The truth is that making the right call and studying a degree that will quickly translate to higher earnings and more opportunities just makes sense, especially for the roles at the top end of the careers ladder, and it goes without saying that ideally its something you actually enjoy.
So what are the top degrees which lead to best remuneration? Job search engine Adzuna has scrolled through the thousands of openings on its recruitment database to come up with the best average options on offer for graduates of every degree.
10 Mathematics
Average salary: £39,000
Relevant jobs: Finance, technology, banker, statistician, accountant
The UK has been short of maths graduates for some years so anyone coming out of university with a good degree is going to be a sought-after commodity. Finance and banking are obvious long-term high payers, and IT recruiters are clearly going to look to mathematicians for their analytic and development skills.
9 Mechanical Engineering
Average salary: £39,106
Relevant jobs: Automotive, aerospace, defence, construction engineers
As with maths, engineering graduates are in short supply, even though the Government has worked hard in recent years to boost numbers in the STEM subjects – science, technology, engineering and mathematics. There are jobs in everything from Formula One development to sustainable energy projects so there really is an engineering job to suit every graduate.
8 Science
Average salary: £40,409
Relevant jobs: Pharmaceuticals, finance, biotechnology
Forget the image of muddle-headed assistants in dusty labs – science is sexy. Pharma is the future and recruiters have plenty of positions with the big companies and biotech specialists.
7 Architecture
Average salary: £40,788
Relevant jobs: Architect, interior designer
As with medicine, architecture degrees involve extended work placements; you’ve effectively started your career whilst completing your seven-year degree course. Consequently, graduate level jobs pay better than many other careers, especially in London and the South East, where the building boom shows no sign of slowing down.
6 Finance
Average salary: £40,908
Relevant jobs: Banker, financial analyst
The financial sector has always paid well and as the global economy recovers (the odd hiccup aside) banking and investment institutions are in the mood to once again hire and remunerate well.
5 Economics
Average salary: £41,144
Relevant jobs: Financial analyst, banker, economist, statistician
Economics and finance are often interchangeable in recruitment terms. Economists will have an advantage working in statistics and with economic think tanks and official/Government advisory bodies.
4 Computer science
Average salary: £41,950
Relevant jobs: Developer, IT consultant, systems administrator
The technology sector impacts on every modern business and it’s not going to stop. A good computer science degree will make you a target for IT recruiters wherever you go. Coding, website building, project overseeing, firefighting – the strands are many and so are the jobs.
3 Accounting
Average salary: £42,404
Relevant jobs: Accountant, actuary
Everyone needs accountants, and a job with one of the ‘Big Four’ – EY, KPMG, Deloitte and PwC – is secure, well-paid and could take you all over the world: British and British-trained accountants have a high global reputation.
2 Engineering
Average salary: £42,837
Relevant jobs: Chemical, aerospace, construction, automotive and defence engineers, management consultant
Again, demand exceeds supply when it comes to engineering graduates. This broader degree than mechanical engineering is favoured by many employers and salaries reflect that adaptability potential.
1 Civil Engineering
Average salary: £44,851
Relevant jobs: Civil engineer, surveyor, structural engineer, environmental consultant
People who think big are paid well and engineering recruiters are especially busy with projects like Crossrail and HS2 in full flow. If you build bridges, dams, rail systems, high-rise buildings, you have to get it right and you’re entitled to reap the rewards.
