Curious to know what the toughest courses in the world are? Keep reading to get a list including some of the world’s most complex courses based on several factors. It is essential to know, however, that a course’s complexity should not deter you from your goals and passions, as high effort and risks often lead to high rewards!

Students looking to advance and further their careers need to look towards two things: the courses they’re interested in the most and the ones that promise a long and successful career. Some of the most rewarding courses and jobs in the world are also some of the toughest you can study during your college days. 

This is why many of our picks on our list of the toughest courses in the world lead to high-paying jobs. In the following sections, we will be listing the typical course contents, examination methods, career outcomes, and expected salaries upon graduation.

If you’re curious about the top toughest courses in the world and the hardest courses in university, these are the toughest courses you can find!

The Top Toughest Courses in the World

There are many fields with a variety of courses that can be considered problematic, such as engineering courses, medic courses, law courses, etc. Some of the toughest courses in the world that you can study include, but are not limited to:

1.  Aeronautical Engineering

Aeronautical Engineering is often seen by educational communities as one of the toughest courses for a college student. It’s a field of study that focuses on the development, designing, testing, and production of aircraft. It requires advanced mathematical skills, writing skills, and designing skills to get the hang of it and be able to produce highly advanced aircraft. 

Core Study Material: 

• Aerodynamics

• Thermodynamics

• Computing

• Space Systems

• Mechanics of Flight

• Space Mission Analysis

• Aircraft Design

Examination Methods: 

• Essays

• Reports

• Practical Demonstrations

• Presentations

• Coursework

• Standard Exams

Aeronautical Engineering Career Opportunities: 

• Aerospace Engineer

• Engineering Consultant

• Aeronautical Designer

• Manufacturing Engineer

Salary:

According to the UK government, the average starting salary for aeronautical engineers is £27,000 a year, and experienced engineers can earn approximately £60,000 a year. However, these are the average salaries, and figures may vary, depending on several factors.

2.  Architecture

Architecture is one of the hardest courses in the world. As an architect, you are expected to have a wide range of knowledge of mathematics, including subjects like geometry, trigonometry, and algebra. It also expects advanced design skills. If you do not have a good background in those subjects in particular or simply do not enjoy them, you may face difficulties while studying architecture. 

Architecture also has a heavy workload compared to other majors. It will often require you to study for long hours, alongside the amount of homework and additional research you may need to do.

Core Study Material:

• Technology and Environment

• Design Process and Communication

• Sustainable Design

• Buildable and Habitable Design

Examination Methods:

• Essays

• Design Portfolios

• Design Projects

• Reports

• Case Studies

• Coursework

• Written Exams

Architecture Career Opportunities:

• Lecturer

• Architect

• Architectural Technologist

• Building Surveyor

• Conservation Architect

• Interior Designer

• Landscape Architect

Salary:

According to the UK government, Architecture salaries range from £31,000 as a starter to £58,000 for experienced architects. Note that these are average salaries for fresh and experienced architects and may differ based on several factors.

3. Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineering combines various studies, including life sciences, physical sciences, and mathematics. While not necessary, having background knowledge of these subjects will change how much difficulty you face in the field.

Chemical Engineering is concerned with converting raw materials into useful products such as electronics, food, medicine, plastics, etc. The field also utilises various technologies in it, such as bioengineering and nanotechnology.

Core Study Material:

• Structures, Materials, and Dynamics

• Fluid Mechanics

• Mass and Heat Transfer

• Thermodynamics

• Introduction to Biochemical Engineering

• Chemistry and Processes

• Engineering Computation

Examination Methods:

• Essays

• Reports

• Solo / Group Projects

• Coursework

• Presentations

• Standard Exams

Chemical Engineering Career Opportunities:

• Biotechnologist

• Nuclear Engineer

• Design Engineer

• Chemical Engineer

• Product Development Scientist

Salary:

According to the UK government, Chemical Engineer salaries range from £34,000 as a starter to £65,000 for experienced engineers. Note that this is only an average and may differ based on several factors.

4.  Pharmacy

Pharmacy and its associated medical work is one of the hardest courses in the world. Not only is it difficult because of the incredible workload, but it also requires vast background research and extra knowledge for you to use alongside your course studies. It includes various scientific subjects and is graded based on several criteria.

Core Study Material:

• Business and Pharmaceutical Enterprise

• Chemistry for Pharmacists

• Health, Disease, and Therapeutics

• Clinical Drug Development

• Cellular and Molecular Biology

Examination Methods:

• Research Papers

• Coursework 

• Solo / Group Projects

• Presentations

• Standard Exams

Pharmacy Career Opportunities:

• Clinical Researcher

• Drug Discovery Consultant

• Lecturer

• Pharmacist

• Pharmacologist

• Pharmacovigilance Manager

• Toxicologist

Salary:

According to the UK government, Pharmacy salaries will range between £37,000 as a starter to £61,000 for experienced pharmacists. Note that this is the average salary for fresh and experienced pharmacists, and it may depend, based on several factors.

5.  Astrophysics

Astrophysics is the study of the broad universe, including solar systems, material sciences, electronics, and optics. It mainly focuses on how physics applies to astronomical phenomena.

Core Study Material:

• Quantum Physics and Electromagnetism

• Big Bang Cosmology

• Mathematics for Physics

• Thermal Properties of Water

• Particle and Atomic Physics

Examination Methods:

• Presentations

• Lab Reports

• Critical Reviews

• Peer Assessments 

• Standard Exams

Astrophysics Career Opportunities:

• Research Scientist

• Aerospace Engineer

• Teacher / Lecturer

• Research Development Leader

• Data Analyst

Salary:

According to the UK government, Astrophysicist salaries will range between £15,700 as a starter to £60,000 for experienced astrophysicists. Note that this is the average salary for fresh and experienced applicants, and it may depend, based on several factors.

