Choosing a degree that matches your strengths and interests can feel like a balancing act. For some, the challenge of a demanding degree is part of the appeal. But others prefer a more relaxed academic experience without the added pressures of a stressful course.

If you’re looking for easier degrees in terms of workload, assessments and entry requirements, you’ve come to the right place.

In this blog, we’ll explore not only the easiest degrees but also the shortest degrees, the most useful subjects and those that still lead to high-paying careers. 

Let’s dive in and make sense of your options.

In this article:

Which is the easiest degree in the UK?

If you’re thinking about the easiest degrees, it’s essential to remember that “easy” is subjective. What’s easy for one person might be incredibly challenging to another. That said, based on feedback from students and the nature of the course content, degrees like Media Studies, Sociology, Education Studies, Creative Arts and Hospitality are often reported as easier.

So why? Well, these degrees can have a lighter workload, fewer exams and essays. There’s often greater emphasis on coursework and creative or practical projects, rather than abstract theory. 

Of course though, no degree is truly easy. You’ll still need to put in the work, especially if you’re aiming for top grades like a 2:1 or a first-class degree.

Here’s a closer look at ten “easy” degrees in the UK.

• Media Studies: Media Studies is popular for its focus on analysing the latest trends in content, combined with practical elements like creating projects. Many students find the hands-on nature of coursework more engaging and less stressful than traditional exams.
• Sociology: This degree delves into understanding society and human behaviour. It’s more focused on essays and discussions than technical or mathematical problems, making it feel less intense compared to more quantitative disciplines.
• English Literature: If you have a passion for reading and writing, English Literature could be for you. Although it involves substantial reading and in-depth analysis, the assessments are mainly essay-based, which suits some people’s skill sets.
• Education Studies: This degree revolves around educational theory and practice. It usually includes more group work, discussions and practical placements rather than challenging exams or complex research projects.
• Creative Writing: Perfect for those who love crafting stories and poetry. The focus is on creative expression rather than rigorous academic theories, making it a less stressful option for creatively inclined students.
• Art and Design: In Art and Design, creativity takes centre stage. Whether it’s Fine Art, Photography or Illustration, students spend more time working on artistic projects and portfolios than written assignments or exams, which can be a more enjoyable experience.
• Performing Arts: If the stage is where you thrive, Performing Arts offers a practical approach with assessments based on performances and creativity. It tends to be less academically rigorous and more focused on personal expression than many degrees.
• Film Studies: Like Media Studies, Film Studies involves analysing films and creating projects. The coursework is often more hands-on, with practical assignments like making short films, rather than traditional exams.
• Communications: This degree explores how people communicate and the media’s influence on society. It often includes practical assessments and projects, which many find more engaging and less stressful than extensive exams.
• Hospitality Management: For those interested in the service industry, Hospitality Management offers a practical approach with coursework focused on real-world scenarios and customer service skills. The degree often involves case studies and projects rather than lengthy exams.

Thinking about university choices? Here are the easiest and hardest unis to get into, as well as your complete guide to London universities and Russell Group institutions.

What’s the most useful degree in the UK?

While the degrees we’ve discussed might be easier, you may also wonder about employability. After all, it’s important to balance a manageable degree with one that still opens doors in the job market. 

Here are a few easier degrees that also come with solid career prospects.

• Business and Management: Known for its broad curriculum, Business and Management offers a balance of practical and theoretical work. The best part? This degree can lead to jobs in various industries, from finance to marketing, fashion or manufacturing.
• Marketing: With a mix of creativity and business skills, Marketing degrees are less technical than others, but they still prepare students for well-paid careers in advertising, PR or digital marketing.
• Psychology: While psychology involves understanding human behaviour and can include statistical analysis, many students find it interesting and less intensive than degrees in pure science or engineering. Careers in therapy, HR or even teaching are common routes.
• Accounting: While it is numbers-based (so won’t be everyone’s cup of tea!), accounting degrees are often seen as easier due to the structured nature of the curriculum and clear career paths in finance, tax or business management.
• Human Resources (HR): A degree in HR is practical, focusing on people management and organisational skills. It’s less technically demanding than engineering or law and can lead to rewarding roles in recruitment or personnel management.

If you’re considering a career in accounting, check out our guides to accountants’ salaries and the “Big Four” firms, as well as professional qualifications like CIMA, ACA and ACCA.

What degree makes the most money?

When it comes to earning potential, it’s generally the more difficult degrees that lead to the highest salaries. 

For instance, Medicine and Dentistry graduates often top the charts, with starting salaries of £30,000 to £40,000. Experienced professionals easily earn upwards of £100,000, especially in private practice. Other high-paying degrees include Law, Engineering and Finance.

That said, there are a few “easier” degrees that still result in decent paychecks. Business and Management, Accounting and Human Resources (all degrees preparing graduates for strategic corporate roles) often lead to high-paying careers.

For more detailed insights, don’t miss our guides to the highest-paying graduate and non-graduate jobs in the UK.

What’s the easiest course with a high salary?

If you want a degree that offers a good balance between ease and earnings, Business and Management is a great option. 

