Yes, the job market today is competitive! There’s no denying that!
This is why many people find themselves questioning the value of their bachelor's degree and whether it is sufficient to secure a successful career.
Often, a master's or doctoral degree may seem like the natural next step for further specialization, and if that’s what seems right for you — go ahead!
However, numerous (rewarding) career alternatives remain available for individuals holding only a bachelor's degree, according to Erudera.
Being actively involved in the higher education industry here at Erudera, we have noticed three main reasons why students may choose not to pursue a master's degree, including:
- Some students would rather (temporarily) avoid the additional financial burdens.
- Some students feel their bachelor’s degree is sufficient when it comes to entering the job market and starting their careers.
- Some students prioritize other personal or professional commitments (i.e., getting relevant work experience) instead of investing one to three more years in academia.
Other reasons include personal circumstances (i.e., personal obligations, family responsibilities) and professional goals that do not necessarily include a master’s degree.
So, whatever your reasons are for not pursuing a master’s degree, there are still roles you can undertake with your bachelor’s degree that are rewarding!
Highlights
- People can undertake a diverse range of rewarding roles with only a bachelor’s degree in the UK.
- Software development is among the highest-paying careers on our list, with an average annual salary of £50,296, according to Indeed.
- Teaching assistant is the lowest-paid role on our list, with an annual average wage of £12,151.
- Apart from hard skills/technical skills, individuals need to show they also possess soft skills to be competitive in the job market.
- The most common soft skill in our list is communication, closely followed by problem-solving and attention to detail.
- Some of the roles in our list, such as those under the Psychology and Media and Communication degrees, fall into sectors listed in the top ten fastest-growing sectors in the UK, according to a study.
Here are some career alternatives for people with only bachelor’s degrees, divided into disciplines:
| Career | Degree | Average Annual Salary* | Skills to Make You Competitive (exc. Technical Skills). |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Analyst | Business and Management | £44,722 | Communication, Analytical and Critical Thinking, Creativity and Innovation, Adaptability and Continuous Learning, Relationship Building |
| Operations Analyst | Business and Management | £32,782 | Attention to Detail, Communication, Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills , Continuous Learning |
| Account Manager | Business and Management | £32,759 | Communication, Consultative Approach, Negotiation and Persuasion, Time Management |
| Paralegal | Law | £23,570 | Professionalism and Confidentiality, Communication, Research and Analytical Skills, Time Management and Organization |
| Compliance Officer | Law | £34,189 | Ethical Mindset, Attention to Detail, Analytical Thinking, Communication Skills |
| Legal Assistant | Law | £23,676 | Attention to Detail, Professionalism and Discretion, Communication, Organization Research, Analytical Skills |
| Sales and Marketing | Psychology | £30,866 | Communication, Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills, Persuasion and Influence |
| Mental Health Support Assistant | Psychology | £35,715 | Active Listening, Communication, Empathy and Compassion, Problem-Solving, Resourcefulness |
| Human Resources Assistant | Psychology | £23,635 | Interpersonal Skills, Confidentiality, Organizational Skills, Professionalism and Ethics |
| Software Developer | Computer Science | £50,296 | Adaptability and Continuous Learning, Problem-Solving, Collaboration, Attention to Detail |
| Web Developer | Computer Science | £33,879 | Problem-Solving, Continuous Learning and Adaptability, Attention to Detail |
| IT Project Manager | Computer Science | £48,969 | Communication, Leadership and Team Management, Problem-Solving and Decision-Making, Time Management |
| Primary School Teacher | Education and Teaching | £27,306 | Problem-Solving, Classroom Management, Empathy and Patience, Differentiated Instruction, Communication, Interpersonal Skills |
| Secondary School Teacher | Education and Teaching | £20,145 | Problem-Solving, Adaptability, Differentiated Instruction, Subject Matter Expertise, Communication and Interpersonal Skills, Classroom Management |
| Teaching Assistant | Education and Teaching | £12,151 | Collaboration, Empathy, Communication and Interpersonal Skills, Adaptability, Time Management |
| Copywriter | Media and Communication | £29,612 | Attention to Detail, Persuasive Writing Skills, Adaptability and Flexibility, Creativity and Originality, Marketing and Branding Knowledge, Proofreading Skills |
| Journalist | Media and Communication | £30,779 | Research and Investigative Skills, Outstanding Writing Skills, News Judgment, Digital Literacy and Multimedia Skills, Strong Communication, Critical Thinking |
| Event Coordinator | Media and Communication | £25,127 | Attention to Detail, Organization, Time Management, Communication and Interpersonal Skills, Negotiation, Critical Thinking |
Business and Management Degree
If you're not planning to pursue a master's degree, don't worry. There are still plenty of career alternatives available if you only hold a bachelor's degree in Business and Management in the UK. In fact, a wide range of entry-level and mid-level roles are open to people with a bachelor’s degree!
