As we complete high school, we are all burdened with the idea of choosing courses we wish to pursue in the future. Choosing the perfect undergraduate course is always the tricky part. As every hardest course in the world has different entry requirements, their selection processes are also different, and they can be ranked from the toughest to the easiest courses to pursue for a student. Here, we are going to talk about the toughest courses in the world.
Factors Determining What Makes A Course Difficult
Understanding the toughest courses in the world may have a significant influence on a student's academic career. Several factors influence students' learning experiences and outcomes, including the perceived hardest course in the world. Determining the toughest courses involves several aspects:
1. Content Complexity
The complexity of the subject matter and its alignment with the student's prior knowledge can have a substantial influence on the level of the toughest courses in the world.
2. Workload
The sheer number of assignments, readings, and projects adds to the perceived difficulty. Heavy workloads may be exhausting.
3. Teaching Style
How effectively students absorb topics is influenced by the instructor's teaching style, communication, and clarity of instruction.
4. Assessment Methods
Evaluation methods such as exams, essays, or practical assignments affect the ease of assessment and can impact student stress levels.
5. Prerequisites
Toughest Courses with particular requirements assume a certain level of expertise. Students may struggle if these criteria are not met.
Toughest Courses in the World
Here is a list of the 12 most difficult courses in the world all students should know about.
1. Medicine
Top Universities: Stanford University, University of Oxford, University of Cambridge
Dropout rate: 18.4%
Acceptance rate: 41%
Subjects Covered: Anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, pathology, and clinical medicine
One of the toughest courses in the world is the study of medicine. The course duration is usually five years, and one needs to complete another three years if one wishes to specialise in the toughest medical course in the world. Check out our blog article on the best countries for pursuing MBBS!
Eligibility Criteria:
1. High school diploma or equivalent qualifications
2. A four-year degree from an accredited college or university
3. Preparatory work in biology, English, and other courses that meet the requirements of the medical school they are applying to
4. A minimum GPA of 3.3 in college
5. Minimum TOEFL and IELTS results
6. Minimum MCAT or UCAT exam result (set by each university individually)
7. Evidence of research or community work experience related to medicine and healthcare
2. Engineering
Top Universities: University of Cambridge, Stanford University, University of Cambridge
Dropout rate: 60%
Acceptance rate: 21.67%
Subjects Covered: Mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer programming, engineering graphics and design
Engineering is one of the toughest courses in the world and utilises a student's ability of critical and logical thinking. One should be willing to learn maths and science if one wishes to pursue engineering as their future career. There are many sub-courses in engineering like Aeronautical Engineering, Automobile Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. You can check out some other branches of engineering here!
Eligibility Criteria:
1. A broad general education of at least five GCSEs at grades 9-4. English Language, Science and Mathematics
2. A minimum of two A-Levels – but for the most popular courses, three A-Levels at A/B grade are commonly needed
3. Admissions Tests based on which course and university you're applying to
4. SAT or ACT may be required
5. For graduate study, a relevant bachelor's degree and the student may be required to submit GRE scores.
3. Chartered Accountancy
Top Universities: Harvard University, Stanford University, MIT
Dropout rate: 54%
Acceptance rate: Varies
Subjects Covered: Financial accounting, auditing, taxation, financial management, and corporate regulations.
Chartered accountancy is one of the most respected and rewarding professions, but it is also one of the toughest courses in the world. One needs to be good with numbers and accounting in order to choose this toughest course in the world. The entrance exams for such difficult courses in the world are equally challenging and are set to test the logical and numerical skills of the students.
Eligibility Criteria:
1. A minimum of 50% marks in their 3-year bachelor's degree or have completed the CA/CS course
2. A minimum of 60% marks in their graduation/post-graduation if they are from a non-commerce background
3. Proof of English language proficiency
4. Additional qualifications such as ACCA in the UK and the CPT or ICAI's Foundation Course Exam in India.
4. Pharmacy
Top Universities: University of Oxford, University of Toronto, UCL
Dropout rate: 14.6%
Acceptance rate: 87%
Subjects Covered: Pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, pharmaceutics, pharmacognosy
Pursuing pharmacy is quite popular among students who like to study chemistry and biology. It is an important course, as hospitals and pharmacies would have never existed without pharmaceutical courses. However, it is not as hard as studying medicine, and it is still one of the toughest courses in the world.
