, salaries often clear the threshold comfortably after qualification.

Why it works

- Regulated profession

- Predictable career progression

- Strong NHS and private-sector demand

How to increase your chances

Before or during your program:

- Understand the registration process early

- Get pharmacy assistant experience if possible

- Network during placements seriously

Certifications that help:

- Pre-registration training focus

- NHS values training

- Patient safety and clinical governance modules

This is not a shortcut career. But for those who commit, the reward is stability.

5) Quantity Surveying / Construction Project Management

This one surprises people.

Construction-related roles—especially Quantity Surveyors—are quietly some of the best-paying early-career jobs in the UK, particularly outside London.

Why it works

- Infrastructure expansion across the UK

- Shortage of cost and project management professionals

- Graduate roles often hit salary thresholds faster than expected

How to increase your chances

Before or during your program:

- Get site experience, even as a trainee

- Understand UK construction contracts (NEC, JCT)

- Take internships seriously, not as CV fillers

Certifications that help:

- Working toward RICS accreditation

- CSCS card

- Project management tools (MS Project, Primavera)

Many Nigerians overlook this path. They shouldn’t.

Final reality check

No course automatically guarantees a Skilled Worker visa anymore. But some courses still give you a fighting chance—*if* you prepare properly.

Three truths to remember:

1. Salary thresholds have changed, but demand hasn’t disappeared

2. Employers sponsor people who reduce their risk

3. Experience + skills often matter more than grades

At LightTouch, we don’t just help you get admission. We help you think beyond admission—towards work, sponsorship, and long-term stability.

Choosing the right course is no longer about prestige.

It’s about strategy.