Its normal for everyone to mull over whether University is worth it or not, especially since the UK has some extraordinarily high uni fees comparable to the rest of the Europe. With that in mind, many seek degrees that have high starting salaries to really make sure it’s worth it. So here are the highest paid degrees according to The Complete University Guide.
1. Dentistry
2. Medicine
=3. Artificial Intelligence
=3. Pharmacology & Pharmacy
5. Veterinary Medicine
=6. Chemical Engineering
=6. Economics
1. Dentistry – £39,500
According to The Complete University Guide, the highest paid salary in the UK is Dentistry. Reasons for this include needing to have a specialised skill set which requires many years at university, itself incurring considerable costs.
Many dentists also work in private practices where salaries can reach far higher for those with more experience. Additionally, dentistry is a specialised field with relatively low competition compared to other healthcare professions, leading to higher demand for dental services. Moreover, dental procedures are often considered essential for maintaining oral health and overall well-being, resulting in consistent demand for dental services regardless of economic conditions.
2. Medicine – £33,000
Another common degree is medicine. Jobs in medicine are so well paid for similar reasons to dentistry: demand is huge, very specialist skills with years of experience is needed, and the option of working as a GP or Private Practice entices many.
Moreover, the healthcare sector is often insulated from economic downturns, providing stability and job security for physicians and advancements in medical technology and treatments continually expand the scope of medical services, further increasing earning potential.
Overall, the combination of extensive training, high demand, and the critical nature of medical services positions medicine as a lucrative and highly rewarding profession.
=3 Artificial Intelligence – £32,000
Artificial Intelligence has been around for many years, originating in the mid 20th century, however it has been within the last year with the release of ChatGPT in November 2022 that everyone has been talking about it. Additionally, the increasing adoption of AI technologies across sectors such as healthcare, finance, and technology fuels demand for AI talent, creating a competitive job market with attractive salaries.
As a result of this likely sky-high future demand, it is one of the highest paid degrees on this list with a £32,000 starting salary
=3 Pharmacology & pharmacy – £32,000
Pharmacology and Pharmacy degrees are well-paid due to the highly specialised knowledge and expertise required to understand the complexities of medications, their interactions, and their impact on human health. The critical role pharmacists play in ensuring safe and effective medication use, coupled with the increasing demand for healthcare services, contributes to the huge salaries for those starting off.
5.Veterinary Medicine – £31,000
Veterinary medicine is a well-compensated profession for several reasons. Firstly, veterinarians undergo extensive education and training, typically completing a doctoral degree in veterinary medicine, which requires dedication and rigorous study. This level of expertise commands a high level of respect and compensation in the healthcare industry. Additionally, the role of veterinarians in safeguarding animal health and welfare is crucial, leading to consistent demand for veterinary services.
=6. Chemical Engineering – £30,000
Chemical Engineering is well-remunerated owing to the combination of advanced scientific knowledge and engineering skills required in the design and optimisation of chemical processes and products. The critical role of chemical engineers in diverse industries, ranging from manufacturing to energy, contributes to the demand for their expertise and the competitive salaries associated with the field.
=6. Economics – £30,000
Economics is a classic for those wanting to get into a high paid job, providing many of the basics needed to work a Finance, Consulting or even Law career in the city, making it a very popular degree among those fields.
Career progression is often very fast for typical careers after an economics degree and graduates are also often highly sought after.
As important as it is to many, getting a high paid salary isn’t the only thing that should be factored into getting your dream career. Choose something that ignites your passion and aligns with your overall career goals – there’s always ways to make money in every career!
