What Are STEM Subjects? Full Guide for Students

You've probably heard teachers, parents, and career advisors talking about STEM subjects. But what are they? 

STEM subjects are the building blocks of modern life. They're behind everything from your phone to medical breakthroughs to how we tackle climate change. 

In this article, we’ll go through what STEM subjects are and why they’re so important.

Key Takeaways

• STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Four fields that work together to solve real-world problems

• Many subjects count as STEM. From Biology and Physics to Computer Science and Engineering, you've got tons of options at GCSE, A Level and beyond

• STEM skills are seriously valuable. Employers love problem-solving, analytical thinking, and technical know-how

• STEM opens doors. These subjects lead to some of the fastest-growing, best-paid careers around

What Does STEM Stand For?

STEM is an acronym that stands for:

S – Science T – Technology E – Engineering M – Mathematics

These four areas are closely connected. They involve solving problems, working with data, and using logical thinking to understand how the world works.

STEM subjects teach you how to think critically, solve complex problems and work with numbers and data. These skills are crucial in a world where technology drives almost everything we do, and in which we will rely on science and engineering to solve our greatest ecological and environmental problems. . 

Which Subjects Count as STEM?

Science Subjects

Science is all about understanding the natural world through observation, experimentation and evidence.

• Biology. The study of living things, from how organisms work to genetics, evolution, and ecology.

• Chemistry. The science of atoms, molecules, chemical reactions, and the materials around us.

• Physics. Understanding how the universe works through forces, energy, matter, and motion. 

• Environmental Science. How humans interact with the environment, including ecosystems, pollution, climate change, and sustainability.

• Astronomy. The study of space, stars, planets and the universe beyond Earth.

Technology Subjects

Technology subjects focus on using scientific knowledge to create practical solutions and digital systems.

• Computer Science. Learning how computers work, how to code, create algorithms, and develop software. This is different from IT, which is more about using computers.

• ICT (Information and Communication Technology). Using technology tools and applications. More practical and less coding-focused than Computer Science.

• Digital Technology. Some schools offer this as a broader subject covering digital systems, design and applications.

Computer Science is the main STEM technology subject at GCSE and A Level. It's one of the fastest-growing subjects because tech skills are in massive demand.

Engineering Subjects

Engineering is about designing, building, and improving things that solve real problems.

• Design and Technology (D&T). You'll work with materials, learn about manufacturing, and solve design challenges.

• Engineering. You'll learn about mechanical systems, structures, electronics, and how things are built.

• Electronics. Focuses specifically on electrical circuits, components, and electronic systems.

• Construction. Understanding how buildings and structures are designed and built.

Engineering subjects are less common at A Level than sciences. But they're brilliant if you love practical problem-solving and making things work.

Mathematics Subjects

Maths is the language of science, technology and engineering. It's about numbers, patterns, logic, and solving problems.

• Mathematics. Covering algebra, geometry, statistics, calculus (at A Level) and more. Essential for almost every STEM career.

• Further Mathematics. Goes deeper into advanced topics like complex numbers, matrices and mechanics.

• Statistics. Focusing on data collection, analysis and probability. Often part of Maths GCSE and A Level.

Are These Subjects Considered STEM?

Some subjects sit on the border. Let's clear up the confusion.

Psychology

Sometimes. Psychology uses scientific methods like experiments, data analysis and statistics. In universities and research contexts, it's often considered a STEM subject because of its scientific approach.

However, at GCSE and A Level, Psychology is usually classified as a social science rather than a pure STEM subject. 

Geography

It depends which bits you're studying. Geography splits into physical and human geography.

Physical Geography is STEM-related. You're studying natural processes like plate tectonics, climate systems, coastal erosion and ecosystems. This involves data analysis, scientific methods and understanding natural systems.

Human Geography is less STEM-focused. It's more about population, culture, urbanisation and social patterns.

Economics

Generally not considered STEM, but it uses STEM skills. Economics involves data analysis, statistics, modelling and mathematical reasoning. However, Economics is classified as a social science as it focuses on human behaviour, markets and societies rather than natural or technological systems.

STEM at GCSE and A Level

What STEM subjects can you study at school?

GCSE STEM subjects:

At GCSE, most students study:

• Mathematics (compulsory for everyone)

• At least one Science subject (usually Combined Science or separate Biology, Chemistry and Physics)

You might also choose:

• Computer Science

• Design and Technology

• Statistics (less common, sometimes offered alongside Maths)

Most schools encourage students to take at least two sciences and Maths to keep STEM pathways open.

A Level STEM subjects:

At A Level, you've got more choice:

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Physics

• Mathematics

• Further Mathematics

• Computer Science

• Design and Technology (or Product Design)

• Psychology (depending on how your school classifies it)

Many students studying STEM subjects at A Level take two or three STEM subjects together. 

Why your GCSE and A Level choices matter:

Universities often require specific STEM A Levels for science and engineering degrees. For example:

• Medicine usually needs Chemistry and Biology

• Engineering degrees often want Maths and Physics

• Computer Science degrees prefer Maths and Computer Science

Choose your GCSEs and A Levels carefully if you're thinking about a STEM career. Talk to teachers and research university entry requirements early. Our article on choosing A level subjects might help.

