In response to the substantial job shortage experienced across multiple sectors in the UK, which presents a dual challenge for both the economy and the workforce, Erudera.com has created a list of academic degrees that could help tackle this issue.
We have revealed a list of top academic degrees that are well-positioned to meet the market demand and address the shortage in the UK, mainly based on factors like the skill requirements in the job (which are aligned with the degree) as well as the degrees typically held by professionals currently employed in the respective professions.
In the table below, Erudera has presented information such as relevant Academic Degrees, Number of Job Openings, and Hourly Wages associated with some of the Shortage Occupations in UK.
| Shortage Occupations | Academic Degrees | Number of Job Openings | Salary (Hourly wage £) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health sector jobs | Healthcare-Related Degrees |
Indeed: 167,369 jobs LinkedIn: 69,807 results |
£16.94 per hour |
| Biological Scientists and Biochemists | Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a related field |
Indeed: 660 jobs LinkedIn: 2,263 results |
£12.55 per hour |
| Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics Engineers | Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics Engineering related degrees |
Indeed: 36,685 jobs LinkedIn: 36,299 results |
£13.54 - £16.12 per hour |
| IT Business Analysts, Architects and Systems Designers | Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, or a related field. |
Indeed: 9,266 jobs LinkedIn: 246,410 results |
£15.43 per hour |
| Programmers and Software Development Professionals | Computer Science or Software Engineering degrees |
Indeed:51,910 jobs LinkedIn:100,611 results |
£13.95 per hour |
| Web Design and Development Professionals | Web Design & Development, Computer Science, or a related field |
Indeed: 6,173 jobs LinkedIn: 8,400 results |
£10.99 per hour |
| Veterinarians | Veterinary Medicine or Veterinary Science Degree |
Indeed: 5,470 jobs LinkedIn: 997 results |
£13.83 per hour |
| Architects | Architecture Degree |
Indeed: 2,888 jobs LinkedIn: 12,905 results |
£13.50 per hour |
| Cybersecurity Specialists | Computer Science or Software Engineering degrees |
Indeed: 1,878 jobs LinkedIn: 7,708 results |
£13.17 per hour |
| Laboratory Technicians | Laboratory Science, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field |
Indeed:1,171 jobs LinkedIn: 1,183 results |
£7.75 per hour |
Here’s a detailed insight into academic degrees associated with job shortages:
Healthcare-Related Degrees
Healthcare degrees in the UK offer promising career prospects, particularly in nursing, general practice, and healthcare assistance. The demand for professionals in these areas is consistently high within the country's healthcare industry.
Recent NHS Vacancy Statistics data from March 2022 reveals a significant shortage of doctors in the UK, with approximately one in every 17 doctors' posts remaining vacant (a total of 5.8% unfilled vacancies).
According to National Careers Service, jobs in this sector will have an estimated 6.2% job growth by 2027, leading to 4,300 new jobs. With 48.5% of the workforce projected to retire during the same period, a total of 33,400 vacancies will be available.
Professionals employed within this sector typically possess a bachelor's degree with honors (BA/BSc), a degree apprenticeship, a graduate diploma, or a level 6 NVQ qualification.
Engineering Degrees
The engineering field in the UK is experiencing a significant shortage of skilled professionals, resulting in an extensive surplus of job vacancies exceeding 173,000. This shortage has been estimated to have a considerable economic impact, costing the UK economy approximately £1.5 billion annually, a STEM Learning study suggests.
A substantial proportion of the UK's working population, around 18%, is currently employed in engineering roles. Furthermore, engineering jobs comprise at least 15% of the working population in every region across the country.
By 2027, there is a predicted growth of 4.2% in the Mechanical Engineering sector, resulting in roughly 3,800 employment prospects. During the same period, an estimated 39.6% of the current workforce is expected to retire, leading to around 36,000 vacant positions being available (source: National Careers Service).
Research shows that the number of engineers in the United Kingdom has witnessed notable growth over the years. From an estimated 452,800 in 2010 to an estimated 531,700 individuals working in engineering in 2022 — an increase of approximately 78,900.
Science Degrees (Biological Scientists and Biochemists)
The growing number of job openings in this sector presents an exciting prospect for aspiring scientists to contribute to this field in the United Kingdom.
There is a projected job growth of 4.2% in this particular sector by 2027, creating approximately 4,500 new employment opportunities. Within the same timeframe, it is expected that 39.6% of the existing workforce will retire, leading to a substantial total of 42,600 vacancies becoming available (source: National Careers Service).
Research shows that the field of science, particularly biological sciences, and biochemistry, has witnessed steady employment growth. In 2021, around 95,800 individuals were employed in these roles, a notable increase from the 91,800 recorded in 2010.
Architecture Degrees
The regions with the highest concentration of opportunities in the field of architecture are London and the South East (England). These areas offer the most favorable prospects for architects seeking employment.
The sector is expected to experience a 4.3% increase in job opportunities by 2027, resulting in around 2,900 new employment prospects. During the same period, it is estimated that 55.3% of the current workforce will retire, leading to a significant total of 37,700 vacancies opening up (source: National Careers Service).
The distribution of architects across the UK is not balanced, with half of all architects being based in London and the South East, compared to 27% of the UK population, according to ARB.
At the same time, is an underrepresentation of women in the architecture profession, with only 31% of architects being female.
Some of the biggest employers of architects belong to industries like architectural & related (an employment of 50,966), followed by services to buildings (4,540), membership organizations (3,944), specialized construction (3,111), and construction (1,175).
To register as an architect in the UK, individuals with qualifications from outside the European Union or non-recognized UK qualifications must successfully complete the ARB's Examination for Equivalence to Prescribed Qualifications, commonly referred to as the 'Prescribed Examination.'
Computer Science Degrees
The field of computer science in the UK is expected to grow, particularly in the areas of programming and software development. It is projected that by 2027, there will be a surge in demand, creating approximately 12,500 new job openings (a 4.2% job growth).
In addition, it is estimated that 39.6% of the workforce will enter retirement by 2027, generating around 118,900 job opportunities (source: National Careers Service).
When it comes to employment opportunities, the biggest employers in this field are Computer Programming, Legal and Accounting, and Head Offices. These sectors provide significant employment prospects for individuals with computer science degrees.
London stands out as the region offering the most opportunities for programmers and software developers in the UK. The capital city provides a vibrant hub for those seeking careers in this field, with a wide array of exciting job prospects.
Conclusion
By offering this compilation of the above academic degrees, Erudera aims to help students make informed decisions on the degrees and knowledge they should equip themselves with to thrive in the job market.
Information provided in this article can guide you toward making a career decision but should not be your sole reason for determining what to study.