Number of students: During the academic year 2021/22, Business and Management in the UK saw a significant enrollment of 530,460 students.
Career options: Business Analyst, Operations Analyst, Account Manager
Business Analyst
Average Annual Salary: £44,722
As a business analyst, your primary responsibility would involve assessing and evaluating organizational processes to identify potential areas for improvement.
By analyzing data and gathering insights, you would recommend appropriate solutions to enhance efficiency and drive profitability.
You may also have the opportunity to contribute to market research initiatives, develop business plans, and assess the financial viability of projects.
Skills that make you competitive in the job market: Communication, Analytical and Critical Thinking, Creativity and Innovation, Adaptability and Continuous Learning, and Relationship Building.
Operations Analyst
Average Annual Salary: £32,782
As an operations analyst, you would work on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of an organization's operations.
Responsibilities include analyzing processes, identifying bottlenecks, suggesting process improvements, and optimizing resource allocation.
Skills that make you competitive in the job market: Attention to Detail, Communication, Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills, and Continuous Learning.
Account Manager
Average Annual Salary: £32,759
Your degree in Business and Management provides a solid foundation for a career as an Account Manager.
Your primary responsibility would be building and maintaining client relationships, ensuring satisfaction, and fostering long-term partnerships.
Skills that make you competitive in the job market: Communication, Consultative Approach, Negotiation and Persuasion, and Time Management.
Law Degree
While certain legal professions require further qualifications, there are various job options you can still consider.
Number of students: During the academic year 2021/22, 142,330 people studied law in the UK.
Career options: Paralegal, Compliance Officer, Legal Assistant
Paralegal
Average Annual Salary: £23,570
Paralegals offer valuable assistance to solicitors and barristers by performing legal research, drafting various documents, and assisting in case management. Numerous law firms and organizations hire paralegals without requiring a master's degree.
Skills that make you competitive in the job market: Professionalism and Confidentiality, Communication, Research and Analytical Skills, Time Management and Organization.
Compliance Officer
Average Annual Salary: £34,189
In various sectors, especially within the financial and corporate fields, organizations tend to hire compliance officers to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks. Having a background in law provides an advantage when pursuing a career in this role.
Skills that make you competitive in the job market: Ethical Mindset, Attention to Detail, Analytical Thinking, and Communication Skills.
Legal Assistant
Average Annual Salary: £23,676
In this role, you would be required to provide administrative support to lawyers, manage legal documents, and assist with client communication and case coordination.
Skills that make you competitive in the job market: Attention to Detail, Professionalism and Discretion, Communication, Organization, Research, and Analytical Skills.
Psychology Degree
A master’s degree is not always a requirement for entry-level positions in the field of psychology. There are still various career paths you can pursue even without further qualifications. A study by IBISWorld shows that the sector of Human Health and Social Work Activities is among the top ten growth sectors in the UK, with 5.9% revenue growth in 2023.
Number of students: 140,425 people studied psychology in the UK in the academic year 2021/22.
Career options: Sales and Marketing, Mental Health Support Assistant, Human Resources Assistant.
Sales and Marketing
Average Annual Salary: £30,866
Graduates with a background in psychology have the potential to explore career opportunities in sales and marketing. You can apply your knowledge of consumer behavior, decision-making processes, and persuasion techniques in market research, sales analysis, advertising, or market development positions.
Skills that make you competitive in the job market: Communication, Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills, Persuasion, and Influence.
Mental Health Support Assistant
Average Annual Salary: £35,715
This role requires you to provide support and assistance to individuals with mental health conditions in hospitals, residential facilities, or community organizations. With your psychology background, you can play a meaningful role in helping individuals on their journey to recovery and improved mental well-being.
Skills that make you competitive in the job market: Active Listening, Communication, Empathy and Compassion, Problem-Solving, and Resourcefulness.
Human Resources Assistant
Average Annual Salary: £23,635
Many organizations value individuals with a background in psychology for roles in human resources. You can assist with recruitment, employee training and development, performance evaluations, and employee relations.
Skills that make you competitive in the job market: Interpersonal Skills, Confidentiality, Organizational Skills, and Professionalism and Ethics.
