Sponsored by Alfaisal University

Advances in technology are infiltrating practically every area of science, with nanotechnology in particular offering novel and innovative solutions to a vast range of fields due to its small size.

Nanoscience is all about the infinitely small stuff, the atoms and sub-atomic particles which make up every single thing in the universe, from the chair you sit in, to the hair on your head.

It encompasses biology, chemistry and engineering, and, with applications in everything ranging from pharmaceuticals to food science, it’s also responsible for a wave of new specializations and other interdisciplinary fields, such as medicinal chemistry, bioinformatics, immunology, and environmental biology.

The manipulation and exploitation of such small properties pushes scientific boundaries to create more materials and procedures on a nano-scale. For instance, in biomedicine nanotechnology is helping to eradicate cancer cells more effectively during treatment, and in engineering nanotechnology can help develop materials that can withstand a rocket’s re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere, pushing the boundaries of science at every turn.

Wondering what it must be like to work with the technology of the future? We teamed up with the nanotechnology experts at Alfaisal University to find out more about career opportunities in biomedical science and nanoscience.

A truly multidisciplinary subject

In order to prepare for a career in this field, it’s important to stay well informed and updated, especially considering how quickly the life sciences landscape changes.

A specialized degree, such as the Master of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology at Alfaisal University provides a solid background in materials chemistry, solid state physics, as well as an introduction to biotechnology.

Students are exposed to multidisciplinary approaches while studying materials chemistry, microelectronics, photonics, as well as the biomedical and energy applications of the technology.

Having ranked in the global top 40 in the QS Arab Region University Rankings 2019, Alfaisal University is renowned for its research center and good industry contacts, two factors which are crucial given the cutting-edge nature of this subject.

You’ll need a head for numbers

Unsurprisingly, anyone considering a career in nanoscience will need to be highly analytical, possess definitive technical and scientific skills, have a meticulous eye for detail, be able to use computer-controlled equipment and project manage large and small teams, and enjoy a hands-on approach to working.

Experience is key and so is finding your area of expertise

If you’ve got your eye on a career in the world of nanoscience and biomedical science, you’ll need to possess a good understanding of the underlying foundations of physical sciences.

If you’ve already got an undergraduate degree in physical sciences, life sciences, pharmacy, medicine or engineering, you should know your way around a lab but the opportunity to study specific modules and find a specialism that suits you will ensure you can go further in your career. For instance, you could choose to specialize in nano materials for energy and environmental applications, or make nano medicine and nano diagnostics your area of expertise.

Having research and publishing experience can also be incredibly beneficial as it not only helps clarify your area of interest and act as a career rehearsal, it can also highlight your dedication to the field to potential employers. Final-year life sciences students at Alfaisal University gain hands-on research opportunities and have the chance to publish scientific papers and be awarded patents with faculty members.

After all, as a nanoscientist it’s your job to conduct research, carry out lab experiments and write up reports on a daily basis, so you’d do well to get a head start.

Sounds exciting… so, what career opportunities are there? 

There are numerous pathways you can follow in the world of biomedical science and nanoscience. As we’ve already said, the life sciences landscape is constantly evolving thanks to advances in technology, and so there are opportunities to specialize and take on roles as varied as quality assurance for food and drink companies, to clinical support in medical health centers, as well as research development in government laboratories.

Life sciences graduates from Alfaisal University have gone on to work in numerous industries, including medical research centers and biotech start-ups. You could equally end up working for government ministries, consulting companies, renewable energy businesses, or even the food industry.

Nanyang Technological University continues to be the top young university in the world according to the QS Top 50 Under 50, a table exclusively for the world's younger academic institutions.

First published in 2012, the QS Top 50 Under 50 ranks the best universities in the world which are under 50 years old, allowing some of the world’s top young universities to shine. Since 2015, it has tripled its range to include the Next 100 Under 50.

Unlike other university rankings, the Top 50 Under 50 and the Next 100 Under 50 see a vast amount of change each year, as universities drop out of the list after they pass the 50-year marker. So, if you can’t find an institution in this year’s list, it might be because it’s now older than 50 years.

