Choosing a degree is a major decision. So it’s natural to wonder how a subject’s difficulty might impact your uni experience.

The intensity of a degree can affect your overall well-being, uni experience and even your future career prospects. But understanding and preparing for these challenges can help you feel confident and choose a path matching your strengths and interests.

In this blog, we’ll explore the hardest degrees in the UK and what makes them so demanding. We’ll also discuss dropout rates and how the difficulty of a degree influences your employability and stress levels. 

With these insights, you can make an informed choice – with a degree that pushes you intellectually and supports a successful uni experience.

In this article:

What’s the hardest degree in the world?

When it comes to the hardest degree, there’s only one option. Medicine is recognised as the hardest degree no matter what country you’re studying in. Qualifying as a doctor requires a long, gruelling educational journey with a minimum of five to six years undergraduate study. You’ll then face years of clinical training and continuing professional development.

While still at university, medical students face rigorous exams, demanding coursework, long hours and intense placements – all while preparing for a competitive career. On top of that, the emotional resilience needed to deal with patients and the pressure to keep up with healthcare advancements makes it a daunting field.

In short, it’s not just the academic demands of medicine but also the commitment. Few degrees require as many years of study, and the stakes in Medicine are incredibly high. After all, people’s lives are on the line.

What are the top five hardest degrees in the UK?

While Medicine may top the list, the UK offers a range of other challenging degrees. Whether you’re considering a BA Hons or a BSc Hons, here’s a more detailed look at the top five hardest degrees.

• Medicine: As mentioned, Medicine is the toughest degree due to its length, complexity and the sheer volume of material. Entry requirements are high, and students must excel in academic work, practical placements and entrance exams like the UCAT and BMAT. The emotional challenges of patient care add an extra layer of difficulty.
• Dentistry: Dentistry shares similarities with Medicine in terms of intensity. The practical skills required to become a dentist, including surgery and patient care, make it a tough degree. On top of academic excellence, Dentistry students must develop fine motor skills and have a keen eye for detail.
• Veterinary Medicine: Qualifying as a vet is complex because your knowledge has to span multiple species – from household pets to farm animals and wildlife. Veterinary students must also master a wide range of skills, including surgery, diagnostics and patient care, making it physically and mentally taxing.
• Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical or Electrical): Engineering degrees are known for their mathematical complexity and reliance on strong physics knowledge. The workload is high, with numerous hours spent on problem-solving, lab work and projects needing theoretical understanding and practical know-how.
• Architecture: Architecture is one of the longest degrees, often taking up to seven years to complete. Students face tight deadlines for design projects and spend long hours mastering artistic and scientific principles. The balance between innovative design and strict engineering standards makes it particularly demanding.

Although they don’t make our top five list, honourable mentions go to Law, Physics and Astrophysics, Maths, Computer Science and Pharmacy – which are all recognised as challenging.

To learn about the easiest and hardest UK universities to get into (and the easiest degrees!), don’t miss our detailed guides.

What degree has the highest dropout rate in the UK?

According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency, the UK degree with the highest dropout rate is Computer Science. It has a dropout rate of just under 10%.

So why? Well, many are drawn to the field by the promise of high-paying jobs and the relevance of AI technology. But the reality of the degree can be much more difficult than expected. Complex coding, algorithms and abstract problem-solving often prove challenging, leading to high dropout rates.

Interestingly, dropout rates have increased by 28% over the last five years, with students reporting financial and mental health pressures. It’s something the government is actively looking into, to improve course quality, student support and employment outcomes.

What’s the most stressful degree?

While stress levels can vary from person to person, Medicine is regarded as the most stressful degree due to the emotional and physical demands. It’s also the most difficult degree, so this stands to reason.

Medical students face a rigorous schedule, high academic pressure and intense clinical placements, often with long hours. The stakes are high, as mistakes have life-or-death consequences. However, it also has one of the lowest dropout rates (at 1.5%). This shows that despite the stress, students feel it’s worthwhile.

Other degrees reported as stressful include Law, where competition for top placements is fierce. So students often feel pressure to achieve a first-class degree.

Aligning with the most difficult subjects, stress tends to spike in degrees with heavy workloads and high expectations, such as Engineering, Physics and Architecture, where students pull long hours to meet complex deadlines.

What’s the most regretted degree?

The most regretted degrees don’t necessarily match the most difficult and stressful subjects. Many students choose a degree only to find it doesn’t align with their career goals or the opportunities they hoped for. 

As such, degrees in Humanities and Social Sciences, such as Journalism, Philosophy, Sociology, Fine Art and English Literature, are among the most regretted. 

While these subjects can be intellectually enriching, many graduates feel they don’t provide as many job opportunities. Students regret not pursuing degrees with more direct routes to employment in high-demand sectors like tech, engineering or healthcare.

What degrees are hard to get a job with?

