Best Degrees to Study?

As there are more students going to university, and there more courses are offered what are the best degrees to go for - professionally accredited, such as:

Economics
Law
Medicine
Dentistry
English
Modern Language
Computer Science
Engineering
Accounting
Civil Engineering
Architecture
Veterinary Medicine
Real Estate

Is university still worthwhile when have degree apprenticeships?

(edited 7 months ago)

Reply 1

PS Reviewer

Don’t you get bored of creating these threads?

Reply 2

bluegray

this is quite difficult to read, i'd put gaps between the subjects

Reply 3

McGinger

Original post by PQ

Don’t you get bored of creating these threads?

I still haven't worked out what the point of the list is, what its based on - or who cares.

Reply 4

Rob Bellic

It's a troll lol

Reply 5

username7508849

Original post by username6081443

As there are more students going to university, and there more courses are offered what are the best degrees to go for - professionally accredited, such as:
Economics
Law
Medicine
Dentistry
English
Modern Language
Computer Science
Engineering
Accounting
Civil Engineering
Architecture
Veterinary Medicine
Real Estate
Is university still worthwhile when have degree apprenticeships?

I agree. My daughter's school has provided them with a careers advice pack now she is starting GCSEs. In the introduction they state:

"There is an over-supply of graduates who have little or no idea about what career they want to do after university. Many adopt a wishful thinking approach to careers in an increasingly competitive market. Since 2015 research has consistently shown that ‘more of those who had chosen to study the most directly vocational subjects, and those who had specialised in numeracy-based disciplines, appeared to have got a job appropriate for someone with their qualifications,’ Findings from research undertaken since the 2009/10 recession show ‘proportion of graduates unequivocally under-employed has increased steeply’. There may well be mismatches in the provision or quality of higher education courses in relation to the changing needs of industry, commerce and the professions. ‘[T]here is growing competition from highly-skilled job applicants from other countries in the increasingly global and fluid labour market. (Source: ‘Does Britain have too many graduates?’, The Conversation - Jo Adetunj, and ‘Futuretrack’ project at Warwick University)

The school promotes professionally accredited degrees for the following reasons:

Career focus and motivation - They will give you career focus; a sense of purpose and a sense of worth.

Recognition - Employers and clients prefer candidates who have completed accredited programs.

Career advancement - Accredited courses can help you develop the skills and knowledge to take on leadership roles or explore new career paths. Universities offering these courses have regional industry links.

Increased earning potential – You will graduate on a career path with some industry certifications.

Credibility - Accredited courses demonstrate commitment, motivation and focus on an industry sector.

Professional development - Accredited courses can help you keep up with the latest information and best practices in your field. They also offer internships in companies/organisations, so further boosting career.

Efficiency - Accredited courses can help you learn how to use specialized equipment more efficiently and with fewer errors. You will graduate industry ready and grounded in key techniques – build experience/record

Marketability - Accredited courses can help you stand out in a competitive market. Go to the best university!

Practical experience through a work placement which increase chances of securing a graduate job. Moreover, the course offered will enable you to explore and develop your specific areas of interest.

10.

Exemptions from professional exams – Fully qualified faster (courses are fully or partially exempt). [problem is students on these courses seem to become fixated on gaining maximum number of exemptions not 'discovering' their 'creative voice' and passion].

However, my daughter is creative and wants to do an artistic subject - photography and digital media seem to be of interest at the moment. There are very few professionally accredited creative degree programmes - Architecture Foundation, Journalism, Photojournalism, and Primary Education (specialising in Fine Art) are the ones her school has suggested. Does anyone know of any others? Any advice would be very gratefully received.

Reply 6

username7490471

Original post by username6081443

As there are more students going to university, and there more courses are offered what are the best degrees to go for - professionally accredited, such as:
Economics
Law
Medicine
Dentistry
English
Modern Language
Computer Science
Engineering
Accounting
Civil Engineering
Architecture
Veterinary Medicine
Real Estate
Is university still worthwhile when have degree apprenticeships?