It’s all about FAME. And no, we’re not talking about the 1980 American musical film Fame, we’re talking about the popularity of FAME subjects among university students… obviously.

The popularity of FAME subjects (finance, accounting, management and economics) comes from their vital role in the world of business, particularly those first two letters of the acronym: accounting and finance.

The primary difference in the battle of accounting vs finance is that accounting has a relatively narrow focus, while finance is wider-ranging, covering an array of specializations in the world of business, economics and banking.

A total of 36 countries boast at least one university among the 200 top accounting and finance schools ranked in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2018, showing it’s not just highly developed countries which have a need for accountants.

But, should you study finance or accounting? Read on for an in-depth comparison of both subjects, to help you make a decision...

Accounting vs finance

At undergraduate level, it’s possible to take a joint accounting and finance degree, in order to gain a more general knowledge of both accounting and finance professions. However, those who study further will usually specialize in either one or the other, in order to gain more advanced expertise in one particular field.

While accounting focuses on the day-to-day management of financial reports and records across the business world, finance uses this same information to project future growth and to analyze expenditure in order to strategize company finances. So finance degree students will likely be more interested in financial strategy and control, while accounting degree students will be more focused on professional principles and processes, used in order to manage numbers rather than influence them.

What do accounting degrees cover?

An accounting degree will provide a foundation for specialized accounting careers, as well as many other related careers. Accounting careers typically involve analyzing and utilizing financial information in order to evaluate a business’ financial position. This can involve anything from basic book-keeping to managing balance sheets and income statements. Accounting careers often have a large focus on past records and present reports, involving the creation and analysis of these records, and now often also extend to encompass planning, controlling, decision-making, stewardship, accountability and more.

Although it is fairly easy to pursue accounting careers with just a bachelor’s degree, postgraduate study is an option for those who want further specialized knowledge in a particular area. In order to become a chartered accountant, you’ll need to gain further professional qualifications specific to the country in which you wish to work. Depending on the hiring business, however, these professional qualifications can sometimes be gained on the job, often with subsidies from your employer.

Accounting specializations

Those who study accounting can often specialize in topics such as auditing, tax, risk assessment, international accounting and management accounting. Forensic accounting is another possible option, allowing students to immerse themselves in real-life case studies in order to provide a rounded understanding of how accountancy processes are used within legal proceedings, such as with cases relating to fraud, electronic crime, insurance claims, bankruptcy and corporate ethics. As with finance degrees, those who wish to study accounting with further specialization and independent research are also able to undertake a further postgraduate degree at MRes or PhD level.

What do finance degrees cover?

A finance degree, on the other hand, is a great starting point for careers in financial services, across business, banking and consultancy sectors. According to US salary data gathered by PayScale, finance careers also have the potential to be slightly more lucrative than most accountancy routes. This is due to the fact that finance careers typically focus on the management of current and future figures of a business or organization, as opposed to just the recording of past and present income and expenditure. This means that those in finance careers often have the added responsibility of predicting and analyzing the potential for profit and growth, assessing monetary resources, utilizing accounting statistics and reports, and also looking externally for future funding options.

Finance specializations

Common specializations for those who study finance at degree level include corporate finance, financial evaluation, behavioral finance, derivatives, capital markets, econometrics, financial modeling, quantitative finance, investment management, financial regulation, financial reporting, and even some aspects of accounting. These specializations, although taught within one program at undergraduate level, are sometimes offered as entire courses in their own right at postgraduate level. Other possible programs include financial management, banking, international finance, financial engineering, risk and financial planning.

Accounting and finance degree entry requirements

To study accounting or finance at undergraduate level, you will not be expected to have relevant work experience or an academic qualification specifically in accounting or finance. However, applicants will be required to prove their numerical proficiency, along with their interest in accounting and finance sectors. This can be done with high school and A-level qualifications in related STEM and FAME subjects such as business, mathematics, economics, computer science, and other sciences and technologies. Extracurricular activities such as a math club membership may also be taken into account.

