Top 10 Toughest Course in World

The most challenging courses in the world are those that are hard for students to understand and implement in their daily lives. Yet, these are not the only factors that determine the difficulty of a course. In recent years, international students have taken advantage of the opportunity to study abroad for higher education, which has increased the number of study options available to them. There are many degree programs and professional courses that are considered the most difficult abroad, including MS, M.Phil, PhD, Law, and Medicine. There are some courses that are offered similarly around the world, but there are some variations depending on the education system of the country. With the evolution of curriculum over time, some degrees have become the most difficult in the world. In this article, you will find the list of the toughest courses in the world, the deciding factor for the toughest course, and details about the toughest course in the world.

Factors Determining Course Difficulty?

When considering the difficulty of a course, several factors come in handy. These factors can affect student performance, satisfaction, and ultimately the course's dropout rate. It is important to understand these factors to create a conducive learning environment for students, instructors, and institutions.

High dropout rates

One of the primary indicators of a difficult course is high dropout rates. When a large number of students fail to complete the course, it suggests that the course is challenging and students are struggling to meet the required requirements.

Intensive Coursework

Another important factor is the amount of coursework assigned. Intensive coursework often requires students to read extensive material, complete multiple assignments, and participate in discussions or group projects. This level of intensity can be overwhelming for some individuals, especially those who have limited time or study skills.

Teaching Style

The teaching style employed by instructors can also affect the difficulty of the course. A teacher who emphasizes rote action or strictly following traditional teaching methods can make it difficult for students to grasp new concepts or apply their learning in real-world situations. Conversely, a teacher who uses interactive teaching methods such as group discussions or practical projects can make the course more accessible and enjoyable.

Continuous examinations and evaluations

Continuous examinations and assessments, where students are judged based on their understanding of the material throughout the course, can be particularly challenging. This type of assessment ensures that students are constantly engaged with the material and reinforce their learning. However, it can be overwhelming for students who struggle to take exams or who do not have the necessary study habits to succeed under such pressure.

Entrance Exams

Entrance exams like the SAT or ACT can be a major hurdle for prospective students. These exams often require students to demonstrate their proficiency in various subjects such as math, reading, and writing. Students who do not perform well on these exams may find it more challenging to adjust to the content covered in the syllabus.

University and Course Requirements

The reputation and requirements of the universities offering the course can also affect its difficulty. Some universities are known for their rigorous academic standards and high expectations, which can make them more difficult to enter. Additionally, specific course requirements and prerequisites set by the university may also contribute to the difficulty of the course.

Personal Limits

Finally, personal limitations play an important role in determining the difficulty of a course. Personal factors such as prior knowledge, learning styles, study habits, and organizational skills may affect a person's choice.

Also Read: How to Make Money from Home as a Student?

Top 10 Toughest Courses List in the World

There is no doubt that any course taught at the college level, whether abroad or local, is not easy. College-level courses are very different from school-level courses. Also, there are some courses abroad that are tough and some that are not difficult, there are some that are technical and some that are not. There are some who are professionals and some who are not professionals. Below is a list of the 10 hardest courses in the world that make good people sweat to do.

1. Space Engineering

Often considered one of the most difficult courses in the world, aerospace engineering is a field of study that combines various scientific disciplines, including mathematical studies such as trigonometry, algebra, and calculus.

Top Universities

• MIT
• Georgia Tech
• Stanford
• California Institute of Technology
• University of Michigan

2. Architecture

As an architect, you are expected to have a wide range of mathematical background knowledge, including geometry, trigonometry, and algebra. You also need to be good at design. The technical aspect of architecture courses makes them difficult. An architect needs accuracy to qualify the course based on his performance in exams and practicals. Since architecture is a technical subject, the higher the level of study, the more difficult it becomes. This course requires an understanding of complex structures and the ability to understand how they work.

Top Universities

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge
  
• Harvard University, Cambridge
• University of California, Berkeley
• Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
• ETH Zürich

3. Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineering combines various studies including life sciences, physical sciences, and mathematics. Courses in chemical engineering are challenging as they involve abstract concepts such as atoms, molecules, and ions. Chemical reactions can be studied in practically many ways. Chemical engineering is difficult because it involves a lot of math. Taking a chemistry course at the undergraduate or postgraduate level requires a combination of problem-solving skills and practical skills. All these factors together make Chemical Engineering one of the toughest courses in the world.