Guys why is everyone hating on this guy hello answer

Reply 7

PS Reviewer

Original post by ehluharriet06

Guys why is everyone hating on this guy hello answer

because they have history
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/search.php?do=finduser&u=6081443&starteronly=1

Reply 8

threeportdrift

Careers Forum Helper

Original post by CJM_1

I agree. My daughter's school has provided them with a careers advice pack now she is starting GCSEs. In the introduction they state:
"There is an over-supply of graduates who have little or no idea about what career they want to do after university. Many adopt a wishful thinking approach to careers in an increasingly competitive market. Since 2015 research has consistently shown that ‘more of those who had chosen to study the most directly vocational subjects, and those who had specialised in numeracy-based disciplines, appeared to have got a job appropriate for someone with their qualifications,’ Findings from research undertaken since the 2009/10 recession show ‘proportion of graduates unequivocally under-employed has increased steeply’. There may well be mismatches in the provision or quality of higher education courses in relation to the changing needs of industry, commerce and the professions. ‘[T]here is growing competition from highly-skilled job applicants from other countries in the increasingly global and fluid labour market. (Source: ‘Does Britain have too many graduates?’, The Conversation - Jo Adetunj, and ‘Futuretrack’ project at Warwick University)
The school promotes professionally accredited degrees for the following reasons:

Career focus and motivation - They will give you career focus; a sense of purpose and a sense of worth.

Recognition - Employers and clients prefer candidates who have completed accredited programs.

Increased earning potential – You will graduate on a career path with some industry certifications.

Credibility - Accredited courses demonstrate commitment, motivation and focus on an industry sector.

Marketability - Accredited courses can help you stand out in a competitive market. Go to the best university!

Practical experience through a work placement which increase chances of securing a graduate job. Moreover, the course offered will enable you to explore and develop your specific areas of interest.

10.

The OP is confusing two entirely different concepts.

Degrees are accredited qualifications whatever their subject. That's one fact.

Quite separate to that, certain careers, primarily ones that require the very highest levels of public trust, such as medicine, law, veterinary science etc (Not economics, not languages, not computer science as subjects) have professional requirements at the entry level that mean their professional standards have negotiated degree standards to provide accredited degrees (all medical, dental and veterinary, some psychology etc).

Further on, there are some careers that are better served by becoming chartered, or gaining specific further certifications, and sometimes (but not usually) universities can offer these, if certain modules are done, or tied to Masters.

Then some careers do or don't require a degree, but are purely experience, talent, or portfolio based, and there is no concept of accreditation. See point 1, all degrees are accredited qualifications, just not necessarily with a professional body. Creative degrees are in this category.

Reply 9

username7508849

Original post by Ayomide32

Hi there,
Choosing the right degree or pathway depends on your career goals, financial situation, and learning preferences. Professionally accredited degrees like Law, Medicine,Engineering, and Accounting are excellent choices as they align with industry standards, enhance employability, and often fast-track professional qualifications. Robert Gordon University (RGU) offers many such accredited programs with strong graduate employment rates and practical focus, making it a great choice for students.
However, with the rise of degree apprenticeships, students now have an alternative to traditional university routes. Apprenticeships allow you to earn while you learn, gain work experience, and avoid student debt, making them ideal for those with clear career goals. University degrees on the other hand offer broader career opportunities, independence, and a rich social experience.
Ultimately, the decision depends on whether you value academic exploration or direct entry into the workforce. Both paths can lead to successful careers if aligned with your aspirations.
Courtesy: Robert Gordon University

Thank you.

Reply 10

Ayomide32

Original post by CJM_1

Thank you.

Cheers

Reply 11

Strotty

Original post by username6081443

As there are more students going to university, and there more courses are offered what are the best degrees to go for - professionally accredited, such as:
Economics
Law
Medicine
Dentistry
English
Modern Language
Computer Science
Engineering
Accounting
Civil Engineering
Architecture
Veterinary Medicine
Real Estate
Is university still worthwhile when have degree apprenticeships?

I’d suggest people who want to be dentists, study dentistry. Those who want to be doctors, study medicine. Those who want be lawyers, study law etc. I’m not sure the purpose of your question tbh.

