What are the Highest-Paying Degrees in the UK?

Return on investment (ROI) is a buzzword in higher education and influences the type of degrees students choose to pursue.  

While studying a subject you are passionate about is important, earning potential is a major consideration for students who seek tangible results in terms of income. To access some of the highest-paying jobs in the UK, professionals will need the skills, knowledge and experience often gained through a degree at university.  

So, let’s explore the highest-paying degrees in the UK and highlight potential career paths across various industries that students should consider before selecting a degree. 

Top High-Paying Degrees in the UK

Pursuing a university degree is an investment in your career, so it is essential to choose a degree that fulfils your professional ambitions.

Let’s discover some of the highest-paying university degrees in the UK, exploring diverse fields from business management to computer science.

• Finance and Accounting

The finance industry offers lucrative career paths, from investment banking to accounting and bookkeeping roles. Finance degrees are some of the highest-paying degrees in the UK, including a BSc in Accounting and Finance and an Executive MBA (Finance). The average annual salary for finance graduates is £33,728, according to Glassdoor.

• Business Management

Business management graduates can pursue a wide range of careers across various industries, from marketing to consultancy. Many business-related degrees are available to students, including a BA in Business Management and an MBA, offering a starting annual salary of £29,068, according to Glassdoor.

• Law

Law degrees are popular for various reasons, including diverse career opportunities and high earning potential. Students can access some of the highest-paying jobs in the UK by earning a law degree, such as a BA in Criminology with Law. According to Glassdoor, law graduates in London can earn an average salary of £27,979 per year.

• IT, Computing and Technology

Most high-paying jobs in the UK are driven by advanced technology, which has created new jobs in the evolving IT sector. Degrees such as a BSc in Computing and an MSc in Cyber Security offer in-demand skills valued by global employers. According to Glassdoor, technology graduates can earn an average salary of £37,240 per year.

• Engineering

Engineering graduates are highly sought after by employers. There are many career paths and specialisations for engineering graduates to explore, including civil, software and environmental engineering. According to Glassdoor, graduates can receive an average salary of £29,143 per year after earning a degree like an MSc in Engineering Management.

• Social Sciences

Pursuing a social science degree, such as a BSc in Psychology, can be a gateway to some of the highest-paying jobs in the UK. The skills and foundational knowledge of human behaviour open doors to diverse career paths. Glassdoor suggests the average annual salary for psychology graduates is £36,224.

Factors that Influence Graduate Salaries in the UK

Multiple factors influence the earning potential of graduates in the UK, including the industry, experience and degree. It is essential to think about your long-term professional goals before diving into a degree to decide whether it’s worth the investment.

Here are five factors that may influence your salary upon graduation in the UK:

1. Degree – The degree level and subject field greatly influence the career paths available and salary potential for students. For example, a postgraduate finance and accounting degree opens the door to various high-paying jobs in the UK.
2. University – Choosing the right university tailored to your needs is key. If you’re pursuing an online degree, select a leading online education provider with a reputation for academic excellence and career-focused courses.
3. Industry – Different industries have varying salary expectations. Industries like technology, finance and engineering offer some of the highest salaries in the UK.
4. Location – Graduates seeking employment in major UK cities, including London and Manchester, can typically access higher salaries due to the higher living costs.
5. Skills and Experience – Graduates with internships, relevant work experience and specialised skills are considered more valuable to employers, which is often reflected in their salaries.

Choose the Right Degree for a High-Paying Career

Now you know some of the highest-paying university degrees in the UK, it’s time to find the university tailored to your needs.

Arden University offers a wide range of blended and online courses to suit everyone. As a leader in online education and campuses in major UK cities and Berlin, explore Arden’s career-oriented courses here.

With over 80 undergraduate, postgraduate, MBA and apprenticeship courses across multiple industries, find your perfect course at Arden University and access the highest-paying jobs in the UK today.

Discover our courses here.

Sources:  

https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/student-advice/careers/highest-paying-degrees

https://www.totaljobs.com/advice/what-are-the-highest-paying-degrees-in-the-uk

https://www.futurelearn.com/info/blog/highest-paying-degrees

https://www.oxfordcollege.ac/news/the-uk-degrees-with-the-best-earning-potential/