What Degree Should I Study? A Complete Guide to Choosing a Degree

Choosing a degree can feel exciting, confusing and slightly overwhelming, sometimes all at once.

You may already have a favourite subject. You may be choosing between several very different options. You may also have no idea what you want to study, even though everyone seems to keep asking you.

That is completely normal.

You do not need to know exactly what career you want for the rest of your life. You simply need to begin exploring your interests, strengths, priorities and possible routes.

This guide will help you answer the question: What degree should I study?

How Do I Know Which Degree Is Right for Me?

The right degree is usually one that matches several parts of who you are.

It should ideally connect with:

• The subjects and topics you enjoy

• Your academic strengths

• The way you prefer to learn

• Your preferred assessment methods

• Your career ideas

• Your personal values

• The type of university experience you want

You may not find one course that matches every preference perfectly. Your aim is to find the strongest overall fit.

A degree should interest you enough to study it in depth, while also giving you useful skills, experiences and opportunities.

Start With Your Interests

Your interests are one of the best places to begin.

Think beyond the names of your current school or college subjects. Consider the specific topics, questions and activities that hold your attention.

Ask yourself:

• Which lessons do I enjoy most?

• Which topics do I read or watch videos about?

• Which assignments have I found most interesting?

• What type of problem do I enjoy solving?

• What would I like to understand better?

• What could I happily discuss for an hour?

Your answers may point towards a particular subject area.

For example:

Your interests	Degree areas to explore
Human behaviour	Psychology, sociology, anthropology, criminology
Health and disease	Medicine, nursing, biomedical science, pharmacology
The environment	Environmental science, geography, ecology, sustainability
Technology	Computer science, cybersecurity, software engineering, data science
Politics and current affairs	Politics, international relations, economics, law
Writing and communication	English, journalism, media, publishing, communications
Business and organisations	Business management, marketing, finance, economics
Creativity and design	Fine art, graphic design, architecture, fashion, animation
Numbers and problem-solving	Mathematics, engineering, physics, economics
History and culture	History, archaeology, classics, languages, museum studies

These are only starting points. Many interests connect to several different degree subjects.

Think About What You Enjoy Within a Subject

Enjoying a school subject does not always mean you will enjoy every related degree.

For example, liking biology does not automatically mean medicine is the best choice. You might prefer:

• Biomedical science

• Biochemistry

• Neuroscience

• Pharmacology

• Zoology

• Ecology

• Genetics

• Physiotherapy

• Nutrition

• Public health

Similarly, enjoying English could lead towards:

• English literature

• Creative writing

• Linguistics

• Journalism

• Publishing

• Media studies

• Communications

• Education

• Film studies

Try to identify the exact part of the subject that interests you.

Do you enjoy analysing ideas, conducting experiments, working with people, creating solutions or communicating information?

This will help you move from a broad interest to a more suitable degree choice.

Identify Your Academic Strengths

Interest matters, but it is also helpful to consider your strengths.

Think about the work that comes most naturally to you.

Are you good at:

• Writing clear arguments?

• Remembering and applying detailed knowledge?

• Working with numbers?

• Analysing evidence?

• Solving practical problems?

• Designing or creating?

• Presenting ideas?

• Conducting research?

• Working independently?

• Collaborating with others?

Your current grades can provide useful information, but they should not make the decision for you.

A lower grade does not always mean a subject is wrong for you. You may need additional support, a different learning environment or a course with different assessment methods.

Equally, achieving high grades in a subject does not mean you must study it at university.

The key question is not simply, “Am I good at this?”

It is:

“Am I interested enough to continue developing these skills for several more years?”

Consider How You Prefer to Learn

Different degrees involve very different styles of learning.

Some courses involve regular lectures, essays and independent reading. Others contain laboratory work, clinical placements, practical projects, performances or fieldwork.

Think about whether you prefer:

• Reading and discussing theories

• Writing essays

• Solving numerical problems

• Completing practical tasks

• Working in laboratories

• Designing projects

• Learning through placements

• Giving presentations

• Working in groups

• Conducting independent research

You should also think about assessment.

University courses may be assessed through:

• Examinations

• Essays

• Reports

• Presentations

• Practical assessments

• Portfolios

• Group projects

• Dissertations

• Continuous coursework

If you strongly dislike a particular type of assessment, check how heavily it features in the courses you are considering.

