Let’s face it – if you’re at university, you’re probably pretty brainy. But if you’ve ever wondered if your uni subject has one of the highest IQs, or whether you might find yourself appearing on University Challenge any time soon, this blog is for you!
A study by the Educational Testing Service (2017 tested more than 26,000 students to determine which group really were the brainiest bunch. Here were the results:
- Physics and Astronomy - 133
- Mathematical Sciences – 130
- Philosophy – 129
- Materials Engineering - 129
- Economics - 128
- Chemical Engineering - 128
- Mechanical Engineering - 126
- Physical Sciences - 125
- Banking and Finance - 125
- Other Humanities and Art – 124
Overall, it was a strong win for STEM-based subjects, with students in those fields dominating the top ten. This was particularly true for individuals studying physics and astronomy, as well as mathematical sciences, whose scores of 130 and over placed them in the top 2% of the population, according to MENSA.
The question is, do these subjects produce students with high IQs, or do they attract individuals who already have them in the first place? One study found that students with a higher IQ tend to be more inclined to study science-based subjects. In this sense, these rankings may simply reflect which subjects pupils with high IQs are most likely to study, rather than how difficult the degrees themselves are. Nevertheless, there’s no doubt that courses such as Physics or Maths can be highly taxing, so it’s always a good idea to make the most of your university’s support services.
Despite most of the top ten being taken up by STEM subjects, there was still a strong showing from philosophy and humanities students, with both making the cut. And students in every subject still scored above the UK average of 101.57, proving we’re still a pretty smart bunch! This is reinforced by the fact that the UK now ranks 17th in the world for highest IQ scores according to World Population Review - up from 20th in 2024!
Interestingly, there have been no similar tests undertaken since 2017, meaning the results could now be completely different. In addition, there have been questions as to whether IQ tests are still the best way to assess an individual’s intelligence, especially in the age of AI, and the increased importance of real-world skills, such as creativity, interpersonal relationships and emotional intelligence. So even if your degree didn’t make the cut, it doesn’t mean that it’s not going to provide you with extremely valuable and transferrable skills for the workplace.
Whatever degree you choose, you should also consider what type of accommodation you want to live in. Shared flats are perfect for studying in groups or with friends, whilst studios or private flats with large study spaces are ideal if you need some peace and quiet to get your head down! We have plenty of fabulous accommodation available, so you can ensure you book the perfect pad to boost your IQ over the next few years!
