New
April 22, 2023

The Top 5 Best Paying Degrees in the UK: A Detailed Overview

Whether you're interested in medicine, economics, engineering, computer science, or mathematics, there are many rewarding career paths available to graduates. With dedication and hard work, you can achieve success in your chosen field. Note the average graduate salary is £26K so if you're earning above that figure consider yourself in the top 50% of your age group!

Choosing a degree can be a daunting task, but it's essential to consider earning potential when making such an important decision. Here, we'll take a look at the top 5 best-paying degrees in the UK and explore the career prospects for each.

1. Medicine

Medicine is widely regarded as one of the most challenging degrees, but it also offers excellent earning potential. According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), medical graduates can earn an average salary of £46,500 per year, rising to £68,000 within five years.

Career Prospects

Medical graduates have a wide range of career options, including becoming a general practitioner (GP), specialist doctor, or surgeon. With experience, many medical professionals move into management positions or become academics.

Internal Link: If you're interested in applying to graduate jobs, check out our Guide on when it's too late to apply for graduate jobs.

2. Economics

Economics is another degree that offers high earning potential, with graduates earning an average salary of £42,000 per year. Within five years, this can rise to £56,000.

Career Prospects

Economics graduates have a range of career options, including becoming an economist, financial analyst, or consultant. Many also move into management or leadership roles in business or government.

3. Engineering

Engineering is a broad field with many specializations, including mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering. The average salary for engineering graduates is £42,000 per year, rising to £54,000 within five years.

Career Prospects

Engineering graduates have many career options, including becoming a design engineer, project manager, or research engineer. With experience, many move into management or leadership roles.

4. Computer Science

With the rapid growth of the technology industry, it's no surprise that computer science is a high-paying degree. Graduates can earn an average salary of £41,000 per year, rising to £55,000 within five years.

Career Prospects

Computer science graduates have many career options, including becoming a software developer, network engineer, or database administrator. With experience, many move into management or leadership roles.

Internal Link: If you're interested in pursuing a career in technology, read our Post on why consulting, finance, and technology are the best industries to get into right now for graduates.

5. Mathematics

Mathematics is a challenging but rewarding degree that can lead to many high-paying careers. Graduates can earn an average salary of £39,000 per year, rising to £52,000 within five years.

Career Prospects

Mathematics graduates have many career options, including becoming a data analyst, actuary, or statistician. Many also move into management or leadership roles.

Conclusion

When choosing a degree, it's important to consider earning potential, as well as personal interests and strengths. The degrees listed above offer excellent career prospects and high earning potential, making them a great choice for many students.

Whether you're interested in medicine, economics, engineering, computer science, or mathematics, there are many rewarding career paths available to graduates. With dedication and hard work, you can achieve success in your chosen field. Note the average graduate salary is £26K so if you're earning above that figure consider yourself in the top 50% of your age group!

Internal Link: If you're interested in learning more about acing competency interviews, check out our Top 10 Credera Competency Interview Questions.

Explore the latest job openings

👇 Globally competitive salaries. Diverse work environments. Work/Life balance.

See All Jobs