A subject may sound perfect, but the course could still be a poor match if you dislike the way it is taught and assessed.

Think About Your Favourite Type of Work

It can help to consider the type of activity you enjoy, rather than starting with a degree title.

If you enjoy helping people

Explore:

• Nursing

• Medicine

• Social work

• Education

• Psychology

• Occupational therapy

• Physiotherapy

• Speech and language therapy

• Counselling

• Youth and community work

If you enjoy solving problems

Explore:

• Engineering

• Mathematics

• Computer science

• Economics

• Physics

• Data science

• Architecture

• Logistics

• Business analytics

If you enjoy creating things

Explore:

• Graphic design

• Fine art

• Architecture

• Product design

• Animation

• Fashion

• Film production

• Creative writing

• Games design

• Music production

If you enjoy analysing people and society

Explore:

• Sociology

• Psychology

• Politics

• History

• Law

• Criminology

• Anthropology

• International relations

• Philosophy

If you enjoy science and investigation

Explore:

• Chemistry

• Biology

• Physics

• Biomedical science

• Pharmacology

• Forensic science

• Environmental science

• Neuroscience

• Genetics

If you enjoy business and leadership

Explore:

• Business management

• Marketing

• Finance

• Accounting

• Economics

• Human resource management

• Entrepreneurship

• International business

Should I Choose a Degree Based on My Career?

Career plans can play an important role in choosing a degree, but they do not need to determine your entire decision.

Some careers require a specific degree or professional qualification.

These may include:

• Medicine

• Dentistry

• Veterinary medicine

• Nursing

• Architecture

• Physiotherapy

• Pharmacy

• Teaching through certain training routes

• Some engineering careers

Other careers accept graduates from a wide range of subjects.

Many employers are interested in transferable skills such as:

• Communication

• Research

• Teamwork

• Analysis

• Organisation

• Problem-solving

• Digital skills

• Leadership

If you already have a career in mind, research:

• Whether a particular degree is required

• Whether professional accreditation matters

• Whether postgraduate training is needed

• Which skills employers expect

• Whether work experience is important

Read Choosing a Degree Based on Your Career for a more detailed process.

What If I Do Not Know What Career I Want?

You do not need to have a complete career plan before starting university.

Many students discover new careers during their degree through:

• Placements

• Internships

• University careers services

• Student societies

• Volunteering

• Part-time work

• Guest lectures

• Networking events

• Optional modules

If you are unsure about your future career, look for a degree that:

• Genuinely interests you

• Develops several transferable skills

• Offers flexible module choices

• Includes practical experience

• Leads to a range of career options

Broad subjects such as business, geography, history, mathematics, English, economics and psychology can lead to many different routes.

However, no degree guarantees a particular career. Your experience, skills and activities outside your course will also matter.

Should I Choose a Degree I Love or One That Pays Well?

This is one of the most common questions students ask.

There is no simple answer.

A degree linked to higher average earnings may seem attractive, but salary data does not tell you:

• Whether you will enjoy the course

• Whether you will enter that profession

• Where you will work

• How quickly your salary may grow

• Whether postgraduate training is required

• Whether the career matches your priorities

Choosing only for salary can make it difficult to remain motivated if you dislike the subject.

However, ignoring career and financial considerations completely may also be unwise.

A balanced approach is usually best.

Consider:

• Your interest in the subject

• Your likely motivation

• Graduate career routes

• Additional training required

• Employment opportunities

• Working conditions

• Possible earnings

• Your wider life goals

Read Should You Choose a Course You Love or One That Pays Well? for more guidance.

Explore Degree Subject Families

If you are struggling to identify one course, start with a broad subject family.

Arts and Humanities Degrees

These subjects often involve reading, research, interpretation and written arguments.

Examples include:

• English literature

• History

• Philosophy

• Classics

• Languages

• Theology

• Creative writing

• Archaeology

These degrees can develop communication, critical thinking, research and analytical skills.

They may suit you if you enjoy exploring ideas, interpreting evidence and constructing arguments.

Social Science Degrees

Social sciences examine people, behaviour, societies and institutions.

Examples include:

• Psychology

• Sociology

• Economics

• Politics

• International relations

• Criminology

• Anthropology

• Human geography

These subjects may use essays, research methods, statistics, case studies and data analysis.