With fewer technical challenges than STEM degrees and a broad scope of career paths, graduates can find well-paid roles in management, sales or entrepreneurship – in pretty much any industry. Entry-level salaries for business graduates tend to range from £25,000 to £40,000.

You could also consider a Marketing or Communications degree, where graduates can easily move into well-paid roles like brand management, digital marketing and advertising. Graduate salaries are around £25,000, with senior positions offering £50,000 or more.

As we’ve seen, Human Resources is also a comparatively easier course, offering a clear path into roles like HR management, recruitment or talent acquisition. It’s a great option if you’d love a more people-focused role. Starting salaries in HR typically range from £25,000 to £35,000, with experienced professionals earning much more.

Want to increase your earning potential? Here’s our guide to getting a first-class degree and how to write it on your CV.

What’s the easiest career with high pay?

So, do the easiest careers match up with the easiest degrees? Not necessarily. 

If you’re looking for a highly-paid career without a high-stress environment, you’ve got several options. These roles focus more on on-the-job experience than specialist academic knowledge, meaning you can hone your skills and confidence as you progress.

Here are some of the easiest careers (all with relatively high pay) to consider.

• Sales Careers: Positions like Sales Managers or Business Development Managers don’t need technical degrees but do reward strong communication skills and ambition. Salaries often exceed £50,000. With bonuses and commissions, earnings climb much higher.
• Estate Agent: A career in property sales or management doesn’t require a specific degree. Earnings can vary based on location, but successful agents, particularly in prime areas, can earn large salaries through commissions.
• Air Traffic Controller: While this role requires specialised training, it doesn’t need a university degree. With experience, air traffic controllers in the UK can easily earn over £50,000, making it one of the best-paying careers without a traditional degree.
• Project Manager: Many Project Management roles are accessible with degrees like Business Management or Marketing, though some can be reached through certifications like AgilePM. With experience, salaries range from £40,000 to £70,000.
• Digital Marketing: Digital Marketing roles offer high pay, especially for those specialising in areas like SEO or PPC management. It’s interesting work that gets simpler once you’re in your stride. Salaries for experienced professionals range from £40,000 to £60,000.

If you’re working on job applications, don’t miss our guides to CVs and cover letters, how long to make your cover letter and what to wear to that first interview.

What’s the shortest degree to get?

In the UK, most undergraduate degrees take three years to complete. But if you’re looking to finish your studies quicker, there are alternatives.

Foundation degrees and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) usually take two years and can be a fast track into certain industries. These courses are more vocational with an emphasis on practical skills. But they can also be topped up to a full degree with an extra year of study.

Another option is accelerated degree programs, often found in fields like Business, Law, Psychology and some STEM subjects. Some unis offer a two-year accelerated degree where you study more intensively throughout the year (including summer periods), letting you complete a standard undergraduate course in a shorter time frame.

Although it isn’t necessarily shorter, a Degree Apprenticeship lets you “earn while you learn” – so you don’t have to take time out for university study.

What’s the shortest degree that makes the most money?

When it comes to short degrees with solid earning potential, there are several options to consider. 

One of the quickest routes is through an HND in Engineering or IT, taking just two years. These diplomas prepare you for technical roles such as IT support, engineering or tech development, where starting salaries are £30,000 or more. With experience, there’s plenty of growth potential.

If you’re interested in a full university degree (over three years), IT is still a strong option. Graduates can quickly enter high-paying fields such as cybersecurity, systems analysis or software development. The tech industry’s continuous growth ensures these roles remain in demand, offering competitive salaries early in your career.

Another great choice is Business Management, especially when paired with internships offering practical experience. With a quick path to management roles, it’s one of the shorter degrees leading to substantial pay.

What degree has the lowest salary?

It’s important to know that not all degrees are linked to high-paying careers. Some fields, particularly in the arts and social sciences, tend to have lower starting salaries. This is because many graduates work freelance or in part-time roles within competitive industries. 

However, it’s important to remember that while initial pay may not be high, these degrees can still lead to fulfilling careers – especially with experience and the right connections. 

• Fine Arts: While incredibly rewarding for those passionate about creativity, Fine Arts graduates often struggle to find high-paying jobs straight out of uni. Many work in entry-level creative roles with starting salaries around £20,000.
• Sociology: A degree that offers fascinating insights into human behaviour, Sociology graduates often find themselves in roles like social work or academic research. These jobs tend to offer starting salaries between £20,000 and £25,000, with slower growth compared with other fields.
• Music: Music graduates frequently pursue freelance careers in teaching, performance or composition. Starting pay can be as low as £20,000, with many needing to supplement their income through side jobs.
• Performing Arts: Performing Arts degrees focus on passion and expression, but the job market can be unpredictable. Many graduates take on part-time or freelance roles in acting, dance or theatre, with starting salaries typically under £20,000. 
• Early Years Child Care: Those who pursue degrees in Early Years Child Care often find roles as nursery practitioners. While the work is deeply rewarding, starting salaries are around £19,000 to £22,000.

Looking for help navigating your university choices? Our Academic Coaching services offer expert guidance on exam skills, personal statements, early-career coaching and more. Whether you’re working on revision strategies or preparing for interviews, we’ll support you every step of the way. Get in touch today for a no-obligation chat.