Why Are STEM Subjects Important?

Here's why everyone keeps going on about STEM.

The world runs on STEM

Look around you. Almost everything you use daily was created using STEM knowledge:

• Your phone and laptop (Technology and Engineering)

• Medicine that keeps you healthy (Science and Technology)

• Buildings you live in (Engineering and Maths)

• Apps and websites (Technology and Computer Science)

Solving the world's biggest problems

The challenges facing humanity need STEM solutions:

• Global health needs medical researchers, biotech experts, and pharmaceutical scientists

• Technology advances need software developers, AI specialists, and cybersecurity experts

• Climate Change and Sustainability needs environmental scientists, engineers designing efficient systems, and scientists developing new materials

If you want to make a genuine difference to the world, STEM gives you the tools.

Future-proofing your career

Automation and AI are changing the job market. Many traditional roles are disappearing, but STEM skills remain in demand. Why? Because STEM skills are hard for machines to replace.

Studying STEM doesn't lock you into one career. It gives you flexible, transferable skills that keep your options open.

Skills You Gain From Studying STEM

Problem-solving. STEM subjects constantly challenge you to figure things out. How do you calculate this? Why did that experiment not work? How could you design something better?

Analytical thinking. You'll learn to break complex problems into smaller parts. To identify patterns and think logically. This helps you make sense of information and spot connections.

Numeracy and data skills. Working with numbers, graphs, statistics and data becomes second nature. Being able to understand and interpret data is hugely powerful.

Critical thinking. STEM teaches you to question assumptions, evaluate evidence and think scientifically. Is this claim true? What's the evidence? These skills help you spot misinformation.

Technical literacy. Understanding how technology works, how to code, or how systems operate are valuable in a digital world. 

Research skills. STEM subjects teach you how to find reliable information, design experiments, test hypotheses and draw evidence-based conclusions.

Resilience and persistence. STEM can be tough. Not everything clicks immediately. This builds resilience. You learn that struggling is normal and persistence pays off.

Teamwork and communication. Many STEM projects involve working in groups, explaining complex ideas clearly, and collaborating to solve problems. 

Careers Linked to STEM Subjects

Wondering where STEM subjects can actually take you? Here are some examples of career options.

This just scratches the surface. STEM skills open doors to careers in healthcare, business, education, entertainment, government, and research. Pretty much everywhere.

Encouraging More Students Into STEM

Right now, the UK needs more people studying STEM subjects. Here's why that matters and what's being done about it.

The skills gap

There aren't currently enough people with STEM qualifications to fill available jobs. Companies struggle to find engineers, software developers, data scientists, and other STEM professionals.

This skills gap means:

• Great job opportunities for STEM graduates

• Higher salaries in STEM careers

• More universities offering STEM courses

• Government schemes to encourage STEM study

The gender gap

Girls and women are underrepresented in many STEM fields. This is especially true in Physics, Engineering, and Computer Science. According to research (opens in a new tab), girls often feel less confident in STEM subjects. 

This is changing, but slowly. Schools and organisations are working hard to encourage more girls into STEM by:

• Highlighting female STEM role models

• Running women-in-STEM events and programmes

• Challenging stereotypes about who belongs in STEM

• Creating inclusive classroom environments

Other underrepresented groups

Students from certain ethnic backgrounds, those from disadvantaged areas, and students with disabilities are also underrepresented in STEM.

Schemes and initiatives are working to make STEM more accessible and inclusive for everyone.

What this means for you:

If you're interested in STEM, go for it! Don't let stereotypes or worries about fitting in hold you back.

There are loads of schemes, mentoring programmes, summer schools, and bursaries specifically designed to support students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Computer Science a STEM subject?

Yes. Computer Science is a core STEM subject. It sits firmly in the Technology part of STEM. You'll learn programming, algorithms, data structures, and how computers work. These skills are crucial for modern technology careers.

Is Psychology a STEM subject?

Sometimes. Psychology uses scientific methods like experiments, statistics, and data analysis. These are definitely STEM skills.  At GCSE and A Level, Psychology is usually considered a social science rather than pure STEM. For university applications, check whether specific courses classify Psychology as STEM. 

Do you need all four STEM subjects to pursue a STEM career?

Not at all! Most STEM careers require expertise in one or two STEM areas, not all four. Taking a mix of STEM subjects at GCSE and A Level keeps your options open. But you definitely don't need to master everything.

Final Thoughts

STEM subjects are the foundation of modern life. They help us understand the world, solve problems and create amazing innovations.

Studying STEM develops incredible skills: problem-solving, analytical thinking, technical know-how and resilience. These skills open doors to exciting, well-paid careers in almost every industry.

If you're choosing GCSEs or A Levels, seriously consider including STEM subjects. They're challenging, rewarding and genuinely useful. They prepare you for university, careers and understanding the world around you.

References 

• Analysis of barriers, supports and gender gap in the choice of STEM studies in secondary education (opens in a new tab),