They can suit students who are interested in how people and societies work.

Science Degrees

Science degrees often involve theory, practical investigation, data and laboratory work.

Examples include:

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Physics

• Biomedical science

• Biochemistry

• Neuroscience

• Environmental science

• Forensic science

Some courses are highly specialised, while others allow you to study several scientific disciplines before choosing a focus.

Technology and Computing Degrees

These subjects focus on digital systems, problem-solving and technical development.

Examples include:

• Computer science

• Software engineering

• Cybersecurity

• Artificial intelligence

• Data science

• Games development

• Information technology

You do not always need to have studied computer science before university, although mathematics requirements vary.

Engineering Degrees

Engineering involves applying scientific and mathematical knowledge to practical problems.

Examples include:

• Mechanical engineering

• Civil engineering

• Electrical engineering

• Chemical engineering

• Aerospace engineering

• Biomedical engineering

• Automotive engineering

Engineering courses may include laboratory work, design projects, calculations and teamwork.

Professional accreditation can be important, so check individual course details carefully.

Business and Finance Degrees

These courses focus on organisations, markets, strategy and financial decision-making.

Examples include:

• Business management

• Marketing

• Accounting

• Finance

• Economics

• Entrepreneurship

• Human resource management

• International business

Some courses are broad, while others focus on a particular industry or business function.

Creative Degrees

Creative degrees usually combine practical work with theory and professional development.

Examples include:

• Fine art

• Graphic design

• Illustration

• Animation

• Fashion

• Film production

• Photography

• Music

• Performing arts

You may need a portfolio or audition for some courses.

Check the balance between practical work, written work and industry preparation.

Healthcare Degrees

Healthcare degrees prepare students for clinical or health-related careers.

Examples include:

• Medicine

• Nursing

• Midwifery

• Physiotherapy

• Occupational therapy

• Radiography

• Pharmacy

• Speech and language therapy

These courses may include placements, interviews, health checks and professional requirements.

They can be academically and emotionally demanding, so research the day-to-day role as well as the course.

Law Degrees

A law degree develops knowledge of legal principles, cases and systems.

It may suit you if you enjoy:

• Reading complex information

• Constructing arguments

• Analysing evidence

• Debating different interpretations

• Writing clearly and precisely

You do not necessarily need a law degree for every legal career route, so research current training options carefully.

Education Degrees

Education-related courses may focus on:

• Teaching

• Childhood studies

• Education policy

• Special educational needs

• Early years

• Learning and development

Some courses lead directly towards professional training, while others are broader academic degrees.

Check whether the course provides qualified teacher status or whether additional training will be needed.

Consider Subjects You Have Not Studied Before

University offers many subjects that may not have been available at your school or college.

These can include:

• Anthropology

• Archaeology

• Criminology

• International relations

• Linguistics

• Pharmacology

• Public health

• Urban planning

• Media production

• Sports science

• Neuroscience

• Development studies

Do not reject a subject simply because it is unfamiliar.

Instead, explore:

• The first-year modules

• The skills involved

• The entry requirements

• Typical assessments

• Possible careers

• Similar courses

You may discover a subject that combines several of your existing interests.

Single Honours or Joint Honours?

You may be able to study one subject or combine two.

Single honours

A single honours degree concentrates mainly on one subject.

This may suit you if:

• You have one clear area of interest

• You want to study the subject in depth

• The degree is required for a particular career

• You want a wider choice of specialist modules

Joint honours

A joint honours degree combines two subjects.

Examples include:

• English and History

• Politics and Economics

• Psychology and Criminology

• Mathematics and Computer Science

• French and International Relations

This may suit you if:

• You have two strong interests

• You enjoy variety

• The subjects complement each other

• You want to develop a broader skill set

However, you may have fewer optional modules in each subject.

Read Joint Honours vs Single Honours Degrees before choosing.

Should I Consider a Foundation Year?

A foundation year is an additional year at the beginning of a degree.

It can help students who:

• Do not meet the standard entry requirements

• Have not studied the required subjects

• Are returning to education

• Need additional academic preparation

• Want to change subject direction

A foundation year can provide a valuable route into university, but it usually adds another year of tuition fees and living costs.

Read Foundation Years Explained to understand how this route works.