Top Universities

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Stanford University
• University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
• University of Cambridge
• National University of Singapore (NUS)

4. Pharmacy

Pharmacy is a difficult course, not only because of its workload but also because of the background knowledge required, as it covers various scientific topics, which will be displayed in the course content section. Pharmacy is the most difficult course as it covers almost all major areas of science including chemistry, pharmaceutical inorganic chemistry, pharmaceutical organic chemistry, pharmaceutical analysis, human anatomy and physiology, and pharmacology. As a result, all these subjects are very difficult in themselves, making pharmacy courses one of the toughest courses in the world.

Top Universities

• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• University of Cambridge
• University of Oxford
• Harvard University
• University of Toronto

5. Astrophysics

Astrophysics is concerned with the universe, including the solar system, as well as physics, electronics, and optics. Astrophysics is a multidisciplinary field that investigates the study of the universe, including its origin, evolution, and composition. It involves a combination of physics, mathematics, and astronomy. This course provides a general overview of astrophysics, including key concepts such as celestial mechanics, stellar evolution, and dark matter. It explores the tools and techniques used to study astrophysics, including telescopes and data analysis.

Top Universities

• California Institute of Technology
• Princeton University
• Harvard University
• University of California, Berkeley
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology

6. Medicine

We can't mention the world's toughest courses without mentioning medicine, which requires memorization, vast background knowledge, and a high workload. In the world, medical courses are the most challenging. Courses like MBBS, MD and MS are challenging because of their huge syllabus which requires a lot of mental and physical energy from the students. These courses are challenging in their own way and require students to think logically and solve problems based on technical details. The life of a medical student is filled with a lot of things – medicines, procedures, understanding which medicine is right and which is not, practicals, watching live procedures, etc. Medicine courses are the most challenging for these reasons.

Top Universities

• Harvard University
  
• University of Oxford
• Stanford University
• Johns Hopkins University
• University of Cambridge

7. Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineering among its other engineering counterparts is also one of the toughest courses in the world.

Top Universities

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
  
• Stanford University
• University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
• University of Cambridge
• ETH Zurich

8. Chartered Accountancy

Unlike the other courses mentioned earlier, its difficulty arises not only from its complexity or workload but also, in fact, from its study duration. Getting a CA degree is a challenge in itself. A CA degree is considered one of the toughest degrees in the world. CA is tough because it keeps students busy all the time. There are a lot of exams and a lot of literature, and qualifying for a CA course depends on a lot of factors. If you fail even one test, all your efforts will go in vain. After the examinations, there is articleship, which is similar to internship, both have to be completed. For these reasons, the CA course is one of the toughest course in the world.

Top Universities

• Harvard University
• Stanford University
• MIT
• Jain (Deemed-to-be University)
• St. Claret College Autonomous Bengaluru

9. Law

The difficulty of a law degree is in the amount of reading required. This leads us to the previously mentioned difficulty of workload in terms of reading volume, and it will also require memorizing certain laws. Law courses are among the most difficult courses in the world. A wide range of literature is available for students to study and pursue these courses. Students pursuing LLB or LLM abroad are essential to have a good understanding of the laws, sections, as well as when and how to apply the correct law. Although there are very few jobs for law graduates, the ones that are available are usually high-paying overseas. As a result, law courses are also among the toughest courses in the world.

Top Universities

• Harvard University
  
• University of Oxford
• University of Cambridge
• Yale University
• Stanford University

10. Data Science

A data science course requires a lot of technical skills, a lot of data, and an understanding of the science behind data. This course involves a lot of programming, students have to learn a variety of programming languages and make practical use of them. The demand for data scientists is increasing, so more and more students choose this course, which is very challenging.

Top Universities

• Harvard University
• Carnegie Mellon University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• University of California, Berkeley
• University of Washington

Conclusion

The topic of this article was about the 10 most difficult courses in the world and the factors that determine the difficulty. Enrolling in one of the toughest courses in the world requires dedication, intellectual ability, and indomitable spirit. Despite the difficulties, the rewards are equally profound – a deep understanding of complex subject matter, invaluable life skills, and the prospect of rewarding careers.

If you prepare properly, manage your time properly, and have a growth mindset, even the most challenging courses can be conquered. Take advantage of this opportunity to expand your knowledge and become a well-rounded and highly sought-after professional.