10 of the most unusual university courses in the UK

Lectures in solid-state chemistry may well be some students’ idea of a thrilling ride, but surely you’d be less likely to skip the early morning lecture if there was a chance it could involve cake, ghost stories or comedy?

Learn how to perform and write your own material as a stand-up comic at the University of Kent (Getty)

With university fees in the UK set to rise even further, there's never been so much pressure to spend that money wisely and choose the right course.

But with more than 37,000 courses across the country to choose from, where does someone without a particular penchant for solid-state chemistry or algebra even start?

Contemporary courses come in more varieties than ever before, so if you’re already resigned to leaving uni £45,000 in debt, make it count.

Here are ten of the most unusual university courses available right now in the UK:

1. Stand-up comedy master’s degree - University of Kent

You can get a master’s degree in learning how to engage an audience and make people laugh.This unusual course teaches students how to write their own material and create an on-stage persona for stand-up comedy.

2. The Robin Hood studies pathway - The University of Nottingham

Study the evidence and cultural context behind one of the UK’s most legendary heroes. Based in Nottingham, near Sherwood Forest, students can study the songs and tales that made the legend famous, as well as the cultural context that Robin Hood comes from.

3. Hair, makeup and prosthetics for performance - London College of Fashion

This course teaches you how to physically transform someone into a monster, or give them horrific looking injuries with prosthetics. These techniques are used a lot on film or TV sets, but even if you don’t go into performance makeup you will always have the best Halloween costume.

4. Parapsychology - University of Edinburgh

If you want to learn about monsters and ghouls in real life instead, then a PhD in Parapsychology at the University of Edinburgh could be for you. This course looks at historical accounts of paranormal activity and beliefs about the paranormal.

5. Perfumery diploma - International Centre for Aroma Trade Studies, Plymouth University

This course teaches students to hone in their perfume smelling abilities and teaches them the business side of selling perfumes. Students undergo training to understand where different flavours and odours originate, and are taught the scientific processes behind creating perfume.

6. Viticulture and Oenology - Plumpton College, University of Brighton

Get to know the difference between your Echo Falls and your Sauvignon Blanc with this course dedicated to wine. But it’s not just drinking wine for three years, the degree is science based and entry requirements include at least one science A level.

7. Education Studies - Durham University

No unusual course list would be complete without the ‘Harry Potter degree’. During the second year of this degree students study a module dedicated to the most famous wizard of our time. Wands and broomsticks are not provided, but students do consider the social and cultural context of Harry Potter and look at the reasons behind its popularity.

8. Contemporary circus and physical performance - Bath Spa University

Gymnasts and magicians no longer need to run away to the circus, they can go and study the art at university. This three year course offers physical acrobatics and aerial training as well as knowledge of the history of circus.

9. Pizza Hut studies - Manchester Metropolitan University

Chain restaurant Pizza Hut teamed up with Manchester Met in 2015 to offer students a course on “management and leadership skills” through the ever popular medium of pizza. The apprenticeships will teach students about food production, financial analysis and will prepare them for a job anywhere - not just in Pizza Hut.

10. Cake Technology Management - London South Bank University

And finally, for those looking to pursue their true passion in life but also gain a degree there is a course on baking cakes. Students learn the science and technology behind bread fermentation, create decorative masterpieces and could soon put the Great British Bake Off contestants to shame.