What Are The Highest Paying Degrees In The UK?

With the average undergraduate degree now setting students back in excess of £50,000 in costs over three years (the Student Loans Company says graduates in England leave university with average debts of £48,470) many young people are left wondering if a university degree is worth the money.

And with costs so high, one of the most common considerations when choosing a degree nowadays is how much it is likely to earn you in the long run - which are the highest paying degrees?

While it’s pretty difficult to know exactly how much you will earn based on your degree - and what path your career will take - we’ve crunched some numbers to work out which university degrees are likely to land you a high salary.

What does the average graduate earn in the UK?

Figures from the Institute of Student Employers (ISE) Student Recruitment Survey 2024, which was published in October, show that the average graduate starting salary in the UK has increased 3% in the last year to £32,000.

However, it is worth remembering that this is an average. The survey found that salaries vary significantly between locations (jobs based in London average £34,000 for graduates while those in the North East start out on £29,645) and by degree subject.

What are the highest paying degrees in the UK?

1. Finance, average starting salary: £45,200.

Unsurprisingly, finance degrees are the most likely route to the big bucks. The highest paid jobs open to you with a Finance degree are in investment banking. With salaries reportedly starting at around £45,200 for an investment analyst and reaching six figures for a Corporate Investment Banker or Corporate Treasurer, the downside is the long hours often worked as well as the highly competitive nature of the job.

How do I get into Investment banking?

One way of getting into investment banking is via a graduate scheme.

Investment banking graduate schemes are some of the highest paid in the country, typically paying between £50,000 to £65,000 per year with the potential for bonuses. A number of employers offer competitive investment banking graduate schemes, including the likes of Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan and Deutsch Bank.

A strong understanding of mathematics and market analysis is helpful for investment banking, however it’s worth noting that you don’t necessarily need to have a degree in maths, economics, business or finance to get onto an investment banking graduate scheme.

Investment banking grad schemes typically involve graduates starting out as an Analyst and training for three years in various departments such as asset management, mergers, bonds and public investment to help you find your niche.

2. Dentistry, average starting salary: £39,467.

One of the highest-paying degrees in the UK in 2024, dentistry offers graduates the opportunity for a rewarding, well-paid career in the healthcare sector - although it typically takes 6-7 years of study to become qualified!

While it may not seem like it, there are a few different avenues your career could follow, with general dentists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, and jobs in dental public health all available. Over 90% of dentistry graduates find employment within six months of graduation, meaning you should be able to start earning quickly.

After a few years, dentists can expect to earn in excess of £80,000, with private dentists earning as much as £140,000.

3. Medicine, average starting salary: £36,616.

The pay deal accepted by junior doctors in September 2024 increased the starting salary, meaning that during Foundation training, you will earn a basic salary of £36,616. If you're a doctor starting your specialist training in 2024 your basic salary will be £49,909 to £70,425, with salaries rising to £91,000 for a GP and six-figure sums for consultants.

It’s worth noting that medicine degrees are very likely to be longer than three years. There are a few different pathways to becoming a doctor, but if you’re coming straight from secondary school, sixth form college or a further education college, your medical degree will normally be five years long. You can also choose to have an ‘intercalated’ year which will mean that you study for an extra 12 months.

After medical school you then apply to complete a two year foundation programme during which you will be paid a salary. Having completed that, you will then begin speciality training which can take anything from three, up to ten years depending on what you choose according to the NHS website.

4. Veterinary Medicine, average starting salary: £34,890.

If you’re passionate about animals and animal welfare, a degree in Veterinary Medicine is the one for you! Graduates can enjoy a rewarding career, making a positive impact on the lives of animals and their owners. It’s a well paid career with average salaries of over £52,000, going up to around £70,000.

Full-time veterinary medicine degrees normally take between 5-6 years, but if you already have a degree in a related subject, you may be able to take a 4-year graduate entry veterinary degree course.

5. Economics, average starting salary: £34,135.

A sought-after skill-set, economics graduates can apply their knowledge across multiple sectors, from finance and banking to public policy and international trade.

