Masters degrees are an excellent method to improve your employability. According to research, graduates with a Master’s degree are more employable than those without, and they earn more during their lifetime than those who did not pursue postgraduate studies. According to official statistics, 78% of postgraduates work in professional ‘highly skilled’ jobs, whereas just 66% of graduates do not.
Employers do not consider all Master’s degrees to be equal. Some postgraduate degrees are more attractive than others and might offer a steady path to direct employment. In this article, we’ll walk you through the TOP 10 most employable Master’s degrees in the UK.
Why You Should Consider A Master’s Degree
As the number of university graduates grows, a bachelor’s degree may not be sufficient to secure a desired post or professional path. Postgraduate courses are gaining popularity as a way to enhance resumes and advance careers.
Whether you choose to pursue an integrated master’s degree straight after your undergraduate studies, or you’re returning to university to refine your skills after spending some time in the workplace, a master’s degree is an investment in your future. It will enhance your career prospects, enabling you to maximize the number of opportunities that come your way once you’ve gained the postgraduate qualification.
Top 10 Most Employable Master’s Degrees in The UK
While any master’s degree is capable of leading to career advancement, certain degrees make up the most employable according to data.
Our list of the most employable master’s degrees in the UK is gotten based on official data from the UK Government’s Postgraduate Learning Education Outcomes (LEO) study. These statistics come from HMRC, measuring the employment status and salary of master’s students from English universities five years after finishing their course.
Although the figures can give you a good indicator of the outcomes for a particular masters subject, you should always bear in mind that there are many factors at play when determining the success of a student and that these statistics won’t accurately predict the same results for everyone.
Let’s take a look at the most employable master’s degree:
1. Nursing and Midwifery
Nursing and Midwifery is the most employable Master’s degree in the UK. According to the NHS, 94% of nursing graduates get a job within six months of finishing their course.
Nursing and midwifery is a satisfying career with the potential to make a significant influence in society. The average annual pay is £32,512, but this varies based on your area of specialty.
A master’s degree in nursing prepares you for several healthcare jobs, including nurse practitioner, nurse educator, midwife, and specialized nurse. A Master’s degree in Nursing can also help you learn about leadership, clinical expertise, and evidence-based practice. There are opportunities to work in research and academia, where you can develop new effective policies for healthcare and nursing practice.
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2. Education
If you want to make a difference in the lives and minds of young learners, Education is a solid choice for a Master’s degree in the UK. According to Time’s Education Supplement, the average salary in Education is £36,400. With a postgraduate employability rate of 96.6%, it’s one of the most in-demand professions globally.
A Master’s degree in Education can be a big boost for career advancement, especially if you’re looking to work towards more senior roles as a headteacher, educational consultant, or education policy researcher. If you’re looking for a flexible way to earn your degree, you can check out our list of the best online degrees in the UK.
88.6% of people who studied for a Masters in Education are in full-time work or further study. At 88.6%, employment levels are similar for those who studied a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
3. Veterinary Science
One of the most sought-after and lucrative Master’s degrees in the UK is Veterinary Science, which has a postgraduate employability rate of 98.9% and a median salary of £43,4002, according to the Government’s Postgraduate Learning Education Outcomes (LEO) study.
An MA in Veterinary Science will prepare you to work with disease, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in animals. You’ll get to work with animals to enhance their health and welfare, which is both gratifying and hard. It’s a constantly evolving field with plenty of opportunities to specialize. You can specialize in a specific area of veterinary science, such as wildlife, equestrian, farm, or companion animals. There is ample opportunity for additional research or academic employment in the topic.
4. Medicine
According to data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), medicine graduates have some of the highest employment rates among all MA degree holders in the UK, with 98.9% of postgrads in work or further study within 15 months of graduation. It can lead to a well-remunerated role, with a benchmark salary of £54,600 for post-graduates working within the wider profession.
It’s unexpected given the UK’s high demand and shortage of medical experts. A Master’s degree in a medical-related area can help you advance your expertise in your field and prepare you for future research or academic opportunities. Specializing in clinical practice, drug design, epidemiology, or policy provides opportunities in hospitals, laboratories, universities, and pharmaceutical businesses. Explore our online healthcare degrees to find flexible options for obtaining your medical degree.
5. Psychology
88.7% of Psychology Masters graduates are in work or further study, according to government data. A master’s in Psychology is an important part of gaining the accreditation you need to become a registered psychologist. It’s also a great way to specialize in a particular field, such as Clinical Psychology, Forensic Psychology, or Counselling.
6. Mathematical Sciences
If you are mathematically inclined, a Master’s degree in Mathematical Studies can be a very employable option. Your mathematical skills, which are based on analytical, logical, and problem-solving abilities, can be used in a variety of fields, including banking, data science, statistics, research, and consulting.
