Eddie PhilipsChoosing the right degree is one of the most important decisions any student can make—especially in the UK, where world-class universities offer programmes with global relevance and strong career outcomes. Whether you’re interested in business, healthcare, technology, engineering, or the creative industries, the UK has a vast range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees that lead to high-earning, high-demand professions.
Below are the Top 50 Degrees in the UK, ranked based on employability, industry demand, starting salaries, research relevance, and student popularity.
Top Best 50 Degrees in the UK
1. Medicine (MBBS)
Medicine remains one of the most prestigious degrees in the UK. Graduates pursue careers in hospitals, clinics, research, or specialise in surgery, paediatrics, or cardiology. The NHS provides structured career paths with excellent earning potential.
2. Nursing
Nursing degrees are in high demand due to NHS shortages. Specialisations include adult, paediatric, mental health, and learning disability nursing. Graduates have excellent job security and global mobility.
3. Computer Science
Computer Science equips students with programming, AI, cybersecurity, and software development skills. Careers span tech companies, fintech, AI research, and data analytics.
4. Law (LLB)
The LLB prepares students for careers in corporate law, international law, human rights, or litigation. UK law degrees are globally recognised, offering high employability.
5. Business Management
Business Management develops skills in leadership, strategy, HR, and marketing. Graduates work in consulting, multinational firms, startups, and entrepreneurship.
6. Economics
Economics graduates find opportunities in finance, government, banking, and consultancy. UK universities are known for research excellence and industry connections.
7. Engineering (General)
Engineering teaches problem-solving and technical innovation across energy, aerospace, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors.
8. Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering focuses on machine design, robotics, automotive, and energy systems. Graduates are highly employable in engineering and tech industries.
9. Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering covers structural design, construction management, and infrastructure development, leading to global career opportunities.
10. Electrical & Electronic Engineering
This degree focuses on telecommunications, power systems, robotics, and electronics. Graduates work in automation, energy, and tech sectors.
11. Psychology
Psychology explores human behaviour, cognition, and mental health. Graduates can work in counselling, HR, clinical psychology, or research.
12. Pharmacy
Pharmacy students train in drug science, clinical practice, and patient care. Careers include hospitals, community pharmacies, and pharmaceutical research.
13. Biomedical Science
Biomedical Science is lab-based and focuses on diagnostics, medical research, and biotechnology. It often serves as a stepping stone to medicine.
14. Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy combines anatomy, rehabilitation, and exercise science. Graduates work in hospitals, sports medicine, or private clinics.
15. Public Health
Public Health prepares students to tackle global health challenges, disease control, and healthcare policy.
16. Dentistry (BDS)
Dentistry offers clinical training in oral health, orthodontics, and surgery. Graduates enjoy high earning potential and job stability.
17. Accounting & Finance
Graduates work in banking, auditing, insurance, and multinational finance companies. Accounting & Finance degrees are highly employable.
18. Architecture
Architecture blends creativity with engineering. Careers include building design, urban planning, and sustainable architecture.
19. Marketing
Marketing focuses on branding, digital marketing, advertising, and market research. Graduates enter corporate, creative, or entrepreneurial roles.
20. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI degrees focus on machine learning, robotics, automation, and neural networks. Graduates have high demand in tech industries.
21. Data Science
Data Science covers statistics, programming, and data analytics. Graduates work in finance, healthcare, e-commerce, and AI.
22. Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity teaches students to protect systems from digital threats. Careers include ethical hacking, security analysis, and information security management.
23. Software Engineering
Software Engineering combines programming, system design, and project management. Graduates work in development, DevOps, and AI integration.
24. Education
Education degrees prepare students for teaching, curriculum development, and educational leadership. The UK has high demand for qualified teachers.
25. Computer Engineering
Computer Engineering combines software and hardware skills. Graduates work on robotics, embedded systems, and telecommunications.
26. Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace Engineering focuses on aircraft, spacecraft, propulsion, and aerodynamics. Graduates work in aviation and aerospace companies.
27. Chemical Engineering
Chemical Engineering teaches process design, materials science, and energy systems. Graduates work in pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, and manufacturing.
28. Environmental Science
Environmental Science explores sustainability, conservation, and climate change. Graduates work in research, consultancy, and environmental management.
29. Applied Mathematics
Applied Mathematics develops analytical skills for finance, engineering, research, and data analysis roles.
30. Actuarial Science
Actuarial Science focuses on risk assessment, insurance, investment analysis, and financial modelling. Graduates are highly employable.
31. Veterinary Medicine
Veterinary Medicine trains students to care for animals. Careers include veterinary clinics, wildlife conservation, and research.
32. Criminology
Criminology explores crime, law enforcement, and social behaviour. Graduates work in policing, social work, policy, or criminal research.
33. International Relations
International Relations prepares students for diplomacy, global affairs, policy analysis, and international organisations.
34. Journalism & Media Studies
Media degrees focus on broadcasting, digital media, writing, and content creation. Graduates work in journalism, PR, or media agencies.
35. Creative Writing
Creative Writing teaches storytelling, publishing, screenwriting, and editing. Graduates work in media, publishing, and content creation.
36. Fine Arts
Fine Arts covers painting, sculpture, design, and multimedia. Graduates enter creative industries, galleries, and cultural sectors.
37. Film & Television Production
Students gain experience in directing, cinematography, editing, and production management. Graduates work in film, TV, and streaming industries.
38. Hospitality & Tourism Management
This degree prepares students for careers in hotels, resorts, events, and tourism companies. The UK hospitality industry is strong and international.
39. Human Resource Management (HRM)
HRM degrees focus on recruitment, talent management, organisational behaviour, and performance strategy.
40. Supply Chain & Logistics
Supply Chain Management teaches operations, transportation, procurement, and logistics technologies. Graduates work in manufacturing and trade sectors.
41. Social Work
Social Work degrees prepare students to support families, vulnerable groups, and communities. Careers are in government, NGOs, and social services.
42. Finance & Investment
Finance & Investment covers banking, investment analysis, trading, and fintech. Graduates are highly employable in global finance.
43. Linguistics
Linguistics explores language, communication, and translation. Graduates work in research, teaching, speech therapy, and localisation.
44. History
History develops research, writing, and analytical skills. Careers include education, research, public policy, and heritage management.
45. Sociology
Sociology studies society, culture, institutions, and inequality. Graduates work in research, policy analysis, and community development.
46. Anthropology
Anthropology focuses on human culture, archaeology, and social evolution. Careers include museums, academia, NGOs, and research.
47. Biotechnology
Biotechnology combines biology and technology to create medical, agricultural, and industrial innovations.
48. Sports Science
Sports Science covers exercise physiology, biomechanics, coaching, and athlete performance. Graduates work in health, fitness, and sports industries.
49. Real Estate & Property Management
This degree prepares students for careers in real estate development, surveying, property valuation, and investment management.
50. Renewable Energy Engineering
Renewable Energy Engineering teaches students to work with solar, wind, hydrogen, and sustainable power technologies. Graduates support the UK’s green transition.
Conclusion
The UK offers a diverse range of world-class degrees that cater to almost every interest and career ambition. From healthcare and engineering to business, technology, and the creative arts, these top 50 degrees provide strong employability, global recognition, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Choosing the right degree ensures not only academic success but also a rewarding career path with high demand, competitive salaries, and international mobility. Whether you aim to innovate in technology, lead in business, or make a difference in healthcare and society, pursuing a degree in the UK equips you with the skills, knowledge, and experience to achieve your goals.