Gen Z students are shunning “Mickey Mouse” degrees to enhance their career prospects.
An analysis of Telegraph data from Ucas and the Department for Education shows that students applying to UK universities are progressively favoring subjects like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) over disciplines such as creative arts and design.
The most recent data pertains to students commencing their bachelor’s programs in September 2025, at which point tuition fees along with maintenance loans will see an uptick for the first time in eight years.
This implies that students might be saddled with higher debts , it has prompted many to turn to courses that deliver higher-paid jobs after graduation.
In the last five years, fields where graduates earn an average of over £37,000 ten years post-graduation have seen application numbers rise by more than 20 percent.
The most significant rise was seen in applications for engineering and technology programs, jumping by 38.69 percent from 2020 figures. Graduates from these fields can expect an average salary of £46,340 ten years post-graduation.
Enrollment applications for language programs decreased. By 13.06 percent, whereas programs in creative arts and design saw an increase of just 5.57 percent. A decade following graduation, a student with such a degree could earn £36,422 or £24,300 accordingly.
Nick Hillman, who leads the Higher Education Policy Institute think tank, mentioned that there is an increasing discussion about the worth of certain degrees and mounting financial burdens for college students.
He told The Telegraph that more individuals from lower-income backgrounds are attending universities, and these students often consider future employment earnings more than perhaps a middle-class individual pursuing an education in the history of art.
“Recently, there’s been considerable public discussion and dialogue regarding whether pursuing higher education remains valuable, which often sharpens one’s focus.”
Additionally, the increased fees and loans burden some individuals more heavily than others, even with the relatively lenient repayment conditions.
The government declared in November that it would increase tuition fees in accordance with inflation starting September 2025 , following warnings that universities were presently experiencing a loss of approximately £2,500 per each home student.
This indicates that the yearly cost of a degree will rise from the present £9,250 to £9,535 starting in September – the initial increase since 2017.
Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, stated that increasing tuition fees was essential to "bring stability back to higher education."
This came after remarks from Peter Kyle, the Science Secretary, in September when he stated that Labour intended to conclude the "assault on universities" initiated by the preceding Conservative administration and adopt a more collaborative stance towards the higher education sector.
While serving as prime minister, Rishi Sunak unveiled strategies to clamp down on what he referred to as "Mickey Mouse degrees" , even though this policy was never implemented.
His proposals, introduced alongside allegations that certain university programs were "exploiting young individuals," included halting admissions for degree courses considered unsuccessful based on several performance indicators.
Mr. Hillman indicated that the suggested policy had hastened discussions about "the benefits of higher education," leading parents to more frequently sit down with their children to talk through post-school choices.
"One issue we've seen is that parents are now covering a significantly larger portion of their children's college expenses due to reduced financial support for living costs and increasing rental prices," he explained.
So far, ministers have resisted reinstating maintenance grants, which were a type of means-tested aid eliminated by David Cameron in 2016. Reintroducing these grants would likely be very costly for the Treasury every year.
Mr. Hillman additionally pointed out that the increase in applications for science-related degrees might also be associated with higher numbers of women seeking careers in this area.
"There are significantly more women attending universities now compared to the past, and they are also more inclined to pursue certain STEM fields. However, subjects such as computer science remain predominantly male-dominated," he stated.
But in other STEM fields, we've seen an increase in the number of women participating. For instance, veterinary science used to be dominated by men, but now it is predominantly made up of women.
An analysis of Ucas data by The Telegraph reveals that even though women earn lower salaries than men in STEM fields, their enthusiasm for these subjects is increasing. They are now submitting more applications for crucial courses in these areas compared to men.
There has been a 56.92 per cent increase in applications from women for engineering and technology courses compared to 29.82 per cent for men in the last five years.
A decade following graduation, women in these sectors typically anticipate earning an average salary of £39,462, whereas their male peers receive £47,150.
In medicine and dentistry, female applicants can expect an annual salary of £48,850 a decade after graduation. Interest in this field has grown, with applications rising nearly 20 per cent since 2020.
For men, the expected salary in medicine and dentistry is notably higher at £69,500, yet their application growth has been more modest at 13.6 per cent.
To pursue STEM studies at the university level, you typically require science A-levels. As per Stem Learning UK, advancement in science education has seen considerable growth.
At present, 96 percent of students are enrolled in dual GCSE courses for science, marking an increase from only 63 percent back in 2010. Additionally, there has been a rise of 30 percent in A-Level science registrations, resulting in more students pursuing Stem degrees.
Dr. Rhys Morgan, who leads the education and skills division at the Royal Academy of Engineering, stated to The Telegraph: "It appears we're witnessing sensible choices made by young individuals opting for professions that offer substantial financial rewards."
We might also observe a reaction to the anticipated influence of technology and artificial intelligence on career choices. However, we should not overlook the reality that for more than ten years, numerous organizations have been actively engaged in British schools to encourage students towards careers in engineering.
The typical student currently leaves university £45,000 in debt, according to the Student Loans Company. The tuition increase from September will see that debt rise.
But a Stem degree can lead to salaries rising beyond the UK median wage within a few years of graduation, while graduates in creative arts and design will barely exceed £25,000 a decade later.
Men and women alike are avoiding such degrees. In the last five years, female enrollment in language programs dropped by 15.02 percent, while male enrollment fell by 20.15 percent.
During that same timeframe for creative arts and design courses, women's applications saw only a slight increase of 3.92 percent, whereas men's applications dropped by 4.47 percent.
Colleges reduce programs to lower expenses
A number of universities have started cutting back on arts and humanities programs as they implement budget-reducing strategies amidst financial challenges in the education sector.
In January, Cardiff University announced plans to initiate a consultation regarding proposed cuts that include eliminating 400 full-time academic positions, reducing essential courses, and merging departments as part of efforts to stay "viable."
Overall, over fifty percent of all UK universities are presently implementing layoffs or reducing course offerings, as per the ongoing tally maintained by the University and College Union.
This has raised worries that it might severely damage the UK’s cultural assets.
The British Academy, the principal national organization for humanities and arts, sent a letter to Rachel Reeves earlier this month cautioning that "the extensive series of budget cuts being implemented across universities is resulting in significant erosion of UK expertise."
A spokesperson from the Department for Education stated: "Our government has made difficult choices as we work to strengthen the underpinnings of higher education with the aim of bringing about reforms for students."
Students must ensure that the additional funds spent on their further studies will prove worthwhile, with the instruction and experiences gained aiding them in pursuing their interests and broadening their perspectives.
This administration continues to pledge support for transforming universities into key drivers of opportunity, ambition, and economic development.
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