6.  Medicine

Medicine is one of the most difficult medical courses due to having a high workload, a lot of memorisation, and vast background research. You need a minimum of five years to complete your training in this course, as well.

Core Study Material:

• Clinical Procedural Skills

• Medical Cell Biology and Genetics

• Health Behaviors

• Musculoskeletal, Respiratory, and Digestive Systems

Examination Methods:

• Essays

• Presentations

• Assignments

• Anatomy Practice

• Simulation Exercises

Medicine Career Opportunities:

• Civil Servant

• Clinical Research

• Expedition Medical Officer

• Forensic Medical Examiner

• Genetic Scientist

• Consultant Anaesthetist

• Health Service Manager

Salary:

According to the UK government, medicine salaries will range between £15,700 for starters and £60,000 for experienced medicine practitioners. Note that this is the average salary for fresh and experienced applicants, and it may depend, based on several factors.

7.  Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineering studies electronics, electricity, and electromagnetism and is usually applied in the robotics, construction, and transportation industries, as well as other fields.

Core Study Material:

• Circuits and Analysis

• Electrical Power and Machines

• Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists

• Semiconductor Electronics

• Structures, Materials, and Dynamics

Examination Methods:

• Coursework

• Reports

• Presentations

• Lab Observations

Electrical Engineering Career Opportunities:

• Electrical Engineer 

• Avionic Systems Engineer 

• Generator Engineer 

• Systems Analyst 

• Software and Systems Engineer

Salary:

According to the UK government, medicine salaries will range between £27,000 for starters and £58,000 for experienced medicine practitioners. Note that this is the average salary for fresh and experienced applicants, and it may depend, based on several factors.

8.  Chartered Accountancy

While it’s a difficult course, its main difficulty actually comes from its duration. To become a chartered accountant, you must finish your undergraduate programme, which lasts three to four years, depending on the country, and later take a CA course, which takes three or more years.

Core Study Material:

• Accounting

• Business Laws

• Taxation

• Cost Accounting and Financial Management

Examination Methods:

• Coursework

• Projects

• Group Assignments

• Presentations

• Standard Exams

Chartered Accountancy Career Opportunities:

• Internal Auditor

• Tax Auditor

• Statutory Auditor

• Finance Auditor

• Finance Controller

Salary:

According to Talent.com, chartered accountants can make £40,000 a year upon graduation.

9.  Law

Law’s biggest difficulty is in the amount of reading required to get through it. The workload is high, and the amount of memorisation necessary for laws is much more than other courses. It’s also often combined with other fields, such as finance, human rights, ethics, and more.

Core Study Material:

• Contract Law

• Tort Law

• Criminal Law

• Constitutional Law / Administrative Law

• Land / Property Law

• Equity / Trusts Law

Examination Methods:

• Essays

• Coursework

• Presentations

• Reports

• Discussions

• Exams / Open-Book Exams

Law Career Opportunities:

• Tax Lawyer

• Defence Lawyer

• Arbitrator

• Barrister / Barrister’s Clerk

• Litigator

Salary:

According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a Lawyer is approximately £61,000 a year.

10.  Nursing

Nursing is primarily concerned with helping different patients who are either unwell or who need support to get back to health. The difficulty lies in the need to develop not only practical skills but also theoretical knowledge. The long hours required to be spent in the hospital as part of ward shifts are also a major difficulty factor.

Core Study Material:

• Nursing Practice and Simulation

• Anatomy and Physiology

• Pharmacology

• Core Values and Nursing Knowledge

• Applied Mental Health Practice

Examination Methods:

• Reports

• Essays

• Presentations

• Standard Exams

Nursing Career Opportunities:

• Paediatric Nurse

• Paramedic Nurse

• Health Visitor

• Occupational Health Nurse

Salary:

According to the UK government, the average salary for nurses will range between £30,000 for starters and £45,000 for experienced nurses. Note that this is the average salary for fresh and experienced applicants, and it may depend, based on several factors.

What Makes A University Course Tough?

Now that we’ve established the toughest courses, what makes a university course difficult in the first place? There are several factors that go into defining a university course as more difficult than others:

1.  Admission Exams:

The first obstacle with some of the most toughest courses in the world is the admission exams required to get into the course. They’re usually technical and assume a base level of knowledge about the subject. This means that, at least, you will need to do some background research for the course prior to the exam.

2.  Complexity:

The complexity of the subject will be a major part of its difficulty, as you may need to do supplementary research alongside your studies to be able to fully understand all the materials you’re given.

3.  Study Intensity and Pace:

Keeping and maintaining a balanced workload at a steady pace is important. If you’re given too many assignments and too much coursework to do, you may become overwhelmed by the subject and unable to study effectively.

4. Memorisation: 

Subjects that require a high level of memorisation skills may be more difficult than others for some students. Too many theories without proper application may make you struggle with applying them; thus, it’s better to try and apply practical knowledge even with theoretical study material.

5. Teaching Methods:

The way information is delivered to you by your lecturers and teachers is crucial in understanding and processing it. If your teacher provides you with information in a way that clearly and concisely gets the point across, it’ll make your subjects much easier to understand.

So, with all of that said, these were the toughest courses available and what made them difficult in the first place for students. Try to follow the subject that appeals to you the most, and you feel like you can succeed in it, if you face difficulties, remember that it’s all part of the learning curve, and you’ll be the best at what you do before you know it.