Highest Unemployment Degrees UK: Fields to Rethink in 2026

Choosing a university degree is a significant decision that impacts career prospects for years to come. While many students select courses based on passion or interest, employment outcomes vary dramatically across different fields of study. Understanding which degrees face higher unemployment rates can help prospective students make more informed choices about their educational path.

Computing leads the UK's degree subjects with the highest unemployment rate at 8.18%, followed by mathematics at 6.75%, according to recent graduate outcome data. These figures come from surveys conducted 15 months after graduation, revealing that certain STEM fields unexpectedly struggle more than humanities subjects in the job market. Other degrees with elevated unemployment include media and communications, creative arts, and business management.

The overall graduate unemployment rate stands at around 6% as of early 2025, which remains significantly lower than the 14.3% unemployment rate for all 16-24 year olds. However, the gap between the most employable degrees like medicine and dentistry (1.54% unemployment) and the least employable options demonstrates the importance of considering career outcomes alongside personal interests when selecting a degree program.

Quick Answer: Which Degrees Have The Highest Unemployment In The UK

Computing has the highest unemployment rate among UK degree holders at 8.18%, based on data from graduates surveyed 15 months after completion. This finding challenges common assumptions about STEM subjects being the most employable degrees.

Mathematics follows as the second-highest at 6.75% unemployment. Media, journalism and communications graduates face a 6.63% unemployment rate, while design and creative performing arts sits at 6.59%.

Business management, often considered a safe career choice, shows a 6.34% unemployment rate among recent graduates.

Here are the degrees with the highest unemployment rates:

Degree Subject	Unemployment Rate
Computing	8.18%
Mathematics	6.75%
Media, journalism and communications	6.63%
Design and creative performing arts	6.59%
Business management	6.34%
Languages	6.16%
Physical sciences	5.89%
Law	5.79%

These figures come from the Graduate Outcomes survey, which tracks 870,295 students after they leave university. The data measures whether graduates are employed, in further study, or unemployed 15 months post-graduation.

Medicine and dentistry represent the opposite end of the spectrum with just 1.54% unemployment. Veterinary science follows at 2.02%, and subjects allied to medicine at 2.79%.

The overall unemployment rate across all graduates stands at 5%, with 61% in full-time employment and 6% pursuing further study.

Why These Degrees Struggle In The UK Job Market

Certain degrees face higher unemployment rates due to a fundamental mismatch between graduate numbers and available positions. Business and management courses, despite producing 204,460 graduates in 2023, flood the market with more candidates than employers can absorb. This oversupply creates fierce competition for limited roles.

Key factors driving graduate unemployment include:

• Limited industry demand for specialized skills

• Oversaturation of graduates in specific fields

• Lack of direct career pathways from degree to employment

• Economic conditions reducing entry-level hiring

Creative arts, design, and mass communications programs particularly struggle because these industries traditionally hire fewer graduates and often prioritize portfolio work or experience over formal qualifications. The sectors themselves are smaller and cannot accommodate the volume of qualified candidates entering the market annually.

Computer science degrees show a 9.2% dropout rate, the highest among all subjects. Those who complete these programs often lack the practical skills employers demand, creating a gap between academic learning and workplace requirements.

The broader economic environment compounds these challenges. With recent graduates facing a 12.7% unemployment rate in 2025, over 96,000 graduates remain jobless each academic year. Vacancy numbers have decreased across sectors, making it harder for graduates in already struggling fields to secure positions.

Some degrees lack clear professional pathways, leaving graduates uncertain about career options. Combined subjects and general studies programs especially suffer from this issue, as employers struggle to identify how these qualifications translate to specific job roles.

Degrees With Highest Unemployment Rates Breakdown

Creative arts, media, and humanities-focused degrees face the most significant employment challenges in the UK, with unemployment rates reaching above 6% for several programs. These fields struggle with limited job openings relative to the number of graduates entering the market each year.

Creative Arts And Design

Design and creative performing arts graduates face a 6.59% unemployment rate according to HESA's Graduate Outcomes Survey data. This figure positions creative degrees among the five worst-performing majors for employment outcomes 15 months after graduation.

The creative sector operates with irregular hiring patterns and high competition for limited positions. Many roles require portfolio development and freelance experience before securing permanent employment. Students often need additional time beyond the 15-month survey window to establish themselves professionally.

Competition intensifies as these programs attract large numbers of students passionate about artistic careers. The ratio of graduates to available positions creates a challenging job market even for talented individuals.

Media And Communications

Media, journalism, and communications degrees show a 6.63% unemployment rate, ranking as the third highest among all degree categories. This represents a significant challenge for graduates entering an industry undergoing major structural changes.

Traditional media outlets have reduced staff numbers while digital platforms demand different skill sets than many programs provide. The shift from print to online journalism has eliminated numerous entry-level positions that previously served as career starting points.

Graduates often compete with experienced professionals for the same roles, making initial market entry particularly difficult. Unpaid internships remain common, which can delay full employment for recent graduates seeking to build necessary experience and industry connections.

Drama And Performing Arts

Drama and performing arts fall within the broader creative arts category that experiences elevated unemployment rates above 6%. The performance industry operates on project-based contracts rather than traditional employment structures.

Performers typically piece together income from multiple sources including temporary productions, teaching, and unrelated jobs. This employment pattern means many graduates appear unemployed in surveys even when actively working in their field.

