Making it to university is an incredibly big deal. This is especially so when you are the first in your family to do so. Numerous students decide to choose popular degrees such as Law or science to name a few. Some students do the opposite, this is generally met with scepticism and rightly so. These degrees are notorious for their impracticality employment wise making them the most pointless degrees to study at university.

Although this article is comprised of satire and sincerity, you are nonetheless advised to hear what we have to say. We wouldn’t want you to have to pay off your student loan for a degree you never use.

Advertising

Advertising degree

We start off with advertising. Advertising is quite limited, point blank. You’ll find that besides advertising agencies, this degree may not be that applicable to other jobs. These shortcomings are easily avoided by alternatively taking a marketing degree. This is much more attractive to employers.

Anthropology and Archaeology

Anthropology and Archaeology degree

Steady on Indiana Jones!

Anthropology and archaeology have terrible reputations and they are well earned. While a respected field, various students undertaking these subjects are met with grim job prospects afterwards. Having to fight tooth and nail with each just to find an unpaid internship “good for experience”. It’s tough out there, to stand out many students decide to do their masters.

If you want to skip the hustle and grind for free here is our list of degrees with the highest starting salaries in the UK.

Philosophy

Philosophy degree

Ah Philosophy, what can we say about this degree that hasn’t already been said in various student forums by self-deprecating students.

There is nothing wrong with pursuing a passion but be advised, choosing philosophy will limit your employment prospects incredibly. This often leads to it being added to the list of the most pointless degrees.

But don’t lose hope, we’ve compiled a list of the things you can do with philosophy, you can check it out here.

Culinary Arts

Culinary Arts degree

Up next is culinary arts! The biggest criticism the degree gets is that it is completely unnecessary. Unless you have discovered a pathway to cooking with Gordon Ramsey, we suggest avoiding this degree.

If you don’t particularly fancy spending 27 thousand pounds to learn how to cook, you should be able to find work that will teach you on the job!

Making culinary arts of the most pointless degrees you can find.

Fashion design

Fashion design

It makes sense that students go to university for fashion design. The inspirational stories and methods are valuable and can help you start or your own clothing line.

Although there lies the problem, you generally need a number of factors in order to succeed:

  • An impressive portfolio
  • A good network to share ideas and collab with other designers
  • A blog
  • Money

If these different variables are not a problem, you may find that you don’t even need the degree to progress your business. And if you are looking to become a fashion marketer, grad jobs with big brands are intimidatingly competitive.

Unfortunately this is another course that may not benefit you in the long run.

Without these things breaking into the fashion world can be quite difficult.

There are several steps you can take to validate yourself in the fashion world. Conversely, if you are willing to go the extra mile this will be one the most pointless degrees you could choose.

Alternatives such as graphic design are considered more practical.

English

English degree

 At the expense of some of our talented writers here at Unifresher (myself included), we arrive at English. These degrees have long been mocked with many questioning its practical use in the world. “what are you going to do? Be a teacher?”

English has long been described as one the most pointless degrees. In its defence, the skills you learn can be applied to most jobs especially if substantiated with relevant experience. This counts for most of the jobs on this list!

We are aware of the flack creative degrees receive. Making the decision to go forward with studying these subjects demands hard work and focus in order to receive the best results.

Tourism and Hospitality

Tourism and Hospitality degree

Finally, we have tourism and hospitality. A less popular choice usually accompanied by a concerned “why?” Tourism has had better days.  The industry has been incredibly unstable as of late due to the pandemic. Students often find themselves lost after this degree’s completion. This is sad considering that this field can be broken into with attending university, most places will simply train you on the job.

Make sure that what you decide to study coincides with your goals in life.

This has been the most pointless degrees to study at university. We hope you’ve enjoyed it! Before you go there are a few key things to know. Your course is what you make it and your opportunities will be linked to the work you put in.

In conclusion, some fields are simply hard to break into. Mapping out your journey before you start your degree is extremely useful. You can supplement your study by working part-time, this is attractive to employers. You can find the perfect pathway with website prospects.

Also keep an eye out for apprenticeship programmes which will be offer study and experience.

Know of any other pointless degrees? Let us know in the comment section below!