Final A Level exam results are looming and it’s time to think about which university degree you might fancy studying next. Exciting times!
Since you have so many options to choose from, how do you decide what’s best for you?
This blog post will give you the lowdown on some of the most popular degree subjects among UK university applicants and qualifications needed.
Why Pay Attention to Popularity?
You definitely don’t have to go with one of the most in-demand degree subjects – choosing a less common course can work out great too. Smaller class sizes and all that.
But looking at the most popular options is a decent starting point for a few good reasons:
- They tend to connect to career areas with loads of jobs going.
- More universities offer these subjects, so you’ve got flexibility in where you can study.
- You’ll likely find it easier to get advice and mentoring.
- High popularity means loads of societies, events and support.
Now, let’s explore the subjects themselves!
1. Business & Management Degrees
It will come as no surprise that degrees in Business, Management, Accounting, Marketing and related subjects have long been hugely popular choices for UK university applicants.
In 2022, over 500,000 UK students applied for Business & Management degrees making this the number one subject area right now.
So why does everyone want to study Business? Well, these degrees open up a ton of career options from banking to starting your own company one day.
You gain core skills in leadership, data analysis, communicating, working in teams and much more – stuff employers really want.
Another plus is tailoring your degree by choosing modules in marketing, finance, economics or other specialisms matching your interests.
And you can study a Business degree at practically any university, though some have more prestige in this field.
Competition for places can be fierce, with top Business Management degrees often asking for AAA or AAB at A Level.
But the popularity means loads of support too. Most universities have very active Business & Management societies to connect with others and get career guidance.
Overall, a brilliant choice if you envision a commercial career for yourself.
2. Computer Science & IT Degrees
Another subject area that just keeps growing in popularity is Computer Science. From app development to video game design, cyber security to AI, the tech sector keeps expanding.
And skilled tech professionals are in major demand. So no wonder Computing and IT related degrees attracted over 94,000 UK applicants last year.
There’s particular hunger for specialised degrees in Software Engineering, Computer Games and Web Development.
One reason Computer Science has overtaken more traditional degrees is excellent job prospects. Tech firms are desperate for graduates with coding and data skills.
Starting salaries for Computer Science grads average over £25,000. Some tech degrees like Cyber Security ask for A Level grades which gets even higher!
But broader Computing/IT degrees are more flexible on grades. To thrive in this field you need logic, creativity and grit.
A tech degree can set you up for an exciting, lucrative career. If you’ve got an analytical mind and passion for technology, Computing could be a top choice.
3. Engineering & Manufacturing
Fancy designing the latest gadgets, building future eco-friendly aircraft or manufacturing state-of-the-art medical kit? Then consider a degree in Engineering & Manufacturing.
While not as popular as Business or Computing, Engineering still saw around 38,000 UK university applicants last year.
Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace and Chemical Engineering are most common degree options. But choices like Robotics, Renewable Energies or Biomedical Engineering are growing fast.
Why study Engineering? We still manufacture loads of stuff in Britain and engineers earn good pay packets. Starting salaries are around £27,000 – £29,000.
Engineering also lets you turn ideas into practical, useful products. Job satisfaction ahoy!
Strong Maths skills are essential so A Level Maths/Further Maths grades need to be top notch. Physics is also recommended.
Leading engineering degrees ask for A*AA or AAA grades. But this field offers great scope to apply science for society’s benefit.
If you’ve got an analytical mindset and practical skills, Engineering could be very rewarding.
4. Psychology
Have you always been fascinated by what makes people tick? Then consider Psychology, another highly popular degree choice.
The appeal of Psychology is studying topics like memory, emotions, human development, group behaviour and more.
You’ll learn a mix of scientific research methods and psychological theories. There’s also the chance to specialise in fields like clinical psychology or sports psychology.
A Psychology degree builds your analytical and communication skills to an advanced level. And you gain insight into human motivation which is useful in many careers.
Popular jobs for Psychology graduates include marketing, HR, social work, prison services and therapy roles.
Psychology asks for strong science grades as you’ll handle complex research statistics. Typical A Level offers are AAB or ABB, sometimes seeking an A in Biology or Maths.