Should I Choose a Degree With a Placement Year?

A placement year allows you to spend part of your degree working in an organisation.

This can help you:

• Gain professional experience

• Explore a career

• Build confidence

• Develop workplace skills

• Improve your CV

• Make professional contacts

However, placements may be competitive and are not always guaranteed.

Check whether the university helps students find placements and which organisations previous students have worked with.

Read Placement Years: Are They Worth It? for a full comparison.

Should I Study Abroad?

A study abroad option can allow you to spend part of your course at an overseas university.

This may help you develop:

• Independence

• Cultural awareness

• Language skills

• Confidence

• International experience

Before choosing this route, investigate:

• Available destinations

• Language requirements

• Travel costs

• Accommodation

• Funding

• Visa requirements

• How your marks will be calculated

Find out more in Study Abroad Years Explained.

Compare the Actual Courses, Not Just the Subjects

Once you have identified a subject, compare how different universities teach it.

Courses with the same title can vary significantly.

Compare:

• Compulsory modules

• Optional modules

• Teaching methods

• Assessment methods

• Contact hours

• Research opportunities

• Practical work

• Placements

• Study abroad options

• Professional accreditation

• Graduate destinations

For example, one psychology course may focus heavily on neuroscience and statistics, while another may offer more social, developmental or applied psychology.

One business degree may be mostly theoretical, while another includes consultancy projects and industry placements.

Read How to Choose the Right Degree Course once you have narrowed down your subject options.

Check the Entry Requirements

Before becoming too attached to a degree, check whether you meet its entry requirements.

These may include:

• A-Level grades

• Required subjects

• GCSE requirements

• UCAS Tariff points

• BTEC or T Level requirements

• Admissions tests

• Interviews

• Portfolios

• Auditions

• Work experience

Some degrees have very specific subject requirements.

For example, a course may require mathematics, chemistry or another named subject.

Check each university individually, as requirements can vary.

Read Understanding University Entry Requirements and Required Subjects Explained.

Build a Degree Shortlist

Once you have explored several options, create a shortlist.

You could begin with:

• Three subjects you are strongly considering

• Two subjects you want to investigate further

• One alternative route

For each subject, research:

• Typical modules

• Assessment methods

• Entry requirements

• Career possibilities

• Skills developed

• Placement options

• Course length

• Accreditation

Try not to narrow your choices too quickly.

You may begin by comparing psychology, sociology and criminology, for example, before deciding which course content appeals to you most.

Use a Degree Comparison Scorecard

Create a table to compare your options.

Factor	Degree 1	Degree 2	Degree 3
Interest in subject	/5	/5	/5
Match with strengths	/5	/5	/5
Assessment methods	/5	/5	/5
Career opportunities	/5	/5	/5
Entry requirements	/5	/5	/5
Course flexibility	/5	/5	/5
Placement opportunities	/5	/5	/5
Overall fit	/5	/5	/5

The scores should not make the decision for you. They simply help you compare your priorities more clearly.

You may also decide that some factors matter more than others.

For example, you could give additional importance to:

• Practical experience

• Low levels of examination

• Professional accreditation

• Flexible modules

• Study abroad opportunities

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Choosing a Degree

Use these questions to guide your decision.

Interest

• Would I enjoy studying this subject in depth?

• Am I interested in the compulsory modules?

• Do I regularly engage with this subject outside lessons?

Ability

• Does the course use my strengths?

• Am I prepared to improve weaker skills?

• Do I meet the required entry criteria?

Learning style

• Do I like the teaching methods?

• Do the assessments suit me?

• Would I enjoy the practical or independent work?

Career

• Does this degree support my career ideas?

• Does the career require professional accreditation?

• Will I need further training?

Flexibility

• Can I choose optional modules?

• Can I take a placement or study abroad?

• Can I switch to a related course if my interests change?

Practical considerations

• How long is the course?

• Are there extra costs?

• Is the course available at universities I would consider?

• Would I be happy living in those locations?

Common Mistakes When Choosing a Degree

Choosing because someone else expects you to

Parents, teachers and friends may offer useful advice, but the final decision must work for you.

You will be the person attending the lectures, completing the assignments and sitting the assessments.

Choosing only because you achieved a high grade

Being good at a subject is helpful, but it does not guarantee that you will enjoy studying it for several years.