When choosing a degree, it’s sensible to think about how it translates into job opportunities. As we’ve seen, some degrees lead to clear career paths, while others make it trickier to land a job immediately. 

But don’t worry. Every degree has its strengths. With the right approach, you can still build a successful career. 

Here are the degrees considered more challenging in the job market:

• Philosophy: Philosophy encourages you to think deeply and critically, but it doesn’t link to a specific career. Jobs in education, writing or consulting are possible, though you might need to build additional skills or take further studies to stand out.
• Fine Arts: A Fine Arts degree lets you dive into creative fields like painting, sculpture or performance, but finding steady work can be tough. Many fine arts graduates work as freelancers, which means you’ll need persistence, networking skills and the ability to promote yourself.
• Anthropology and Archaeology: Anthropology and Archaeology are fascinating subjects, but jobs related to these fields can be scarce. Graduates often find roles in education, research or museums.
• Music: Music is a passion for many, but turning it into a stable career is another story. Jobs in the industry are competitive, and freelancing is common. Many music graduates also pursue teaching or producing to supplement their performance work.
• English Literature: With a degree in English literature, you’ll develop excellent writing and analysis skills, but the career options aren’t always obvious. You might find opportunities in publishing, editing or teaching, though some roles require extra qualifications or experience.

Which is the most respected degree?

When it comes to degrees commanding the most respect, these match the most difficult subjects.

Take Law, for instance. It’s celebrated for its intellectual challenge and the significant impact it has on society. Medicine is another prime example, revered for its life-saving potential and extensive study. Engineering also stands out, as it blends practical skills with complex theoretical knowledge.

Degrees like Maths and Philosophy also enjoy respect for their intellectual depth and sharp analytical skills.

But remember, while it’s great to know which degrees are highly regarded, the most important factor should be your interests and passions. Ultimately, choosing a degree that excites you and aligns with your goals leads to the most fulfilling career path.

What’s the most taken degree in the UK?

Business and Management is the most popular degree in the UK. It offers great flexibility, allowing graduates to enter finance, marketing, entrepreneurship – or any sector you fancy.

But close behind are Medicine, Social Sciences, Creative Arts, Computing and Engineering.

In terms of the figures, here are the applicant numbers (reported by UCAS) for 2023.

• Medicine and Dentistry: 126,030 applicants
• Psychology: 151,080 applicants
• Law: 158,730 applicants
• Biological and Sport Sciences: 171,750 applicants
• Engineering and Technology: 189,030 applicants
• Computing: 195,690 applicants
• Design, Creative and Performing Arts: 261,840 applicants
• Social Sciences: 330,370 applicants
• Business and Management: 381,020 applicants

Which degree is the most valuable in the UK?

When it comes to the most valuable degrees in the UK, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence currently lead the pack. With technology evolving at a breakneck pace, these graduates are highly sought-after. 

Demand is particularly strong in areas like cybersecurity, software development and data science. Indeed, the UK is the third country in the world to have a tech sector valued over £1 trillion – underscoring the need for skilled and ambitious professionals.

Nonetheless, “traditional” degrees like Medicine, Law and Engineering are still incredibly valuable. These courses not only provide strong earning potential but also offer stability and security.

But if these fields aren’t your cup of tea, here are other valuable degrees in the UK job market:

• Business and Management: Giving graduates skills applicable to various sectors, from corporate roles to entrepreneurial ventures.
• Economics: Valued for analytical and problem-solving skills, making it a strong choice for roles in finance, government and consultancy.
• Data Science: With the rise of big data, Data Science graduates are increasingly in demand – helping businesses analyse complex data sets to inform strategic planning.
• Environmental Science: As environmental concerns grow, this degree prepares graduates for careers in sustainability, conservation and environmental management.

Which degree pays the most in the UK?

If you’re aiming for a high-paying career in the UK, certain degrees stand out. Many of the most difficult degrees also top earnings charts. They provide skills and experience that not everyone can achieve, so it stands to reason.

While Medicine graduates start around £28,000-£32,000, experienced specialists can easily earn six-figure salaries, especially in private practice. Dentistry follows closely, offering up to £40,000 for new grads, with private practice specialists exceeding £100,000.

Engineering, especially in fields like Aerospace Engineering, also pays well. Starting salaries range from £25,000-£40,000, with experienced engineers and managers earning £80,000 or more. Law and Finance (particularly Accounting) are equally lucrative, with starting salaries around £40,000 and top earners in both fields easily topping £100,000.

Looking for more insights on salaries? Here’s an in-depth look at the highest paying graduate jobs and the highest paying jobs without a degree.

If you’re uncertain about your choices, our academic coaching services are here to help. Whether it’s university applications, preparing for A Level exams or enhancing your job prospects, we’ll guide you through the entire journey. Get in touch today for expert support and advice.