Studying for a degree that will give you the best chance for a successful career is at the top of the list for many international students. With the advancement of technology, including artificial intelligence and robotics, many professions are undergoing significant changes. This requires a shift in thinking about the best subjects and degrees for the future.
Experts have estimated that many future jobs have yet to be invented. We explore which degrees will give you the best chance of adapting and thriving in a dynamic and evolving world.
Data science
With a projected employment growth rate of 35.2% by 2032, data scientists rank fourth in US News' Best Technology Jobs of 2024. The demand for data scientists is increasing rapidly because organisations and governments require the ability to organise and analyse large datasets to make informed political and business decisions and understand human behaviour.
As data collection increases due to the growing presence of artificial intelligence, the importance of data scientists in translating numbers into meaningful information becomes even more crucial.
To become a data scientist, you need to study one of the following fields:
During most of these courses, you will gain relevant skills in programming and coding, which is a vital part of any data science role. Some companies will also offer graduate schemes where you can train and develop your skill set in data science.
Aside from the longevity and increasing demand for data scientists, this profession is well-paid. According to Glassdoor, an entry-level data scientist in London can earn a yearly average of GBP 63,825. Senior data scientists can make an average of around GBP 82,000 per annum.
Check out the video below for practical tips on starting a career in data science.
Health and medicine
People always need medical care and assistance. As our life expectancy gets longer due to medical advancement, more healthcare professionals are required to care for the ageing population.
While some medical processes can be automated, there will always be the need for human interactions in healthcare settings. Qualities of a successful healthcare professional, such as empathy and intuition, cannot be easily replicated by machines.
Doctors and nurses must provide a holistic assessment of a patient’s needs, addressing not only their physical conditions but also their wellbeing and state of mind. In addition, healthcare professionals often face ethical dilemmas that computers are unlikely to resolve.
So, if you’ve been thinking about a medical career, you don't have to worry about your job becoming obsolete anytime soon. There are many options you can choose from in terms of medical specialisations, including:
- Neurology
- Anaesthesiology
- Dermatology
- Pathology
- Paediatrics
- Radiology
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
As a specialist doctor in the UK's National Health Service (NHS), you can expect to earn between GBP 52,000 and GBP 83,000 per year. You can make up to GBP 93,000 per year if you are a specialist-grade doctor.
Marketing and PR
Marketers use their creative flair and ability to employ words and imagery to convey messages. Coming up with new and innovative ideas would be very difficult for machines to imitate.
Digital marketing is particularly in high demand as consumers are predominantly online. Gaining digital skills will benefit any career you wish to pursue since so much of our everyday lives exist online. In the UK, the average salary of a digital marketing manager is around GBP 45,000 per year.
Similarly, PR, or public relations, is about networking and managing relationships. This profession requires strong interpersonal and communication skills that will always be highly employable despite the emergence of new technologies and automated processes.
A PR officer can expect to earn between GBP 25,000 and GBP 40,000 depending on experience, reaching up to GBP 100,000 for senior management positions.
Certain subjects are particularly relevant at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels to allow you to start a career in marketing or PR:
- English
- Media
- Psychology
- Marketing
- Journalism
Most PR and marketing roles are open to all graduates who can demonstrate their transferrable skills or relevant work experience. Watch the video below to learn more about digital marketing.
Social work
Empathy, understanding, compassion and emotional intelligence are just a few of the essential skills and attributes of any social worker which are unlikely to be adopted by machines any time soon. This role also requires critical thinking and ethical decision-making, which you must develop through training.
To become a social worker, you can study for an undergraduate degree in social work or choose another subject, followed by a master’s degree, which typically takes two years to complete.
The average salary for a newly qualified social worker is around GBP 33,000 in the UK, depending on location and experience. The figure can increase to around GBP 50,000 as your experience and responsibilities grow.
So, if you enjoy helping others, social work could be the right career for you, offering longevity, fulfilment and a stable income. The video below will tell you more about what to expect when starting a career in social work.
Robotics engineering
As mentioned, robotics is a rapidly evolving field that is only expected to grow over time. There is great demand for people with skills and knowledge in this area, making it a promising industry for those looking for a career with longevity.
Although controversial, robots enhance the efficiency of many processes and everyday tasks. For example, roboticists have designed machines that respond to natural disasters, preventing human risk. Robots are also used in healthcare, such as during surgeries, for increased precision and control.
So, how do you start a career in robotics? While not all jobs in robotics require a degree, getting one will benefit your career in the long term and is compulsory for some roles. Relevant degree subjects include:
- Artificial intelligence
- Mechanical engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Computer science
- Mathematics
- Psychology
- Physics
You could also develop your skills with a postgraduate degree in robotics to further specialise after an undergraduate degree. This is especially applicable if your undergraduate degree is not in robotics but in a related field that provides you with some foundational knowledge, such as engineering.
Once you qualify, you can start applying for roles in the robotics field, such as technicians, operators, or engineers. The average annual salary of a robotics engineer in the UK is around GBP 42,000, but this can increase to more than GBP 60,000 as your experience grows.
Now that you know which careers can stand the test of time, you are hopefully feeling more reassured and confident about which course you would like to study. Still unsure? Use our site search tool now to find the right course, university and destination.
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