Key takeaways
- Easiest degrees are subjective but include education, media, and sociology
- Consider workload and assessment methods
- Choose based on interest, not ease alone
Have you ever wondered what the easiest degrees to study in the UK are? We definitely have. And let’s be honest — getting a degree without spending every waking hour buried in textbooks sounds ideal.
Of course, the “easiest” degree will always be the one that suits your natural strengths. But according to UCAS 2026 data, some courses consistently have very low entry requirements, flexible assessments, foundation years, and fewer high-pressure exams.
So, if you’re applying to university and want a course that’s a little more forgiving, here are some of the easiest degrees you can study in the UK in 2026, based on courses currently available with some of the lowest UCAS tariff points.
1. Business Management (with Foundation Year)
Business degrees continue to dominate the lowest UCAS tariff lists in 2026, especially when offered with foundation years or January starts. Courses such as Business Management, Business Management (Marketing), and Business Management (Human Resource Management) can be found with entry requirements as low as 1 UCAS point.
These degrees are largely coursework-based and focus on practical skills like teamwork, presentations, reports, and case studies rather than exams. They’re a popular choice if you want a flexible degree that leads into a wide range of careers.
2. Finance & Economics (with Foundation Year)
Surprisingly, Finance and Economics degrees now appear among the lowest-entry courses on UCAS — but only when paired with a foundation year. Courses such as Finance, Finance with a Year in Industry, and Economics and Finance are available from as little as 1–2 UCAS points.
The foundation year is designed to ease you into the subject, making it far more manageable than jumping straight into a traditional finance degree.
3. Childhood, Family & Education Studies
Education-related degrees consistently rank as some of the most accessible university courses. In 2026, Childhood, Family and Education Studies degrees with foundation years are available with extremely low tariff requirements.
These courses focus on social development, education systems, and childhood wellbeing. Assessment is usually essay- and coursework-based, which makes them a good option if exams aren’t your strength.
4. Health & Social Care (with Foundation Year)
Health and Social Care degrees appear regularly in low-entry UCAS searches, particularly when offered part-time or with foundation years. Entry requirements often range from 1–48 UCAS points, depending on study mode.
The course content is practical, people-focused, and often assessed through coursework, reflective writing, and placements rather than traditional exams.
5. Music Performance & Music Production
Music degrees remain some of the lowest-tariff creative courses in the UK. In 2026, specialist providers offer Music Performance, Music Production, and Creative Artist degrees from around 18 UCAS points, often including a foundation year.
If you already have musical ability, these degrees can feel far more natural than academic subjects, as assessment is usually performance- or portfolio-based.
6. Rap, MC & Contemporary Music
Yes — even Rap. Courses such as Rap & MC and contemporary music performance now appear on UCAS with entry requirements as low as 16 UCAS points.
These degrees are highly practical and creative, focusing on performance, songwriting, production, and stage presence. Exams are minimal, making them appealing for students who thrive in hands-on environments.
7. Interactive Media & Creative Technology
Creative digital courses like Interactive Media sit comfortably in the low-tariff bracket, often requiring 18–24 UCAS points. These degrees blend creativity with basic tech skills and are usually assessed through projects rather than exams.
If you’re interested in digital content, media, or creative technology but don’t want a heavily technical computer science degree, this is a strong option.
8. Art & Contemporary Practice
Fine art and contemporary practice degrees are widely available with 21–24 UCAS points in 2026. These courses prioritise portfolios, creative development, and studio work over academic grades.
Assessment is almost entirely coursework-based, making them one of the most exam-light degrees you can study.
9. Computing (with Foundation Year)
Computing degrees with foundation years appear consistently in the 21–24 UCAS point range. While computing can be challenging at higher levels, the foundation year is designed for beginners and removes much of the initial difficulty.
This makes it one of the more accessible routes into tech for students without strong maths or computing backgrounds.
10. Animal, Agriculture & Conservation Degrees
Courses such as Animal Management, Animal Science, Agriculture, and Conservation and Community Engagement are available from around 32 UCAS points.
These degrees are popular because they combine practical learning with coursework-based assessment and are often less exam-heavy than traditional science degrees.
11. Psychology (with Foundation Year)
Psychology degrees with foundation years remain some of the most popular low-entry courses on UCAS in 2026. Courses like Psychology with Education or Psychology with Sport and Exercise can be found from around 31–96 UCAS points, depending on the provider.
The foundation year significantly reduces difficulty, and assessment is typically split between essays, reports, and manageable exams.
Low entry requirements don’t mean low value. In 2026, foundation years, January starts, and flexible entry routes have made university more accessible than ever.
If you’re worried about grades or just want a degree that won’t completely take over your life, these courses offer a realistic and achievable route into higher education.
Alternatively, if you’re still stuck for ideas on what to study at university. Then check out our list of the most useful university degrees to study in the UK too.
Authors
-
Aminah is a dedicated content expert and writer at Unifresher, bringing a unique blend of creativity and precision to her work. Her passion for crafting engaging content is complemented by a love for travelling, cooking, and exploring languages. With years spent living in cultural hubs like Barcelona, Sicily, and Rome, Aminah has gained a wealth of experiences that enrich her perspective. Now based back in her hometown of Manchester, she continues to immerse herself in the city's vibrant atmosphere. An enthusiastic Manchester United supporter, Aminah also enjoys delving into psychology and true crime in her spare time.
View all posts -
Hi, I'm Rachel! I'm a French and International Relations student at the University of Exeter. When I'm not studying, I'm usually reading a good fiction book or listening to pop culture podcasts! Or, you'll find me reading the guests' essays from the New York Times.
View all posts


Nightlife
Freshers
Sustainability
Employability
Inclusion
Innovation
Happiness
Societies