Available roles include economists, financial analysts, or consultants, and after ten years of employment, the average salary is approximately £40,000, with 10% of graduates earning over £100,000.

Undergraduate degrees typically take 3 years, however the majority of roles will require master’s level education, which is an extra 1-2 years. A lot of undergraduate economics programs offer work placements and internships, which can extend the degree to four years, but can be really useful in providing practical experience, helping to build a professional network, and even leading to permanent job offers.

The Government Economic Service (GES) Fast Stream also offers a great opportunity to begin your career as a government economist. Promotion and successful completion of the 3.5 year scheme will see you earn between £45k and £55k - you can find out more here.

6. General Engineering, average starting salary: £30,809.

With engineers in constant high demand due to the increasing need for innovative technology and infrastructure, there are plenty of job opportunities in the field. The overall average salary for engineers is roughly £47,000, with some positions offering as much as £75,000.

More specific engineering fields and their average starting salaries include: Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering (£28,000), Chemical Engineering (£30,000), Electrical & Electronic Engineering (£29,000), and Civil Engineering (£27,700).

To become an engineer, you can study an engineering degree, or a related degree like physics, maths, or computer science. You'll usually need A-levels or higher in maths, and often physics or chemistry. You can also gain entry with relevant T Levels, advanced apprenticeships, or other Level 3 qualifications.

7. Mathematics, average starting salary: £28,498.

While it’s not directly linked to a specific job, a degree in maths opens up a real mix of high-paying career options across multiple sectors including accounting, finance, investment, data science, and analytics.

With mathematicians generally offering employers a real eclectic mix of transferable skills including problem-solving, analytical skills, logical reasoning and creative thinking, graduates can enjoy versatile career paths, financial rewards, and opportunities to contribute to various sectors' growth and development.

As maths can lead to so many different careers, salaries vary greatly. According to Glassdoor, the median pay for a maths graduate in the UK is £37,761 a year, however if you choose to go into areas such as accountancy or finance, you can expect to earn much more. Although more training is required, experienced accountants can expect to earn in excess of £60,000 a year, while finance traders can earn up to £150,000 plus bonuses.

8. Computer Science, average starting salary: £27,500.

If you’re looking for a degree that will pretty much guarantee you a job, the demand for computer scientists is only going to grow. With opportunities in areas like software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity becoming increasingly available, a computer science degree opens up strong job prospects and competitive salaries.

With a wealth of opportunities available, the highest paying roles in the computer science field cover everything from computer programmers, IT auditors, software engineers and business analysts to network security admins, cyber security engineers and even professional hackers!

While junior software engineers can expect to earn a starting salary upwards of £27,000, promotions often come quickly with senior developers earning anything from £50,000-£100,000 depending on experience, responsibilities and industry.

9. Business & Administration, average starting salary: £26,496.

A versatile field that not only equips you with the essential skills for various industries, but also prepares graduates for managerial roles, Business & Administration is an attractive option for people looking for a high-paid career.

With a growing demand for business professionals across all sorts of sectors, Business & Admin graduates can expect diverse job opportunities and a competitive job market.

As a business degree can lead to such a wide range of roles, it’s very difficult to predict what a person’s income will be, but here are some of the averages for various related roles.

10. Architecture, average starting salary: £25,500.

A field that’s always in demand, as a specialised architect, you’ll be able to work in various roles including site supervision, urban planning, and of course, building design.

The average salary for an architect in the UK depends on experience and location. While starters can expect around £25,000-£27,000, architects with over 5 years of experience can expect to earn in excess of £40,000, Associates around £50,000 and Partners £70,000 upwards.

How long does it take to become an architect?

In the UK, it normally takes between 5-7 years to become an architect. This includes 5 years of academic study, usually a Bachelor of Architecture degree recognised by the Architects Registration Board (ARB), followed by a further two years’ full-time university course like a BArch, Diploma, or MArch and finally a practical exam that will include:

• Presenting your CV and going through a career evaluation

• Giving a case study

• Presenting written evidence of all 24 months of your practical experience

• Passing a written exam and an oral exam

So there you have it, if it's a high-earning career you're after, these are the degrees to go for. But don't forget - it's not always about the money!