Calling a degree “useless” is always a bit harsh — but when we look at official graduate outcomes data, it’s clear that some subjects lead to weaker employment outcomes 15 months after graduation than others.
Using the latest HESA Graduate Outcomes survey for the 2022/23 academic year, we’ve looked at full-time employment, unemployment, further study and unpaid work by subject area. The degrees below tend to have lower full-time employment rates, higher unemployment, or more graduates stuck in unpaid or temporary work shortly after leaving university. Important: this data reflects outcomes 15 months after graduation, not long-term career potential.
1. Media, journalism & communications
Media and journalism degrees are often criticised for poor job prospects — and the data shows why they struggle early on.
Out of 6,140 graduates with known outcomes, only 3,520 were in full-time employment 15 months after graduating. A further 1,085 graduates were working part-time, suggesting many were still trying to break into competitive industries. At the same time, 430 graduates were unemployed, while 120 were in voluntary or unpaid roles. Another 220 graduates had gone into full-time further study.
This reflects the reality of the media industry: entry-level roles are scarce, unpaid internships remain common, and many graduates freelance before securing stable work. While long-term success is possible, early career stability is far from guaranteed.
2. Design, creative & performing arts
Creative degrees are among the most passion-driven — but also some of the least secure straight after university.
According to HESA, 27,545 graduates in design and creative subjects had known outcomes. Of these, 11,950 were in full-time employment, while a striking 7,765 were working part-time. This suggests a large proportion were piecing together income through freelance or short-term work rather than holding stable graduate roles.
In addition, 1,940 graduates were unemployed, and 455 were in unpaid or voluntary positions, often to build portfolios or gain experience. A further 940 graduates had entered full-time further study. These figures highlight how creative careers often take time to develop — something not all students fully appreciate before choosing the degree.
3. Combined & general studies
Combined and general studies degrees offer flexibility, but that lack of specialisation can hurt early employability.
Out of 2,520 graduates with known outcomes, only 1,125 were in full-time employment. Another 360 were working part-time, while 140 graduates were unemployed. A notable 165 graduates had moved into full-time further study, suggesting that many felt their undergraduate degree alone wasn’t enough to enter the job market confidently.
Employers often look for clear subject focus at entry level, which can put combined studies graduates at a disadvantage compared to those with more specialised degrees.
4. Geography, earth & environmental studies (social sciences)
While environmental and geographical knowledge is increasingly important, social-science-focused geography degrees show weaker early outcomes.
Among 1,930 graduates with known outcomes, 1,195 were in full-time employment 15 months after graduation. However, 135 graduates were only in part-time work, and 130 were unemployed — a relatively high proportion given the size of the cohort. Another 135 graduates had gone on to full-time further study.
This suggests many graduates need additional qualifications or experience before securing stable graduate-level roles.
5. Historical, philosophical & religious studies
Humanities degrees are often labelled “useless” — not because they lack value, but because they don’t lead directly into specific jobs.
HESA data shows that out of 11,520 graduates with known outcomes, 5,255 were in full-time employment. Meanwhile, 1,475 were working part-time and 715 graduates were unemployed. A further 295 were in unpaid or voluntary roles, and 1,190 graduates had entered full-time further study.
These degrees build strong analytical and communication skills, but graduates often need time — or further training — to convert those skills into stable careers.
6. Language & area studies
Language degrees are highly versatile, but early employment outcomes are mixed.
Out of 11,015 graduates with known outcomes, 5,170 secured full-time employment. However, 1,720 graduates were working part-time, while 765 were unemployed. A significant 965 graduates went into full-time further study, often to pursue teaching qualifications, translation training or international careers.
This shows that language degrees frequently require additional specialisation before they pay off.
7. Education & teaching (before teacher training)
Education degrees are essential — but outcomes can look weaker before formal teacher training begins.
Among 26,025 graduates with known outcomes, 17,585 were in full-time employment. However, 945 graduates were unemployed, and 510 had entered full-time further study, typically PGCEs or other teacher-training routes.
Many education graduates do go on to stable careers — but often not until after additional qualifications, which explains the dip in early outcomes.
What this data actually tells us
These degrees aren’t “useless” — but they require more planning, patience and often postgraduate study. Compared to subjects like medicine, engineering or computing, they tend to offer:
- Slower transitions into full-time employment
- Higher reliance on part-time or unpaid work
- Greater need for further qualifications
- Less direct pipelines into graduate jobs
This list uses statistics on graduate employment outcomes categorised by degree subject. However, don’t let the most useless degrees list put you off. Most graduate are able to obtain employment, and it’s a great step to your dream career.