Geographic concentration of opportunities presents another barrier. Most professional performance work concentrates in major cities, requiring graduates to relocate or accept limited local options. Audition processes create long gaps between paid engagements, contributing to measured unemployment rates.

Combined Or General Studies

Combined and general studies programs show a 3.32% unemployment rate, performing better than many specialized degrees. These interdisciplinary programs give students broad knowledge across multiple subjects rather than deep expertise in one area.

Employers sometimes struggle to identify where these graduates fit within organizational structures. Job postings typically request specific degree backgrounds, placing combined studies graduates at a disadvantage against specialized candidates.

The flexibility these programs offer can become a weakness during hiring. Graduates must effectively articulate how their diverse knowledge applies to specific roles, requiring strong communication skills and strategic job search approaches.

Philosophy And Religious Studies

Philosophy and religious studies programs fall within the history and philosophy category, which shows a 5.35% unemployment rate. These humanities degrees develop critical thinking and analytical skills but lack direct vocational pathways.

Graduates pursue diverse career options including education, publishing, nonprofit work, and business roles. The absence of clear professional routes means students must independently identify and pursue relevant opportunities.

Many philosophy graduates continue to postgraduate study, which can delay employment outcomes measured in the Graduate Outcomes Survey. Those entering the job market directly often require time to translate their theoretical knowledge into practical workplace applications that employers value.

What You Can Do If You Choose These Degrees

Choosing a degree with higher unemployment rates doesn't mean career failure is inevitable. Students can take strategic steps during their studies to improve their employment prospects significantly.

Gaining practical experience through internships, work placements, or volunteer positions is essential. Employers value hands-on skills and real-world exposure, which can distinguish graduates from others with similar qualifications. Many universities offer placement years or short-term industry projects that provide this experience.

Building a professional network matters considerably in competitive fields. Students should attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with alumni working in their desired sectors. These relationships often lead to job opportunities that never appear on public job boards.

Developing transferable skills alongside subject-specific knowledge increases employability. Skills like project management, data analysis, digital literacy, and communication are valued across multiple industries. Students can acquire these through extracurricular activities, online courses, or part-time work.

Consider these additional strategies:

• Pursue relevant certifications or short courses that complement the degree

• Create a portfolio showcasing projects, research, or creative work

• Develop a strong online professional presence through LinkedIn

• Learn industry-standard software and technical tools

• Seek mentorship from professionals in the field

• Be geographically flexible when searching for first jobs

Students might also explore postgraduate study if their field typically requires advanced qualifications. Some degrees serve as stepping stones to specialized training rather than direct employment. Researching career paths early allows students to plan their academic journey accordingly and make informed decisions about further education or entry-level positions.

Better Alternatives: Degrees With Low Unemployment In The UK

Medicine and dentistry stand as the most employable degrees in the UK, with an unemployment rate of just 1.54 per cent. Medical graduates find themselves in high demand across NHS trusts and private healthcare facilities.

Veterinary science follows closely with only 2.02 per cent of graduates unemployed 15 months after completing their studies. Institutions like the Royal Veterinary College prepare students for careers in clinical practice, research, and animal welfare.

Subjects allied to medicine offer strong employment prospects with a 2.79 per cent unemployment rate. These programmes include nursing, physiotherapy, radiography, and occupational therapy. The NHS and private healthcare sector actively recruit these graduates.

Education and teaching degrees maintain low unemployment at 2.93 per cent. Graduates with a PGCE or qualified teacher status benefit from consistent demand in primary and secondary schools across the country.

Here are the degrees with the lowest unemployment rates:

Degree Subject	Unemployment Rate
Medicine and dentistry	1.54%
Veterinary science	2.02%
Subjects allied to medicine	2.79%
Education and teaching	2.93%
Combined and general studies	3.32%

These programmes typically require specific entry requirements and professional placements. Many lead directly to regulated professions with clear career pathways. The data reflects graduate outcomes 15 months after leaving university, based on HESA's graduate outcome survey of 870,295 students.

Free 15 Min UK Study & Career Plan With EduMox

Choosing the right degree requires careful consideration of employment prospects and career outcomes. Students planning to study in the UK benefit from expert guidance to navigate degree options and avoid fields with limited job opportunities.

EduMox offers a complimentary 15-minute consultation to help prospective students make informed decisions about their academic future. This session provides personalized guidance for studying in the UK, Ireland, and France.

The consultation covers several key areas:

• Profile evaluation to assess academic background and career goals

• Degree program recommendations based on employment data and market trends

• University selection aligned with individual aspirations

• Career pathway planning to maximize post-graduation opportunities

EduMox's Alumni Students specialize in overseas education and understand the UK higher education landscape. They provide insights into which degrees offer strong employment rates and which sectors face higher unemployment challenges.

The free session helps students create a personalized study abroad roadmap. This strategic approach ensures degree choices align with both interests and realistic career prospects in the current job market.

Booking the consultation is straightforward. Students can schedule online through EduMox's platform to connect with expert alumni students who provide specialized support for international academic success.

This guidance proves particularly valuable when evaluating degrees across different sectors, as employment outcomes vary significantly between fields. Professional advice helps students avoid programs with limited job prospects while identifying opportunities that match their capabilities and goals.