Mathematical Sciences is a constantly expanding and inventive field in the UK with several chances for study and development. Mathematical Sciences has one of the greatest employment rates (94.8%), with an average pay of £43,400, according to Government Statistics.
7. Materials Science and Engineering
Materials Science can lead to profitable jobs, with an employability rate of 87.7% and a median pay of approximately £44,000. Working with materials and cutting-edge technology is a fascinating, future-proof career that will allow you to innovate and develop in the domains of energy, biomaterials, nanotechnology, and sustainability.
Pursuing a Master’s degree in Materials Science can help you build engineering skills that you can use to a variety of fields, including design, processing, and testing. A master’s degree allows you to specialize further and prepares you for respected professions in research and academia.
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8. Business and Management
The demand for business and management executives in the UK is on an all-time rise with an employment rate of 94.9%, and the average salary is £39,100. It remains one of the most popular master’s degrees in the UK, and also, is one of the most employable master’s in UK.
You’ll acquire the tools you need to succeed in a company (or how to create your own) while developing your analytical, strategic, and business abilities. Employers respect graduates who know how to effectively manage people, projects, and budgets, as well as a broad awareness of global business environments. You can also specialize in a specific area of business and management, such as international business, project management, marketing, or business innovation.
9. Computer Science
A Master’s degree in Computer Science sharpens your skills in fields such as artificial intelligence, software engineering, data science, and cybersecurity, with numerous applications in technology, government, manufacturing, and software development.
Technology rules our world, so it’s no surprise that computer skills are in high demand right now. The post-graduate employment rate for an MA in Computer Science (and related topics) is approximately 96%, with an average salary of £44,500.
10. Engineering
If you want to drive innovation and assist society solve problems, engineering can be a rewarding job. The postgraduate employment rate for engineering is 95.7%, with an average income of £44,500, making it one of the most employable master’s degree in the UK.
Engineering is a varied discipline with numerous chances for further education. You could work in civil, mechanical, electrical, or biological engineering, designing and developing products and systems to address climate change, smart cities, artificial intelligence, or aerospace. It is a vast field with endless possibilities.
11. Law
Law has one of the greatest post-graduate employment rates, with 95.8% finding work after earning a Master’s degree. The average pay is likewise high, almost £40,900. Law is a respectable and well-respected profession that offers several career opportunities.
You can specialize in areas ranging from human rights and commercial law to environmental or international law. An MA can help prepare you for advanced qualifications, such as the Professional Training Course (BPTC), a requirement if you want to become a solicitor in the UK.
Why Do Employers Value Employees With Master’s Degrees?
A master’s degree shows the employee that you have specialist knowledge in the field that you are interested in working in. This means you are better equipped to tackle higher-level issues and complete more complicated tasks – this asset is valuable in any field.
Most master’s degrees require a significant amount of independent research and involvement with your subject. Having a postgraduate degree demonstrates strong analytical and writing skills, which are valuable in any industry.
Obtaining a master’s degree demonstrates your dedication to a specific profession or sector, as you have invested time, effort, and money in developing your expertise. This offers employers confidence that you will not only do a good job in a role but that you are more likely to stay and grow with the organization, making them more likely to want you on their team.
By pursuing a master’s degree, you may establish yourself as a highly qualified professional and improve your chances in the employment market. Whether you want to develop in your current work or pursue new chances, a master’s degree can lead to a variety of fascinating professional choices.
FAQs On Most Employable Masters Degrees in The UK
A UK master’s degree is highly regarded globally due to the country’s strong academic reputation and rigorous education standards. Additionally, UK universities often have strong ties with industries, offering students networking opportunities, internships, and placements, which can significantly enhance employability.
These degrees are considered highly employable because they align with sectors experiencing significant growth and demand for skilled professionals. For example, the tech industry’s ongoing expansion drives the need for data scientists and software engineers, while the UK’s financial sector remains one of the most robust in the world, necessitating expertise in finance and business management.
Yes, industries such as finance, technology, healthcare, engineering, and law often prefer or even require candidates to hold a master’s degree. These sectors value the advanced knowledge and specialized skills that a master’s program provides.
Absolutely. The UK is a popular destination for international students, offering a diverse and inclusive environment. Many UK universities provide extensive support for international students, including career services that help them transition into the UK job market.
Conclusion
With the number of university graduates constantly increasing each year, a bachelor’s degree may not always be sufficient to ensure that you stand out sufficiently to land your ideal job or rise in your chosen career. A master’s degree increases your chances of advancing in the professional ranks.