Computer Science Degree
A bachelor's degree alone opens doors to a range of exciting and rewarding careers in computer science. So, there’s plenty you can still do and succeed at!
Number of students: 164,260 people studied computing in the UK in the academic year 2021/22.
Career options: Software Developer, Web Developer, IT Project Manager
Software Developer
Average Annual Salary: £50,296
As a software developer, you use your expertise in programming languages to create and design software programs.
You can work on designing, coding, and testing software applications or systems. This role can involve developing web applications, mobile apps, desktop software, or working on specialized software solutions for specific industries.
Skills that make you competitive in the job market: Adaptability and Continuous Learning, Problem-Solving, Collaboration, and Attention to Detail.
Web Developer
Average Annual Salary: £33,879
Web developers focus on building and maintaining websites and web applications. They utilize programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and often work with frameworks and content management systems (CMS) to create visually appealing and functional websites.
Skills that make you competitive in the job market: Problem-Solving, Continuous Learning and Adaptability, and Attention to Detail.
IT Project Manager
Average Annual Salary: £48,969
By combining technical expertise with project management skills, you can pursue a career as an IT project manager responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and successful delivery of technology projects. Some of your responsibilities will be coordinating teams, managing budgets and timelines, and ensuring that project objectives are achieved.
Skills that make you competitive in the job market: Communication, Leadership and Team Management, Problem-Solving and Decision-Making, and Time Management.
Education and Teaching Degree
You have several career options available if you only have a bachelor's degree in education and teaching.
Number of students: 135,960 people studied education and teaching in the UK in the academic year 2021/22.
Career options: Primary School Teacher, Secondary School Teacher, Teaching Assistant
Primary School Teacher
Average Annual Salary: £27,306
With a bachelor's degree in education, you can work as a primary school teacher in both public and private schools. You'll be responsible for teaching a range of subjects to children aged 5-11.
Skills that make you competitive in the job market: Problem-Solving, Classroom Management, Empathy and Patience, Differentiated Instruction, Communication, and Interpersonal Skills.
Secondary School Teacher
Average Annual Salary: £20,145
You can also work as a secondary school teacher, specializing in a specific subject area such as English, Mathematics, Science, History, or a foreign language. Secondary school teachers work with students aged 11-18.
Skills that make you competitive in the job market: Problem-Solving, Adaptability, Differentiated Instruction, Subject Matter Expertise, Communication and Interpersonal Skills, and Classroom Management.
Teaching Assistant
Average Annual Salary: £12,151
As a teaching assistant, you'll support teachers in the classroom, working closely with students and providing additional help as needed. This role can be starting point for a teaching career.
Skills that make you competitive in the job market: Collaboration, Empathy, Communication and Interpersonal Skills, Adaptability, and Time Management.
Media and Communication
You can launch a dynamic career in media and communication, even with only a bachelor’s degree and no further qualifications. According to a study by IBISWorld, the sector of Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation in the UK is among the top growth sectors in the UK, with a 9.3% revenue growth in 2023.
Number of students: 48,135 people studied media and communication in the UK in the academic year 2021/22.
Career options: Copywriter, Journalist, Event Coordinator.
Copywriter
Average Annual Salary: £29,612
Copywriters are responsible for producing engaging, straightforward text adapted to different advertising channels like websites or print ads. Their job includes researching keywords to make interesting written content and proofreading their work.
Skills that make you competitive in the job market: Attention to Detail, Persuasive Writing Skills, Adaptability and Flexibility, Creativity and Originality, Marketing and Branding Knowledge, and Proofreading Skills.
Journalist
Average Annual Salary: £30,779
As a journalist, you can work in print, online, or broadcast media outlets, reporting news, conducting interviews, and writing articles.
Skills that make you competitive in the job market: Research and Investigative Skills, Outstanding Writing Skills, News Judgment, Digital Literacy and Multimedia Skills, Strong Communication, and Critical Thinking.
Event Coordinator
Average Annual Salary: £25,127
A pretty exciting role! As an event coordinator, you will plan, organize, and coordinate events, conferences, or exhibitions, including logistical arrangements, marketing promotion, and stakeholder management.
Skills that make you competitive in the job market: Attention to Detail, Organization, Time Management, Communication and Interpersonal Skills, Negotiation, and Critical Thinking.
Note:
This is not an exhaustive list of all career opportunities available to bachelor's degree holders in the UK. Erudera lists some of the top (rewarding) career options individuals with a bachelor’s degree can look into when searching for employment.