Degrees That Work: UK Graduates Edition
- Maitrie Jhaveri
- Jan 6
- 5 min read
If you're considering studying in the UK or deciding which course to take, it helps to know which degree tends to give the best employment prospects and highest salary after graduation. Here's a summary of courses offering the best employability and earning potential, based on recent data for 2024-2025.
Why Course Choice Matters
Selection of courses has important implications for graduate versus non-graduate outcomes.
Recent labor market data indicates that the employment rate is 68.0% for non-graduates and 87.6 % for graduates (aged between 16 and 64).
Moreover, graduates significantly have a higher chance of obtaining high-skilled employment (~ 67.9% of graduates vs. ~ 23.7% of non-graduates).
The median starting wage for graduates in large employers/graduate schemes is approximately £36,335.
Because of this, graduating in the coming years will be very lucrative; however, not all courses will have the same advantages later on. Hence, below given are the most employable courses based on the current trends.
Dentistry and Medicine
Medicine and Dentistry still head the UK graduates employability league table, retaining their prime places as the most secure and highest-paid degrees. Graduates from these two professions are virtually guaranteed jobs on account of continuous demand by hospitals, clinics, and specialist care units. Training is long and rigorous, but the payoff is huge-in employment security, as in wage growth. On an average, doctors and dentists generally earn anywhere from £38,000 to £50,000. After specialization, their income increases substantially.
Why is it in demand?
Persistent shortage of medical staff
Structured training pathways (NHS Foundation Training)
High demand from both the public and private sectors
Engineering (All Branches)
One of the most employable degree categories in the UK, engineering encompasses a number of specialisations: mechanical, civil, electrical, aerospace, and chemical, among others. UK graduates in engineering are in demand from such varied employers as those in the energy industry technology, manufacturing, aviation, sustainability, and infrastructure. Typical starting wages range from £32,000 to £45,000, depending on the specialisation and employer. These jobs are often in "shortage skills" areas, which gives international students better employability prospects and also opens up opportunities regarding UK visa sponsorship.
Why is it in demand?
Strong demand for technical and problem-solving skills
Strong industrial links and good employment opportunities
Clear career routes and jobs that demand exceptional skill levels
Computer Science, Data Science & IT
With rapid digital transformation across all industries, computer science and related careers continue to yield some of the fastest-growing, highest-paying job opportunities. Graduates develop capabilities in software engineering, AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data analytics-all of which are in demand globally. Early salaries can lie between £30,000–£50,000, though many tech hubs and London firms tend to offer more lucrative packages.
Why is it in demand?
Increase in AI and new technologies
Skill-based employment is increasing the need for technical, analytical, and coding skills.
Increased opportunities in technology firms, banking, consulting, and startups
Economics, Business and Finance
Business degrees are highly employable because they're versatile and applicable directly to the corporate world. UK graduates can go into marketing, consulting, finance, investment banking, management, and entrepreneurship. Starting salaries are usually in the range of £28,000-£40,000; however, for finance-heavy roles, for example, investment banking, these figures may increase significantly over a few years.
Why is it in demand?
The UK is one of the major financial centers of the world.
Outstanding on-campus internship and recruitment opportunities
Lots of career opportunities in various fields.
Law
A Law degree offers enormous opportunities, especially for students seeking organized professional jobs. Whereas the starting salaries diverge around £30,000 to £35,000, UK graduates winning their training contracts for major legal firms can rapidly rise into high-earning groups. The usual career route for most students following graduation includes solicitors or barristers, but other frequent career routes include compliance, corporate governance, policy, and international regulation, keeping employability high.
Benefits of pursuing a Law degree:
Clear professional qualifications - SQE route
High potential for income at mid-to-senior levels
Diverse career opportunities outside of legal practice
Teaching and Education
Teachers are highly sought after, especially in STEM fields, which include science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Education studies are remarkably viable for the person with a passion to shape minds, given the fact that the UK has a shortage of educated teachers. Aside from the financial reward, teaching offers stability, community engagement, and a strong early career job.
What Does the Newest Data of 2024-25 Indicate?
UK Postgraduates have somewhat better results than the UK graduates, according to recent labor market data: in 2024, the employment rate for postgraduates was approximately 90.0%, compared to approximately 87.6% for graduates.
Among different degree subjects, individuals in Medicine and Dentistry report the greatest average earnings 15 months after graduation by a “good margin.”
Conversely, arts and humanities, media, and certain social-science courses tend to have lower starting earnings and possibly lower employment rates, especially compared with STEM or vocational degrees.
Employer connections, internships, and career-support services are still prioritized by many institutions, which increases employability (especially in engineering, computer science, business, and medicine).
What Does This Mean?
What this means to students, especially international students, is Master’s in medicine or dentistry, engineering, computer science, business/finance, veterinary science, or law typically offer the most reliable returns if your goal is high employability and excellent pay potential, especially if you attend a reputable university. These courses are a terrific investment if you're inclined to technical and in-demand skills (like data science, artificial intelligence, or engineering specializations), which are highly valued by many employers.
Although an institution’s reputation and ranking is important; if the college you select has extensive employer connections and provides students with career assistance (especially schools that are ranked highly) then you are likely to achieve better outcomes once you graduate from that institution. Additionally, when examining what degree to obtain, it is beneficial to look at the long-term prospects of that degree and not just the starting salary of a graduate; for example, programs in the health, engineering, finance, and computer science industries provide forward momentum as a graduate progresses along their career path.
In conclusion, as of 2025, the UK is focusing heavily on providing employment opportunities through high-skill, sector relevant training in an effort to meet the immediate demand for talent while supporting future career growth within the UK. Degrees in medicine, engineering, computer science, business, legal services, veterinarian science, and architecture continue to show to be the provider of graduates who achieve the highest employment potential and highest pay due to the fact that UK graduates hold appealing credentials, have a wide variety of employment options available, and provide them with an ideal situation to grow into successful and fulfilling careers.
If you're ready to move forward in your career, the United Kingdom is one of the best places to shape your future. Let TFM Overseas Education Consultants be your trusted partner on this journey. From choosing the right course and university to navigating applications, securing scholarships, acing visa interviews, and preparing for life overseas. We are here to support you every step of the way. With expert guidance, personalised counselling, and insider knowledge of the global education landscape. Book your free session today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the typical starting pay for UK graduates?
Ans: Across all areas, the median graduate starting wage is roughly £30,000–£36,000. However, pay varies greatly according to the job, region, and degree.
Are UK universities suitable for placements and internships?
Ans: Many institutions have specific career services, tie-ups with employers, and placement years (sandwich courses). Degrees in computer science, engineering, and business in particular provide excellent internship prospects.
When selecting an employability course, do rankings matter?
Ans: Yes, but not as much as course quality and industry relationships. Stronger employer networks are frequently available at top colleges, but similarly strong results can be obtained from a well-ranked course with good practical exposure.
Does the UK offer decent work visa alternatives after studying?
Ans: Yes. Under the Graduate Route, international students can stay in the UK for 1.5 years (3 years for a PhD) to work or look for work. High-demand sectors like tech, engineering, and healthcare often acquire visa sponsorship more readily.
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