Entry is quite competitive, so excellent writing skills will help your application. Overall Psychology offers intellectual challenge and equips you for careers working with people.
5. Law
The Law degree remains attractive to people who love intellectual debate, scrutinising legal texts and representing clients.
You’ll cover concepts like contract law, criminal law and human rights. There’s also the chance to specialise later e.g. in corporate law or family law.
You develop robust analytical skills and rhetorical flair. And gain insight into how laws shape society.
The Law degree prepares you for careers like solicitor, barrister, paralegal and legal clerk. But getting into the legal profession is tough nowadays with fierce competition for training contracts and pupillages.
Some Law grads use their skills in other roles like police, finance, politics or academia. With Law being so popular, grades requirements are steep. Typical A Level offers are AAA to AAB, sometimes seeking an A in English.
But if you’ve got top grades and determination, Law offers intellectual reward and real social impact.
6. Medicine & Dentistry
Becoming a doctor remains one of the most coveted careers.
With the NHS facing staff shortages, Medicine’s appeal is still strong. It offers rewarding patient care, intellectual challenge and good long-term prospects.
You typically need at least AAA at A Level including Chemistry and Biology. Maths, Physics or Psychology are also useful.
As well as excellent grades, substantial work experience is expected to demonstrate your commitment.
Clinical skills, communication and empathy are vital so Medicine degrees seek well-rounded candidates. But make it through and you’ll benefit from first-class teaching hospitals and huge career options.
A similar picture emerges in Dentistry which had over 4,300 applicants last year. While not as competitive as Medicine, you still need around AAB at A Level, with Biology and Chemistry preferred.
Dentistry provides varied and flexible work caring for patients’ oral health. The UK needs more skilled dentists so it’s a career with strong prospects if you have the motivation.
7. Arts & Humanities
Moving away from the sciences, the Arts and Humanities remain hugely popular degree areas.
Over 120,000 UK students applied for diverse subjects including:
- English Literature – analysing texts and creative writing.
- History – studying different time periods and cultures.
- Philosophy – developing reasoning skills.
- Languages – achieving fluency in French, Spanish etc.
- Music – performance, composition and theory.
- Drama – acting, directing, technical theatre.
The appeal is exploring culture, creativity and ideas. English Literature remains a top pick for strong writers who enjoy analysing texts.
Classics and Liberal Arts allow you to study very diverse subjects. Career-wise, the Arts/Humanities equip you for fields like media, education, museums, journalism and entertainment.
Analytical skills are valued by many employers. But being less vocational than Engineering say, arts careers can be very competitive.
Entry grades vary by subject but tend to be around ABB-BBC at A Level. Demonstrating passion through music, writing or drama helps too.
Overall the Arts and Humanities offer intellectual reward and allow you to study inspirational topics in depth.
8. What About Computer Science A Levels?
Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security or Computer Games, having Computer Science A Level shows important foundations.
The syllabus covers programming basics like data structures, algorithms, and building computational solutions. You’ll use languages like Python to handle tasks like sorting data, manipulating files, or applying AI decision making.
There’s also focus on computing theory, like how processors execute instructions and communicate.
These core concepts underpin higher study and careers in tech. A Computer Science A Level shows universities you have aptitude for logical thinking and coding – essential in software, aerospace, finance and more.
Computer Science also suits people who enjoy solving logical problems and making machines work efficiently. Creating your own programs and getting code to run gives a real thrill.
And computing roles tend to be very lucrative, which adds appeal. Just be aware that Computer Science A Level requires strong maths skills to handle processes like binary maths and Boolean algebra.
So it combines well with Maths or Further Maths A Levels. Expect reasonable exam questions but some challenging programming projects to stretch you.
Overall, Computer Science A Level gives a valuable head start for tech degrees while keeping career options open. Even if you don’t pursue a computing degree, programming knowledge will serve you well.
The demand for digital skills across all industries shows no sign of slowing down.
So, What’s Right For You?
Don’t just follow the crowd – make sure the course genuinely excites you. Think about your favourite A Level topics as these often align well with degrees.
Talk to family, friends, careers advisors and current university students about their experiences. Attend open days to get a feel for different courses and campuses.
Good luck with your degree applications! Let me know if any other tips would be helpful.