If you are applying for a postgraduate accounting or finance program, you will be expected to have completed a related undergraduate program and/or a number of years’ relevant professional work experience. However, this is not always compulsory, and students who can prove their quantitative and analytic capabilities through the content covered in their previous degree or by taking an exam such as the GMAT or GRE may also be considered.

Why study accounting or finance at graduate level?

At graduate level, accounting and finance degrees become even more popular, with as much as 25 percent of all full-time postgraduate students in the UK enrolled on a FAME-related program. This popularity comes from the highly specialized nature of many accounting and finance careers, with high demand for graduates who are ready to keep pace with continuous developments, new processes, changing markets and emerging technologies. Those who study accounting or finance at postgraduate level often benefit from a stronger understanding of the theories and models which underlie the surface-level processes. This can make them better prepared to adapt depending on the environment and make sound business decisions at a management level.

Further professional qualifications

In order to become a qualified accountant, you will need to obtain a professional accountancy qualification such as the globally recognized Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) or Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) certificate. If you study at postgraduate level, depending on the specific credits and modules you take, you may find that you are exempt from having to take these external qualifications.

Practical experience is also widely recognized as vital to help students deepen their understanding of accounting and finance topics and prepare for professional roles. Although at undergraduate level a largely theoretical approach is taken, for research-based programs and taught master’s degrees, there is much more opportunity to gain practical experience while you study. This can be a formal requirement of the degree, or simply an extra option that students are encouraged to pursue, often with advice and support from course leaders and the university careers service.

Accounting and finance careers

Accounting and finance graduates are highly sought-after, with employer demand showing little sign of slowing down. In the US, the Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts employment opportunities for accountants and auditors to grow by 10 percent in the decade up to 2026, while opportunities for financial analysts are predicted to increase by 11 percent during this period. Sectors which are predicted to offer the most significant expansion within these fields include management, scientific and technical consulting services; computer systems design and related services; accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services; and general financial investment activities.

Bear in mind, however, that many of the roles for which highest growth is forecast are those in which a specialized postgraduate degree is likely to be a major asset. Other less-specialized roles, on the other hand, are currently seeing lower levels of demand; these include roles such as data entry, file clerks, typists, couriers and switchboard services.

Accountancy firms, insurance companies, building societies, investment banks, high street banks, and public sector agencies are just some of the potential employers for those with an accounting or finance degree, with the large multinational financial services firms still offering many of the most popular opportunities. These firms often run large-scale recruitment campaigns to attract the most promising graduates in the field. But, while these opportunities are relatively plentiful, entry is still extremely competitive – so a specialized postgraduate degree could really help you stand out.

Salary expectations

In an analysis of the top-paid business majors for US graduates, NACE (the National Association of Colleges and Employers) reported that starting salaries for accounting majors in the US averaged US$57,511, while finance majors started at a slightly higher salary of US$58,464. At postgraduate level this gap widens; finance postgraduates earn an average of US$74,201 in comparison to accounting postgraduates, who earn an average starting salary of US$69,605. Although this would suggest finance is the more lucrative route, if you decide to gain a professional accounting qualification on top of your academic degree(s), as a certified accountant you could earn up to US$68,000.

If you’re not yet sure who’s the winner of the battle of accounting vs finance, view our individual accounting and finance subject guides for more information on specializations and careers in each field.

This article was originally published in March 2015. It was last updated in June 2019.

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If you’re looking to study abroad in New Zealand, the country offers eight internationally-ranked universities to choose from, with all ranked in the global top 450 of the QS World University Rankings® 2020. The ranking has been compiled based on a methodology which assesses each institution on factors ranging from its reputations with academics and employers, research impact and more.

8. Auckland University of Technology

Up an impressive 22 places this year to now rank joint 442^nd in the world, Auckland University of Technology (AUT) dates back to 1895 when it was originally founded as the Auckland Technical School, and boasts the highest score among universities in New Zealand for the percentage of international students indicator (21^st in the world).

7. Lincoln University

Ranked joint 356^th in the world in 2020, Lincoln University was originally part of the University of Canterbury before formally separating to become an independent institution in 1990. Like AUT, it receives a very high score for its percentage of international students, and also places in the top 100 for agriculture according to the most recent QS World University Rankings by Subject.