The top sub-courses for pharmacy are:
1. Diploma in Pharmacy
2. Pharmacology
3. Pharmacognosy
4. Biochemistry
5. Jurisprudence
Eligibility Criteria:
1. For A-level, subjects should include chemistry and usually one other science such as biology, maths or physics
2. For BTEC, applied science or one or two science-based A-levels
3. At least five GCSEs, with a grade C/4 or above, including English, maths and often a science-based subject
4. A Higher Level in chemistry with a grade of 6 is needed for most courses
5. Law
Top Universities: Yale University, Columbia University, Harvard University
Dropout rate: 38%
Acceptance rate: 11%
Subjects Covered: Constitutional law, criminal law, contracts, property, and legal research
Law is one of the most important and toughest courses in the world. The law helps countries function, and it helps governments and countries function. Pursuing law requires mental awareness, observational skills, patience and high perceptual abilities. This is why studying law is one of the toughest courses in the world and it is important to choose the best choice for you!Take a look at the best law schools in the world! There are many sub-courses in law:
1. Corporate Law
2. Criminal Law
3. Litigation Law
4. Civil Law
5. International Law
Eligibility Criteria:
1. High school diploma or a certificate that equates to 12 years of study
2. At least a grade C or B, or a level 4 or above, at GCSE in English, Math and in certain cases, a subject such as foreign languages
3. At least three A Levels with AAA or AAB grades, and in some circ*mstances, at least one A-Level
4. LSAT (Law School Admission Test) is required partially
5. A high English Language Proficiency Score is necessary for international students
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6. Architecture
Top Universities: MIT, Manchester School of Architecture, UCL
Dropout rate: 45%
Acceptance rate: Varies
Subjects Covered: Architectural history, design theory, structural engineering, building materials, environmental systems, and construction management.
Studying architecture is usually regarded as an easy course, but it is not and is one of the most difficult courses in the world. Studying architecture is not just designing the interior and exterior of buildings, but it's also how one designs them using sustainable materials that will not harm the environment and also look unique. As architects shape the future, a presence of mind is also required, and one should be serious about it as it is one of the toughest courses in the world.
Eligibility Criteria:
1. A minimum of 32 International Baccalaureate points
2. A score of AAB or higher in A-levels with a focus on art, sciences, and writing ability
3. An IELTS score of 6.5 or higher, with a minimum of 6.0 in all four tasks individually
4. Entrance exams based on the university you're applying to
5. A portfolio along with an interview may be required
There are many universities and schools for Architecture, dont forget to check out some of the best architecture universities in the UK and architecture schools in the US.
7. Psychology
Top Universities: Harvard University, University of Oxford, UCL
Dropout rate: 45%
Acceptance rate: 13%
Subjects Covered: Cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, aberrant psychology, social psychology, and research methodologies.
Psychology is the study of human nature in light of various contexts, including individual, sociological, psychological, and economic factors. The hardest course in the world is the scientific study of the human mind. As every person thinks differently, the study keeps evolving, making it a challenging study, which makes it one of the toughest courses in the world. Here are the major branches of Psychology! Some of the popular Psychology sub-courses are:
1. Clinical Psychology
2. Criminology
3. Neuropsychology
4. Counselling Psychology
5. Sports Psychology
Eligibility Criteria:
1. A certain number of psychology-specific courses, which may vary depending on the institution and degree level
2. A grade of C- or better in each required course
3. Cognate courses in the humanities, arts, and natural and social sciences
4. An English Language Qualification such as IELTS 7.0 overall
8. Statistics
Top Universities: MIT, Stanford University, Harvard University
Dropout rate: 5.2%
Acceptance rate: 11%
Subjects Covered: Probability theory, statistical inference, regression analysis and experimental design
This is one of the toughest courses in the world. Studying statistics requires you to be calm and good with numbers and graphs. Students who choose statistics are required to be good with arithmetic, logic, and thinking.
Eligibility Criteria:
1. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 in all courses used to satisfy the major requirements
2. Preparatory work in statistics, calculus, linear algebra, and computer science
3. A minimum of 47 semester hours of work for the major
4. STAT 160ABC or equivalent may be required
9. Quantum Mechanics
Top Universities: MIT, Stanford University, University of Oxford
Dropout rate: 7%
Acceptance rate: 22.23%
Subjects Covered: Wave-particle duality, Schrodinger equation, quantum states and operators, quantum mechanics of simple systems, angular momentum
The course of quantum mechanics requires a student to be well versed in their theories of physics and mathematics. This toughest course in the world is the study of atoms and particles and uses multiple theories put up by eminent scientists and mathematicians. A student should know the use of mathematical functions, integral calculus, fundamental profitability, internal integration, analysis, etc. This is why quantum mechanics is one of the toughest courses in the world, as one is required to be well-versed in topics that most would consider quite difficult.
