Science degrees in Europe
University of Aberdeen performs well in national and international rankings. Source: University of Aberdeen, Facebook

Science plays an important role in our daily lives. Our favourite perfume, the shift to paper straws, the smartphones in our hands – they are the products of science helping us live better lives.

Science impacts our lives just as much as our lifestyles. In the past two years, scientists racing against the clock to produce COVID-19 vaccines have created a global collaboration unlike any in history. If not for their tireless and dedicated research, we may not have vaccines ready to battle the pandemic, and countless more lives will be lost.

At university level, studying science can offer several benefits including higher than average graduate salary, diverse work opportunities, and a chance to contribute positively to the world. Science graduates can also expect to receive accredited degrees and join professional societies.

If you are interested in pursuing science at university, these four universities in Europe will be great choices to jumpstart your journey.

University of Aberdeen

Located in Aberdeen, Scotland, the University of Aberdeen is ranked in the top 20 universities in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2022 and Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022) and in the top 160 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022)

The Department of Chemistry has been voted first in Scotland for overall student satisfaction on top of being first in Scotland for world-leading research impact (REF 2014). In the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022 subject rankings, it is at seventh position nationally and first in Scotland.

With over 200 years of teaching and research experience, the Department of Chemistry is an established institution with a track record of academic success — but that’s not all. It prides itself on being a friendly and caring department, shown through the throngs of students that evolve into career-ready and knowledgeable graduates with the guidance of its faculty.

Here, students not only take part in industry-relevant projects in collaboration with faculty members and department-grown companies. They are set to work with cutting-edge research equipment at the new multidisciplinary Science Teaching Hub, which will open in 2022, too.

The four-year BSc (Hons) and five-year MChem programmes, both accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, are offered – where students learn Chemistry and Enhanced Study courses such as other sciences or languages in the first two years and more specialised courses in subsequent years. For the flagship MChem programme, only upper-class honours students are eligible to apply; they will do a four-month research project placement in the final year, and graduate as a professionally qualified Chartered Chemist.

Interested applicants can opt for any of the three one-year MSc taught courses as well: Advanced Energy Materials, Analytical Chemistry and Industrial Pharmaceutical Chemistry – from Laboratory to Market.

University of Geneva

Established in 1559, the University of Geneva – ranked among the world’s best 100 universities – is internationally well known for its interdisciplinary research and teaching. Located in Geneva, Switzerland, this university – with nine faculties and 13 interfaculty centres – attracts some 19,000 students.

Science degrees in Europe

University of Geneva is among the world’s top 100 universities. Source: University of Geneva, Facebook

Their 500-odd programmes include 136 bachelor and master’s programmes in diverse fields such as exact sciences, social sciences and medicine. Their areas of research expertise are life sciences, physics of elementary particles and astrophysics.

The University of Geneva – considered one of the best among the League of European Research Universities – is home to seven National Centres of Competence in Research too. In fact, the Faculty of Science has five such centres.

Their Physics Section – highly regarded within Switzerland, Europe and around the world – is known for world-class research and teaching, which makes for a strong international and open learning environment. Their Physics subject is ranked 36th as a standalone in the University of Shanghai’s classification rankings (2019).

Their teaching programmes – bachelor’s, master’s and PhD – have a wide range of specialisations. New applications of fundamental physics are a main focus at this department.

Stockholm University

Founded in 1878 as an alternative to the traditional educational establishment, Stockholm University was initially Stockholm College that did not have examinations or diplomas. Since then, it has expanded to several campuses – Albano, AlbaNova, Frescati Hage, Garnisonen, Kista, Kräftriket, Lilla Frescati – in Stockholm, Sweden.

Science degrees in Europe

Stockholm University has several beautiful campuses in Stockholm. Source: Stockholm University, Facebook

Their main campus located in Frescati is a 20-minutes walk from Stockholm city centre. In fact Stockholm University is right inside the world’s first National City Park, offering students easy access to nature, city, cultural events and historical buildings.

Over 39,000 students are registered with Stockholm University; they are enrolled within 300 programmes and 1,700 courses in science and human science. As many as 75 master’s programmes are taught in English.

The Master in Environmental Science focuses on the Earth’s natural systems and how they are disturbed. Students tackle challenges such as air and water pollution and climate change. They get to decide if they would like to focus on either, the composition and function of atmospheric and land systems as well as the interaction between them through transport, energy balances, and the water.

This programme is offered by the Department of Environmental Science, ranked among the world’s top 30 educational institutions for environmental science. In fact, many students have gone on to become prestigious policy makers, environmental consultants, and researchers.

Sapienza University of Rome

Sapienza University of Rome, ranked third in Italy (QS World Rankings) is the largest university in Europe. Around 115,000 students come to this university for learning and training — 7,000 are international and 1,400 are taking part in exchange programmes.

Science degrees in Europe

Sapienza University of Rome is Europe’s biggest university. Source: Sapienza University of Rome, Facebook

As Rome’s oldest university – dating back to 1303 – Sapienza University has a main campus located near Rome’s city centre and two campuses in the Lazio region outside the Italian capital. With 11 faculties and 63 departments, students can choose from more than 300 degree programmes from bachelor’s to PhD level. Over 50 bachelor’s and master’s  degree programmes are taught in English.

Sapienza University of Rome has 50 libraries, 18 museums and two university hospitals as well as one teaching hospital. Students can also take advantage of many other facilities at the Sapienza Sports Centre, which measures some 100,000 square metres.

The multidisciplinary Department of Biology and Biotechnology offers undergraduate, graduate and research degrees in a wide range of topics related to biodiversity like molecular, cellular and developmental processes in living organisms. Research areas include aspects related to the main biological disciplines such as evolutionary, biotechnological and application.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International