6. Massey University

This year’s QS World University Rankings sees Massey University climb a whopping 45 places to rank joint 287^th in the world, overtaking Lincoln in sixth place among the top universities in New Zealand. Massey, located in the city of Palmerton North on the North Island, is the only university in the country offering programs in aviation, dispute resolution, veterinary medicine, and nanoscience.

5. University of Waikato

The University of Waikato is another of the top universities in New Zealand to climb in this year’s ranking, going up eight places to joint 266^th. Primarily located on a 64-hectare campus full of green spaces in the city of Hamilton on the North Island, it also has a campus in Tauranga.

4. University of Canterbury

Up four places to rank joint 227^th this year, the University of Canterbury is located in Christchurch on the South Island. It’s one of the oldest universities in New Zealand, having been established in 1873 as a constituent college of the University of New Zealand. Its student population now stands at roughly 14,000.

3. Victoria University of Wellington

Victoria University of Wellington continues to place third in the country and climbed six places to rank joint 215^th in the world, earning its best score for the percentage of international faculty members indicator (74^th in the world). It also places within the worldwide top 50 for library studies and mining engineering, according to the most recent QS World University Rankings by Subject.

2. University of Otago

Ranked 176^th in the world in 2020, the University of Otago continues to rank second in the country, and earns the highest score in New Zealand for its percentage of international faculty members (33^rd in the world). It’s primarily located in Dunedin on the South Island and is the oldest university in the country, dating back to 1869. Today it has around 21,100 students, including 2,915 from outside New Zealand.

1. University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is ranked number one in the country once again in 2020, coming 88^th in the world this year and earning its best score for the academic reputation indicator. The largest institution in the country (with 42,759 students in 2018), the university appears in the worldwide top 50 of the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2019 for several subjects including archaeology, education, nursing, geography and linguistics.

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Now you know about New Zealand's best universities, get prepared to study there with our complete guide, which includes advice on student visa applications, admission requirements, costs, funding and more.

Recent years have seen a surge in the number of international students wanting to study in Germany. It’s already surpassed its goal of hosting 350,000 international students by 2020, with a whopping 359,000 international students enrolled in 2017. Factors behind this surge include the solid reputation of Germany’s universities, living standards and economy, combined with the fact that many students are able to study for free – although non-EU students are now required to pay tuition fees to study in Baden-Württemberg.

While most programs are taught in German, there are opportunities to study in Germany in English, with a growing selection of English-language programs designed for international students.

English-language programs are already fairly common at master’s level, particularly within the social sciences and business-related subjects. They’re now also becoming more widely available at undergraduate level – so with a bit of patience and research, you too might get the chance to study in Germany in English.

How to study in Germany in English…

International students who do not sprechen Deutsch may find it hard to gather the right information on how to study in Germany in English, particularly at undergraduate level. Although many students attracted to study in Germany are motivated by the free tuition, finding free English-language programs at public universities is not easy. This is because the majority of undergraduate courses at German universities are taught in German.

The International Program search tool from the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) currently finds 116 bachelor programs taught completely in English, many of which have international in their title. When the search is narrowed down to show only bachelor’s degrees with no tuition fees, only 60 programs remain.

So, you may need to pay tuition fees at a private university in order to study your chosen course in Germany in English. This is not necessarily a catastrophe – the fees may still be lower than those in other popular study destinations.

Another search tool, offered by Study-in.de, currently finds 231 English-taught bachelor’s degrees in Germany. Again, some of these are offered by private universities who set their own fees, many of which are below €10,000 (~US$11,200) per semester. 

You can now also easily search for English-taught courses in Germany with our free matching tool, which features more than 900 programs in Europe.

As an example, the private Jacobs University Bremen is the only German university to appear in the search tools offering an English-taught bachelor in mathematics program, with tuition fees of €20,000 (~US$22,200) per year. The university also offers the only English-taught undergraduate psychology degree to appear in the search, again at €20,000 per year – although you can study a business management and psychology degree for free at Furtwangen University.