Reply 12

mnot

Universities Forum Helper

The best thing to study is what will open the doors to the life vocation you want, this is not necessarily university either (an apprenticeship or entry level job where you get access to the skills & contacts you need maybe far more valuable then university).

The problem lots of students have is they have no passion, simultaneously are unwilling to invest the time required to build any skills, they get a 2.1 in a arbitrary degree and have no professional experience, no strategy, no leadership experience, no significant achievements then wonder why they rejected from every graduate scheme.

There is a huge over supply of “average” graduates yet simultaneously a vast shortage of high quality graduates, many of whom are already carrying a graduate offer from an internship or placement before final year anyway. The students who embrace university have a clear plan & leave with having achieved academic awards, leadership experience, a dissertation & internship in the industry they are pursuing, strong interview skills & genuine interest, volunteering are snapped up and we in industry can’t get enough of them.

There is no best degree- it’s about pursuing what you are passionate for and then leveraging university: get involved with leading societies, go seek out opportunities with renowned professors, use the careers team, go to every networking event, do some volunteering… but if all you can say is I went drinking every Wednesday & Friday & have a 2.1 then don’t be surprised when university did nothing for your long term future. It doesn’t matter if you did law or history it’s how used university.

Reply 13

Jam.123

Original post by username6081443

As there are more students going to university, and there more courses are offered what are the best degrees to go for - professionally accredited, such as:
Economics
Law
Medicine
Dentistry
English
Modern Language
Computer Science
Engineering
Accounting
Civil Engineering
Architecture
Veterinary Medicine
Real Estate
Is university still worthwhile when have degree apprenticeships?

It's not that straightforward so get a grip.

Reply 14

OxfordBrookesDan

Official Rep

Original post by username6081443

As there are more students going to university, and there more courses are offered what are the best degrees to go for - professionally accredited, such as:
Economics
Law
Medicine
Dentistry
English
Modern Language
Computer Science
Engineering
Accounting
Civil Engineering
Architecture
Veterinary Medicine
Real Estate
Is university still worthwhile when have degree apprenticeships?

Hi username6081443,

You've raised an important question! With more universities and courses available than ever, choosing the right path can feel overwhelming. Whether university is the best option depends on your career goals, learning style, and personal preferences.

For me, going to university was the right choice because I knew I wanted to study Biology but wasn’t sure about my exact career path. I have now completed my BSc and MSc and am currently pursuing a PhD - something I wouldn’t have considered had I not gone to university. University allowed me to explore different specialisations before deciding on plant sciences.

A professionally accredited degree, such as in Medicine, Law, or Engineering, can open specific career pathways and may be a requirement for certain professions. Additionally, degrees from well-regarded universities can hold significant weight when applying for jobs, sometimes more so than a degree apprenticeship.

However, degree apprenticeships offer a great alternative, allowing you to gain hands-on experience while earning a qualification and avoiding student debt. There are many advantages to this route, particularly for those who are certain about their career choice. That said, degree apprenticeships tend to be less publicised and not as widely available as university courses. This Edge Foundation report highlights that awareness of degree apprenticeships remains low, especially among students from underrepresented backgrounds. Additionally, securing a degree apprenticeship typically requires finding an employer first, which can be challenging for some students, particularly those without industry connections or prior experience.

Degree apprenticeships also tend to have a longer course length than an undergraduate degree, which may deter some people. When I was 16-17, I didn’t think I’d still be in education now, and I avoided applying for university courses longer than three years because I wasn’t sure if further study would be necessary for me. However, university provided networking opportunities, life skills, and career flexibility that I wouldn't have had otherwise.

University may be the better choice for those who want structure and support while keeping their options open. On the other hand, degree apprenticeships can be ideal for people with a clear career path in mind and the right opportunities to pursue them. A good alternative could be a university degree with summer internships or a placement year, offering the best of both worlds whilst using the university's network and industry connections.

Looking back, I know I made the right choice for my subject, but if I had wanted to study something else or switch careers later on, I would have seriously considered a degree apprenticeship.

What kind of career are you considering? Are you leaning more towards a degree or an apprenticeship? It would be great to hear your thoughts!

All the best,
Dan