Choosing what to study at university is a big deal. The next 3-4 years will shape your thinking, your interests, your career.
All the options available to you can be extremely overwhelming because you want to complete a degree that sparks your curiosity and passion. One that leaves you with skills that impress employers and lead to a great career. Not too much to ask!
The good news is graduates today are still finding jobs after university. But competition is fierce. You want a degree that gives you an edge.
In our post, we'll explore some of the most employable and rewarding degree subjects in the UK. Ones that tick boxes for job prospects and graduate salaries, while also suiting curious minds.
Medicine
Employability: Sky-high
Why study it? Who doesn't want to say "I'm a doctor"? Plus, you'll get to heal people and feel great purpose.
Okay, no shock here - med school graduates are sought after everywhere. Given how long it takes to qualify, doctors expect to be in demand! The skills you develop are applied and valued daily.
As a doctor, you have prestige, amazing job security, and a huge sense of purpose. Not to mention a healthy pay packet!
You could work in hospitals, private practice, research, public health - so many options. Every day you make a difference by caring for patients and saving lives. Frankly, it's hard to beat that feeling.
Just know the studying is no picnic. Medicine attracts a certain kind of determined, scientific mind. Strong grades in science A Levels or IB subjects are a must. If you thrive on intellectual challenges and love helping people, medicine could be a great fit.
Sure, you may not get much sleep. But nothing beats that "I'm a doctor" status and all the good you'll do.
Check the average salaries in healthcare here.
Law
Employability: Strong
Why study it? Lawyers have prestige, great earning potential, and get to argue for what's right.
Whether you picture courtroom dramatics or contract drafting, law has appeal. Lawyers analyse tricky issues from all angles to uphold justice and social order. It's mentally stimulating work with a lot of variety.
You could become a barrister, solicitor, in-house counsel, policy advisor - many options. Core skills like analytical thinking, speaking persuasively, and attention to detail are valued in countless fields.
Studying law does involve a serious amount of reading and writing. But if you question everything and relish critical thinking, it could be a great path. Just imagine getting to argue for positive change and fairness on a daily basis!
Check the average legal salaries here.
Engineering
Employability: Excellent
Why study it? Design iconic structures, pioneer new tech, solve real-world problems. Every industry needs engineers.
Now we come to engineering, a degree revered for blending technical know-how with problem-solving skills. Whether you pursue civil, mechanical, chemical, electrical engineering or something more specific, your skills will be in demand.
Engineering requires applying science to design, build, and improve everything from devices to software to towering skyscrapers. It's a versatile field where logical, curious minds thrive.
Imagine roles designing cleaner transportation, erecting breathtaking new buildings, or crafting medical robots. Endless innovation opportunities await budding engineers today.
The studying won't be easy - expect complex mathematics! But the payoff of an engineering education is immense. For patient, analytical thinkers who love building things, engineering could be highly rewarding.
Check the average engineering salaries here.
Computer Science
Employability: Extremely high
Why study it? Code clever programs, prevent cyber attacks, create the next big app - help shape the digital world.
In our tech-dependent world, computer science grads have incredible value. You gain coding mastery plus a deep understanding of how computer systems work.
Whether you specialise in software, hardware, networks, AI, or another area, your skills will be sought after. Tech roles also tend to offer high salaries.
Picture creating intuitive apps at a startup, ensuring safe networks at a major company, or even advancing AI systems. If you geek out on computers, studying computer science can lead to amazing high-tech careers.
Fair warning the studying will involve solitary hours of coding and problem-solving. But for those who love computing magic, a CS degree is a great move. Having strong math skills from IGCSEs or A Levels will help prepare you for computer science too.
Check the average salaries in IT here.
Architecture
Employability: Solid
Why study it? Envision eye-catching spaces, pioneer green building, help shape sustainable cities.
Now for a field marrying technology with artistic vision: architecture. As cities grow and environmental design gains importance, demand for architects remains steady.
Studying architecture means learning engineering basics plus visual design principles. Expect some late nights perfecting plans and presentations.
But you'll exit university able to craft 3D models, thoughtfully consider spaces, and bring buildings from blueprints to reality. For analytical yet visually-minded students, architecture offers creative rewards.
Just be prepared to start small as a graduate - it takes time to design iconic structures! But if you stick with architecture, you could help build healthier, more inspiring communities.
Check construction design average salaries here.
Economics
Employability: Strong
Why study it? Decode financial markets, predict economic trends, and hopefully make the world a bit fairer.
Now let's consider economics, a very flexible, analytical degree. From banking to politics to charity work, economics grads are prized for their statistical skills and ability to model human behaviour.
Studying economics, you'll use data analysis and theory to scrutinise everything from trade to unemployment patterns. It's an intellectual workout, and develops a pragmatic perspective on how markets and societies function.
You could advise governments on policy, uncover insights for a bank or business, or work for an international development charity. If you geek out on statistics and social issues, economics could be stimulating and put your skills to great use.
Just be ready for serious number-crunching! But for logical souls who care about social impact, economics is worth considering.
Check the average economist salary here.
Education
Employability: Steady
Why study it? Inspire children, spark imaginations, make learning fun - help shape young minds.
What about teaching, you wonder? Salaries may not match high-flying corporate roles. But educators have immense value. Teachers nurture children's curiosity, empathy and knowledge - an invaluable investment in the future.
As a teacher, you could specialise in early years, primary, secondary, or further education. Lesson planning and marking may be tiring. But seeing children's 'lightbulb moments' makes it all worthwhile.
If you're patient, love learning yourself and enjoy working with children, teaching brings deep rewards. And nurturing young minds is a vital role in any society. Those who complete online A Levels show they have the dedication to handle a teaching degree.
Check the average education salaries here.
Biological Sciences
Employability: Good
Why study it? Research groundbreaking science, pioneer medicine, protect nature - expand human knowledge.
Now we come to biological sciences, a broad degree leading to diverse science careers. From anatomists to ecologists to geneticists, biology grads are a curious, skilled bunch.
Through biology, you'll enter astonishing worlds spanning molecules, cells, whole organisms, ecosystems and more. It's deeply intellectually stimulating if you relish laboratory discovery.
You might conduct impactful research, work in conservation, analyse DNA in forensics - options abound. With further study you could specialise in zoology, neuroscience, pharmacology and countless other fields.
For inquisitive minds who love exploring how life works, a biology degree provides endless opportunities to learn, experiment and make discoveries. Sounds pretty exhilarating to me!
Check the average science salaries here.
Final Thoughts
Now, let's recap key advice about choosing a degree:
- Consider your interests but keep an eye on employability too - subject and skills matter to employers.
- Fields like technology, engineering and healthcare are solid options today, but keep an open mind.
- Prestigious degrees like medicine or law open doors but require academic dedication. Make sure you're up for the workload.
- Choose based on your talents and values - will you thrive studying this subject daily?
- Whatever you pursue, gain work experience and nurture your broader skills too. Employers want well-rounded graduates.
I hope this overview gives you food for thought! Listen to your instincts, research options extensively, and you're sure to find a degree that's rewarding, keeps doors open, and suits your talents.