Choosing only for the salary

Graduate earnings can be useful information, but they should not be the only reason you select a course.

Ignoring the module list

The title of a degree does not tell you exactly what you will study.

Always check the compulsory and optional modules.

Assuming a degree guarantees a job

A degree can create opportunities, but work experience, skills, networking and applications also matter.

Copying your friends

Choosing the same course or university as your friends may feel comfortable, but your interests and goals may be different.

Focusing only on university rankings

A highly ranked university may not offer the course content, teaching style or support that suits you best.

Read How Important Are League Tables? before relying on rankings.

What If I Choose the Wrong Degree?

Many students worry that one wrong decision will permanently damage their future.

In reality, you may have several options.

Depending on the university and timing, you may be able to:

• Change modules

• Transfer to a related course

• Move to another university

• Restart on a different degree

• Complete the degree and change direction afterwards

Changing course can have financial, academic and practical consequences, so it should be considered carefully.

However, choosing a degree does not lock you into one career forever.

Read Can You Change Course After Starting University? for more guidance.

What Degree Should I Study Quiz?

Answer each question and note which letter you select most often.

1. Which activity sounds most appealing?

A. Analysing a text or historical source

B. Conducting an experiment

C. Solving a numerical or technical problem

D. Understanding people or society

E. Creating or designing something

F. Organising a project or business idea

2. Which assessment would you prefer?

A. An essay

B. A laboratory report

C. A calculation or technical project

D. A research study

E. A portfolio or performance

F. A presentation or business report

3. Which question interests you most?

A. How have ideas and cultures changed?

B. How does the natural world work?

C. How can technology solve problems?

D. Why do people behave as they do?

E. How can ideas be communicated creatively?

F. How do organisations succeed?

Your results

Mostly A: Explore arts and humanities.

Mostly B: Explore natural sciences and healthcare.

Mostly C: Explore mathematics, computing and engineering.

Mostly D: Explore social sciences, psychology and law.

Mostly E: Explore creative arts, design and media.

Mostly F: Explore business, economics, finance and management.

This is not a scientific assessment. It is simply a starting point for further research.

Final Degree Choice Checklist

Before deciding what degree to study, make sure you have:

• Identified your main interests

• Considered your academic strengths

• Thought about your preferred learning style

• Researched possible careers

• Explored unfamiliar subjects

• Read module descriptions

• Checked assessment methods

• Compared single and joint honours options

• Investigated placement and study abroad routes

• Checked entry requirements

• Compared several universities

• Attended open days or online events

• Spoken to students or graduates

• Created a shortlist

• Considered at least one alternative option

Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing a Degree

What is the best degree to study?

There is no single best degree for everyone. The right choice depends on your interests, abilities, career plans and preferred way of learning.

What degree should I study if I like several subjects?

Consider a joint honours degree, a broad first-year programme or a course with plenty of optional modules.

What degree should I study if I have no idea?

Begin with your interests, favourite activities and strengths. Explore broad subject families before narrowing your options.

Should I study the subject I am best at?

It can be a good option, but only if you are also interested in studying it in greater depth.

Which degree has the best job prospects?

Employment prospects vary by industry, location, experience and economic conditions. Look at professional requirements, graduate destinations and the skills each course develops.

Read Most Employable Degree Subjects for a more detailed discussion.

Can I study a subject I did not take at A-Level?

For many degrees, yes. Some subjects do not require previous study. However, courses such as medicine, engineering and some science degrees may require specific A-Level subjects.

Does my degree determine my career?

Not always. Some professions require specific qualifications, but many graduate careers accept applicants from a wide range of degree backgrounds.

When should I decide what degree to study?

Begin exploring early enough to research courses, attend open days and complete any required admissions tests or portfolios. However, it is normal for your ideas to change as you learn more.

Final Thoughts: What Degree Should I Study?

Choosing a degree is not about discovering one perfect answer immediately.

It is a process of exploration.

Start with what interests you. Consider your strengths. Think about how you enjoy learning.

Research careers, modules and entry requirements. Compare several options before narrowing your list.

The right degree should give you a subject you are motivated to study, skills you want to develop and opportunities you are excited to explore.

You do not need to have your entire future planned.

You simply need to make a thoughtful, informed choice about your next step. 🎓