You’ll notice than some subjects are more often offered in English than others. For instance, there are a good number of English-taught options in subjects such as business, English/American studies and engineering.

Other options to study in Germany in English

There are alternative options. For example, the pan-European business school ESCP Europe offers the chance to study in the capital cities of three countries (London, Paris/Madrid and Berlin) on its Bachelor in Management program for €14,000 per year for EU students, or €19,000 (~US$21,280) per year for non-EU students.

ESCP Europe also offers graduate programs taught in English across all five of its European campuses (in Berlin, London, Madrid, Paris, Turin and Warsaw), including the Master in Management program.

To study in Germany in English for free, you might want to look beyond the most famous universities in Germany, to consider institutions which are perhaps smaller, specialized or vocational in focus. For instance, you may consider Germany’s Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen), which offer more specialized pathways of learning to create highly skilled graduates in the science and technology sectors. This option can be good for those who already have a career path mapped out and wish to get practical skills in their field alongside a recognized degree.

Before applying, make sure to do some research regarding the institution’s reputation in your chosen field. You should also ensure that the institution offers the right qualifications for your career, as some only offer diplomas, rather than full degrees.

German universities offering undergraduate English-language programs

There are currently only a limited number of undergraduate English-language programs at top universities in Germany. Due to the scarce nature of these programs, if you really want to study at a leading university, you may have to be a little bit flexible on your choice of program.

Below is a short list of the opportunities available for undergraduates to study in English in Germany at universities featured in the QS World University Rankings®. This is by no means a comprehensive list, and new courses are being developed continuously, so it is important to conduct additional research yourself – using online searches, the DAAD, rankings, student sites/forums and other organizations offering advice and guidance.

• Universität Freiburg

As well as offering a range of English-language master’s programs, Universität Freiburg is also one of few German universities to offer a bachelor-level degree program taught in English, allowing international students to study for a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BSc), depending on their major. Universität Freiburg has a strong international reputation, ranked joint 169^th in the QS World University Rankings® 2020.

• Georg-August-Universität Göttingen

Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, at 181^st in the world rankings, offers a BSc in Molecular Ecosystem Sciences which is taught in English. The school also offers a number of international graduate programs.

• Universitat Leipzig

You can study for a BA in American Studies and a BSc in International Physics Studies in English at Universitat Leipzig, which is currently ranked 531-540 in the world rankings.

• BAU International Berlin

All programs are taught in English at this University of Applied Sciences. However, you will need to pay tuition fees of €7,200 (~US$8,050). The English-taught courses available include BA degrees in Business Administration, Graphic Design & Visual Communication, Product Design and Interior Design.

• Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences

A public university with an international orientation, Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences offers various English-taught bachelors degrees, including International Relations, Sustainable Tourism and Gender Diversity. There are no tuition fees, so students only need to pay the semester fee, which currently amounts to €302.88 (~US$340).

Universities in Germany offering international graduate programs

• Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg – International master’s programs in English
• Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München – Graduate ‘English-taught courses’ (ETC)
• Technische Universität München (TUM) – International graduate programs in English
• Universität Freiburg – English-language master’s programs
• Frankfurt School of Finance & Management - Range of programs taught in English
• Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) – English-language graduate programs
• Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin – International master’s programs in English
• Georg-August-Universität Göttingen – International graduate programs in English
• RWTH Aachen University – International master’s programs in English
• Freie Universität Berlin – International master’s programs in English
• Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn – International master’s programs in English
• Universität Hamburg – Bilingual and English-language master’s programs
• ESCP Europe – International business and management master’s programs in English (based across ESCP campuses in Berlin, London, Madrid, Paris, Turin and Warsaw)
• Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg – A range of master's programs taught fully or partly in English

Please note that this is not a comprehensive list. For the full list of German universities featured in the QS World University Rankings 2020, visit this page. You can also find more information on international graduate programs offered at Germany’s leading institutions on the TU9 website, which has a list of courses available at the nine engineering and technology-focused universities which comprise the TU9 group.

For answers to all your queries about studying abroad in Germany, see our list of Frequently Asked Questions About Studying in Germany.

This article was originally published in February 2015. It is updated regularly, most recently in June 2019.

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