Contents
Want a degree that’s in demand? Here’s where most UK students are heading in 2025. You want something useful. Something popular. And something that actually leads to good jobs.
So, let’s look at the most popular degrees in the UK right now. These are the degrees thousands of students are picking in 2025. This guide is simple. No long words. No confusing stuff. Just clear info you can use.
If you’re thinking about uni, this will help.
1. Business and management
Business is everywhere. Every company needs people who understand how things work — money, people, plans, and profits. This is one of the most popular degrees in UK because it opens so many doors.
What you learn:
- How companies run
- Finance and accounting basics
- Leadership and strategy
- Marketing and branding
- Business laws
Jobs after uni:
- Business analyst
- Marketing manager
- Project manager
- Entrepreneur
- HR officer
Average salary:
Around £30,000–£50,000, depending on the job and city.
2. Computer science
Tech is growing fast. Every company needs IT people, coders, data experts, and app builders. That’s why this is one of the most popular degrees in UK. If you like working with computers or solving problems, this one’s for you.
What you learn:
- Coding and programming
- Cybersecurity
- Data science
- Web development
- Software design
Jobs after uni:
- Software developer
- Data analyst
- Cybersecurity expert
- Game designer
- AI engineer
Average salary:
Between £35,000 and £60,000 in most roles.
3. Nursing
The UK always needs nurses. The NHS has job openings all the time. It’s a career that’s meaningful and stable. Nursing is one of the most popular degrees in UK because it leads straight into work.
What you learn:
- Working in hospitals and clinics
- Mental health care
- Emergency support
Jobs after uni:
- NHS nurse
- Health visitor
- Midwife (with more training)
- School nurse
- Care home nurse
Average salary:
New nurses earn about £28,000. This goes up with experience.
4. Psychology
People want to understand people. Psychology teaches you how the brain works, how people think, and why they act a certain way. That’s why it’s one of the most popular degrees in UK.
What you learn:
- Human behaviour
- Mental health
- Child psychology
- Brain science
- Research methods
Jobs after uni:
- Psychologist (after more study)
- Social worker
- HR officer
- Counsellor
- Marketing analyst
Average salary:
Entry-level jobs start at £25,000–£30,000. With extra study, it can go much higher
5. Law
Law degrees are respected. They build your thinking, reading, and writing skills. It’s one of the most popular degrees in UK because it leads to high-status careers.
What you learn:
- UK legal system
- Contract and criminal law
- Human rights
- Case studies and court work
- Legal writing
Jobs after uni:
- Solicitor or barrister (with more training)
- Legal advisor
- Policy officer
- Compliance officer
- Civil service roles
Average salary:
Legal careers can start around £30,000, and senior lawyers earn £60,000+.
6. Medicine
It’s tough. It’s long. But if you want to be a doctor, this is the path. Medicine is one of the most popular degrees in UK, especially among top students.
What you learn:
- Human biology
- Diseases and treatments
- Surgery basics
- Clinical placements
- Ethics and communication
Jobs after uni:
- Doctor (GP, hospital, or specialist)
- Surgeon
- Medical researcher
- NHS consultant
- Public health expert
Average salary:
Doctors start at around £32,000 and can earn £80,000+ over time.
7. Engineering
Engineers build things. Roads, planes, tech systems — you name it. Engineering is one of the most popular degrees in UK for people who love solving problems.
What you learn:
- Maths and physics
- Design and building
- Electrical systems
- Mechanics
- Project work
Jobs after uni:
- Civil engineer
- Mechanical engineer
- Electrical engineer
- Software engineer
- Aerospace engineer
Average salary:
Most engineers earn between £35,000 and £60,000 depending on field.
8. Economics
Economics teaches how money moves. It’s great if you like thinking, analysing, and working with stats. That’s why it’s one of the most popular degrees in UK this year.
What you learn:
- Supply and demand
- Government spending
- Markets and trade
- Inflation and interest rates
- Data analysis
Jobs after uni:
- Economist
- Policy advisor
- Finance analyst
- Banker
- Researcher
Average salary:
Entry roles start around £30,000. Senior finance roles pay £70,000+.
9. Education
If you want to be a teacher, this is your route. Education degrees are practical. They’re one of the most popular degrees in UK because schools are always hiring.
What you learn:
- Child development
- How to teach different subjects
- School placements
- Behaviour management
- Classroom technology
Jobs after uni:
- Primary or secondary teacher
- SEN teacher
- Education officer
- Tutor or trainer
- Youth worker
Average salary:
Teachers earn around £28,000 to £40,000 depending on school and experience.
10. Creative arts and design
This one’s for the creative minds. Art. Design. Film. Fashion. These are still some of the most popular degrees in UK among students who want to build something beautiful.
What you learn:
- Drawing and design
- Fashion or product creation
- Filmmaking or photography
- Animation and editing
- Creative thinking
Jobs after uni:
- Graphic designer
- Fashion designer
- Illustrator
- Animator
- Art director
Average salary:
Varies a lot. Some start at £22,000, while freelancers and top artists can earn more.
Choosing the right degree for you
Now you’ve seen the list of most popular degrees in UK, ask yourself:
- What do I enjoy doing?
- What skills do I already have?
- What kind of job do I want after uni?
You don’t have to follow the crowd. Popular degrees are great, but the best one for you is the one that fits your future.
Where to get more help
Need help choosing the right course? Not sure which university fits your goals? That’s where Enrollmate comes in.
Enrollmate makes it easy to explore the most popular degrees in UK, compare courses, and apply to universities without confusion. They help students from the UK and around the world get into the right programme—faster and with less stress.
Need help with choosing, applying, or understanding UK uni options? Check this helpful guide from UCAS: https://www.ucas.com/
Final thoughts
So there you go, the top 10 most popular degrees in UK in 2025. This list isn’t just about what’s trendy. It’s about what works. These degrees are in demand. They help you build a strong future. And they give you options. Just remember: it’s your path. Make sure it works for you.