So, you’ve just finished your A-levels, college course or gap year of “soul-searching” (read: working part-time and bingeing Netflix), and now you’re thinking about uni. But what’s everyone else signing up for these days? If you’re struggling to decide what degree is for you, why not take some inspiration from the latest cohort of students? The most recent enrolment data available from Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) show which degrees, or courses, have are the most popular among university students. It’s interesting to see which subjects are clearly a favourite, and which are more niche let’s say. And let’s just say… you lot have vibes when it comes to course choices. From budding business moguls to the next generation of nurses, here’s what’s hot on campus right now with our list of the 10 most popular university degrees.
Top 10 most popular degrees
- Business and management
- Subjects allied to medicine
- Social sciences
- Computing
- Design, and creative and performing arts
- Engineering adn technology
- Law
- Psychology
- Education and teaching
- Biological and sport
Read on to find out the student numbers (in their thousands) per degree subject from the latest data available.
1. Business and management – 595, 620
Coming in with a big boss energy, Business and Management is the Beyoncé of degrees – consistently top of the charts, absolutely everywhere, and somehow always on trend. Nearly 600k students have enrolled in business-related degrees this year. That’s right, more than half a million future CEOs, entrepreneurs, and LinkedIn influencers in training. Maybe it’s the flexible career paths, maybe it’s the dream of launching the next Deliveroo, or maybe it’s just that everyone secretly wants to wear a suit and say “let’s circle back” in meetings. Whatever it is, this degree continues to be a magnet for ambitious minds.
2. Subjects allied to medicine – 365,850
This category includes all the health-adjacent degrees – think nursing, pharmacy, and anatomy. Basically, all the degrees you definitely don’t want your flatmate doing if you’re trying to have a quiet lie-in (hello 6am shifts and endless flashcards).
Over half of students in this group are studying nursing, and around 80% are female – queens of compassion, unite. Shoutout to all the future healthcare heroes. You deserve free coffee forever. Find more female-dominated degrees here.
3. Social sciences – 279, 860
From sociology and politics to international relations, the social sciences are where you’ll find the curious minds who love asking big questions (and occasionally starting heated debates in seminars). It’s the go-to for students who want to change the world – or at least sound really smart at the pub. These degrees often lead to careers in policy, research, or simply being the most informed person in your friend group.
Read more on what you can do with a sociology degree here.
4. Computing – 192,140
Up by 5% this year, computing degrees are having a glow-up – no doubt boosted by the world’s growing obsession with tech, AI, and whatever the heck the metaverse is supposed to be. A massive 74% of students on these courses are male, which means there’s loads of room for more gender diversity. Calling all future girlboss coders – the tech world needs you! And let’s not forget, these degrees can lead to high-paying jobs in one of the fastest-growing sectors out there. Cha-ching.
Read more about the degrees with the highest percentage of males here.
5. Design, and creative and performing arts – 182,370
Ah, the cool kids. This lot are out here writing plays, designing logos, filming documentaries, and generally giving art-school energy. If you’ve ever wandered into a uni building and heard someone saying “It’s about the conceptual texture of the piece,” you were probably in this department.
It’s not the most traditional route, but it’s packed with passion, creativity and possibly a few existential crises about whether your sculpture of a toaster really captures the fragility of modern life.
6. Engineering and technology – 179, 015
The STEM kings and queens. This group of most popular degrees includes everything from mechanical engineering to aerospace tech and robotics.
Unsurprisingly, 78% of these students are male, which again highlights that there’s still some way to go in terms of balance. But hey, the next generation of engineers are building our future – literally. Bridges, planes, electric cars… and probably fixing the WiFi.
Also, side note: anyone who can make sense of circuit diagrams deserves eternal respect and possibly a knighthood.
7. Law – 144, 900
Justice is trending. Law students are out here with their colour-coded notes, courtroom dreams, and a mild addiction to Suits.
Whether it’s about fighting injustice or just loving a good argument, law remains one of the most solid, respected, and demanding degrees. Also, let’s be honest – nothing beats slamming a massive book shut for dramatic effect.
Plus, there’s something undeniably iconic about walking into a seminar dressed like you’re about to cross-examine someone.
8. Psychology – 139,965
The mind: mysterious, messy, and apparently very popular. Around 80% of psychology students are female, making it one of the most female-dominated subjects around and one of the most popular degrees.
These students are the ones reading people’s body language, analysing attachment styles, and low-key diagnosing their mates over cocktails. If you’ve ever had a friend say “That’s classic projection,” they’re probably a psych major. And honestly? They’re probably right.
Find more info about what you can do with a psychology degree here.
9. Education and teaching – 119, 115
The noble path. The unsung heroes. The people brave enough to take on 30 kids at once and still go home with a smile.
Education and teaching degrees have taken a 10% dip this year, though – a sign of the times? Maybe. But those who do enrol are overwhelmingly female (again, around 4 in 5), and truly deserve gold medals and extra long holidays. You know those teachers who changed your life? This is where they start.
10. Biological and sport – 115, 205
Biology + PE = this category. Whether they’re dissecting frogs or running fitness tests, these students are all about the science of life and movement.
And here’s an interesting stat: the proportion of female students in science subjects overall has crept up by 1% this year, now sitting at 44%, while the male numbers have stayed steady at 48%. Small wins, but still worth a celebratory protein shake.
Also, if you’ve ever wondered who actually enjoys anatomy flashcards… it’s these people. Legends.
What does it all mean?
So, what can we take away from all this?
- Business is booming. Always has been, always will be.
- The NHS needs you – and thousands are answering the call.
- Tech and science are climbing steadily, but there’s still a gender gap.
- The arts are alive and well (and very expressive).
- Psychology students are watching you and silently analysing everything you say.
Whether you’re choosing a course, changing direction, or just curious about what everyone else is studying – the UK’s uni scene is diverse, dynamic, and buzzing with potential. And while your degree might shape your future, it doesn’t define your entire life.
