Which Degree Gets You a Job Fast? Top Choices and Quick Guide

When you ask yourself, "easiest degree for job?" the answer isn’t a magic shortcut - it’s a mix of market demand, skill overlap, and how straight‑forward the entry path is. Below you’ll find a plain‑spoken roadmap that helps you pick a degree that lands you a job without a maze of extra certifications.

Quick Takeaways

• Degrees in nursing, computer science, business administration and data analytics rank highest for employability and have relatively low entry barriers.
• Look at three metrics: employment rate (percentage of graduates in work within six months), average starting salary, and typical entry requirements (grades, prerequisite subjects).
• Boost your chances by stacking internships, micro‑credentials, and soft‑skill training while you study.
• If university feels too long or costly, consider vocational certificates that map directly to high‑growth roles.
• Use the checklist at the end to match your personal strengths with the right degree.

What "Easiest" Really Means

"Easiest" can’t be measured by textbook difficulty alone. In this guide we treat it as a blend of three measurable attributes:

1. Admission ease: minimum GPA, required subjects, and length of study.
2. Job market demand: how many openings per graduate and growth rate of the sector.
3. Salary upside: average entry‑level pay that justifies the tuition.

When a degree scores well on all three, you’ve found a sweet spot.

Key Degrees That Fit the Sweet Spot

Below are the six degrees that consistently hit the three metrics. Each one is introduced with a short micro‑data definition so search engines can easily spot the core concepts.

Bachelor's degree is a undergraduate qualification typically lasting three to four years, designed to provide foundational knowledge and skill sets for a specific field. While a Computer Science degree focuses on programming, algorithms, and system design, it also feeds directly into roles like software developer, data engineer and cybersecurity analyst.

Nursing is a health‑care qualification that prepares graduates for patient care, clinical assessment and hospital coordination. With chronic‑illness rates rising, the sector absorbs fresh nurses at a rapid pace.

Business Administration equips students with fundamentals in management, finance, marketing and operations, making graduates versatile for entry‑level analyst, sales or HR positions.

Data Analytics teaches students how to collect, clean, and interpret data, a skill set prized across finance, retail, and tech companies looking to turn numbers into decisions.

Mechanical Engineering covers design, manufacturing, and systems analysis, feeding into automotive, aerospace and renewable‑energy firms that still need hands‑on engineers.

Healthcare Management blends business principles with health‑care operations, preparing graduates for roles in hospital administration, health‑tech startups, and policy planning.

Side‑by‑Side Comparison

*Employment rate reflects graduates employed in a role related to their degree within six months of graduation, based on the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) 2024 data.

Why These Degrees Stand Out

Each of the six degrees checks the three boxes we set earlier:

• Admission ease: Most UK universities accept a standard set of A‑levels or equivalent; you don’t need a niche subject.
• Job market demand: The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) alone hires thousands of new nurses every year, while the tech sector reports a 12% annual growth in software‑related roles.
• Salary upside: Even entry‑level salaries sit comfortably above the UK median (£31,500 in 2024), giving you a decent start.

Alternative Paths: Vocational Courses and Certifications

If a three‑year university commitment feels too long or pricey, check out these fast‑track routes that still lead to strong employability.

• NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care - 12‑month program, gateway to NHS support roles.
• CompTIA A+ and Network+ - IT fundamentals certifications that can land you junior tech support jobs in 6‑9 months.
• Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate - 8‑month online course, accepted by many UK recruiters.
• City & Guilds Level 3 Engineering Technician - hands‑on training for manufacturing and maintenance.

These options typically cost 30‑50% of a traditional degree and still report employment rates above 80% within six months.

How to Boost Your Job Prospects While Studying

Getting a degree is only half the battle. Here are practical moves that make you stand out:

1. Internships or placement years: Most UK courses now embed a year‑in‑industry. Aim for roles that match your career goal - a nursing student can volunteer in community health, a CS student can code for a startup.
2. Micro‑credentials: Platforms like Coursera or edX let you earn badges in cloud computing, Agile project management, or medical coding. Add them to your LinkedIn profile.
3. Student societies and hackathons: Leadership or team‑work experience is a plus. Organising a hackathon shows initiative.
4. Soft‑skill workshops: Communication, problem‑solving and time‑management are prized across all sectors. Many universities offer free workshops.
5. Professional networking: Attend industry meet‑ups, NHS career fairs, or local business expos. A simple coffee chat can become a referral.

Decision Checklist - Which Degree Fits You?

• Do you enjoy science and patient interaction? Nursing or Healthcare Management might be your sweet spot.
• Are you comfortable with maths and logic puzzles? Computer Science or Data Analytics are strong bets.
• Do you prefer a broader business view? Business Administration gives flexibility across industries.
• Is hands‑on design and machines your thing? Mechanical Engineering offers high salaries but may require an extra year for an MEng.
• Want the quickest route to work? Look at vocational certificates that align with the same job titles.

Match your personal interests, the entry requirements you can meet, and the salary expectation you need. When the three line up, you’ve found the easiest degree that also lands you a job.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Choosing based only on salary: A high starting pay can mean a steep learning curve and longer hours, leading to burnout.
• Ignoring accreditation: Ensure the program is recognized by relevant professional bodies (e.g., Nursing and Midwifery Council for nursing).
• Skipping work experience: Employers value real‑world exposure; a degree without placements can be a red flag.
• Over‑loading on electives: Focus on core modules that directly translate to job skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which degree has the highest employment rate in the UK?

Nursing consistently tops the chart with a 95% employment rate within six months of graduation, according to HESA 2024 data.

Do I need A‑levels to study Computer Science?

Most universities require Maths and a second science or technology subject, but many also accept the BTEC Level 3 Diploma in IT as an alternative.

Can I get a good job with a vocational certificate instead of a degree?

Yes. Certifications like the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate or CompTIA Network+ lead to roles that pay £22‑30k entry‑level, and many employers view them as equivalent to a bachelor’s in practice.

How important are internships for my graduate prospects?

Extremely important. Graduates with a placement year earn on average £3,000 more in their first job and are 15% more likely to receive a full‑time offer from the host company.

Is a Business Administration degree too generic for high‑pay jobs?

Not at all. When paired with specialisations-like finance, marketing analytics, or supply‑chain management-business graduates often move into roles paying £30k‑£45k within two years.