Eligibility Criteria:
1. Preparatory work in mathematics, including calculus and partial derivatives
2. Courses in classical mechanics, electromagnetism, and thermodynamics
3. Bachelor's degree in physics or a related field
4. A minimum GPA of 3.0 in their undergraduate coursework
5. GRE scores may be required
10. Aeronautics
Top Universities: Harvard University, University of California, University of Cambridge
Dropout rate: 4%
Acceptance rate: 60%
Subjects Covered: Aerodynamics, aircraft structures and materials, flight mechanics and aircraft control systems
Aeronautics is a branch of engineering, but it deserves to be on the list of toughest courses in the world as it is so vast and is used in the study of planes and spacecraft. Aeronautics is used to be precise and help with the painstaking engineering and construction of motors, structures, and hardware for aerial vehicles. Students who will pursue the most difficult courses in the world, such as aeronautics, will be required to use many software and theories of physics and mathematical calculations.
Eligibility Criteria:
1. A relevant bachelor's degree and a high school diploma or equivalent qualifications in chemistry, fluid dynamics, physics, and materials.
2. Preparatory work in mathematics, including calculus and analytic geometry
3. General education courses, such as English, history, or humanities, to satisfy the particular requirements of their university
11. Journalism
Top Universities: New York University, Stanford University, Columbia University
Dropout rate: 20%
Acceptance Rate: 38%
Subjects covered: Feature writing, media Law, storytelling ability, digital media, ethics, broadcast journalism and feature writing.
Globally, journalism is considered the toughest course in the world because of its unique skill requirements. Students are expected to inculcate good writing, logical and critical reasoning, pressure handling and investigative skills.
Eligibility Criteria:
The applicant must have completed 10+2 and clear english proficiency tests.
12. Actuarial Science
Top Universities: Columbia University, Florida State University, Ohio State University
Dropout Rate: 40%
Acceptance Rate: 24%
Subjects Covered: Risk Modelling, financial mathematics, theory of probability, mathematical statistics.
Actuarial science is a combination of maths, finance, economics and statistics that guides individuals to assess risk management in industries like finance, insurance, etc.
Eligibility Criteria:
1. The applicants must complete 10+2 or higher secondary education with English, mathematics or statistics as main subjects.
2. The student should fulfil the entrance requirements which are set by relevant authorities.
These were the 12 most difficult courses in the world, but there is nothing to be afraid of. Each student has their own difficult courses, and with just a pinch of faith and a ton of hard work, you will excel in your own course. All the best!
Certainly! I'm an expert in education and academia, particularly in higher education curriculum, program assessment, and student learning outcomes. My expertise spans across various fields, allowing me to understand the complexities and challenges students face when selecting and pursuing different academic courses.
The article you've provided discusses the toughest courses in the world and outlines several critical factors influencing the difficulty level of these courses. The information covers a spectrum of challenging fields and their respective criteria for enrollment. Here's a breakdown of the concepts embedded within the article:
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Factors Influencing Course Difficulty: The article emphasizes the factors contributing to the difficulty level of courses, including Content Complexity, Workload, Teaching Style, Assessment Methods, and Prerequisites.
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Toughest Courses and their Characteristics: a. Medicine: Covers subjects like anatomy, physiology, and clinical medicine with stringent eligibility criteria. b. Engineering: Involves mathematics, physics, and engineering graphics, demanding specific qualifications for enrollment. c. Chartered Accountancy: Focuses on financial management, auditing, and taxation, requiring specific qualifications for entry. d. Pharmacy: Encompasses pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmaceutics, with certain subject prerequisites for enrollment. e. Law: Involves constitutional law, contracts, and legal research, with specific entry criteria including LSAT. f. Architecture: Covers architectural history, design theory, with specific eligibility requirements like IB points and portfolios. g. Psychology: Encompasses various branches like clinical psychology, criminology, requiring specific subject qualifications. h. Statistics: Focuses on probability theory, regression analysis, with specific prerequisite coursework. i. Quantum Mechanics: Covers quantum states, mechanics of simple systems, with prerequisites in physics and mathematics. j. Aeronautics: Involves aerodynamics, flight mechanics, requiring a relevant bachelor's degree and specific coursework. k. Journalism: Covers media law, storytelling, broadcast journalism, with prerequisites in English and writing skills. l. Actuarial Science: Encompasses risk modeling, financial mathematics, with specific subject requirements in mathematics and statistics.
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Eligibility Criteria: Each course has its own set of eligibility criteria, including academic qualifications, specific subjects, standardized test scores (such as SAT, LSAT, GRE), and language proficiency tests (like IELTS).
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Challenges and Recommendations: The article acknowledges that every student encounters their own challenges and suggests that with dedication and hard work, success in any course is achievable.
The comprehensive overview of these tough courses demonstrates the varied demands and specialized skill sets required for each field, encompassing a wide range of disciplines, from STEM subjects like Medicine and Engineering to fields like Law, Journalism, and more.
