Which Masters degrees lead to the highest paying jobs? This is a factor that can help you decide whether to invest in a postgraduate qualification.
These figures aren’t a guarantee that you’ll earn a certain amount after studying a Masters. But they can give you a good idea of the difference that a postgraduate qualification will make to your earning potential.
We've compiled a list of the highest paying Masters degrees in the UK. Figures are calculated using official data on the median earnings for people five years after graduating:
#10 Architecture, Building and Planning
Architecture, Building and Planning is a broad area of study, with plenty of employment opportunities. The median salary of postgraduates in this area is £37,600. Students might go on to be accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) or the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), depending on their career goals and the nature of their qualification.
#9 Politics
The median salary for graduates with a Masters in Politics is £38,700. You may choose to apply your skills directly in local or national government or as an policy analyst or social researcher. A Masters in Politics is also useful in fields such as marketing, human resources and journalism.
#8 Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy
£43,400 is the median salary of someone with a Masters in Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy. Destinations include clinical practice, drug design and community support.
#7 Mathematical Sciences
The median earnings of a Mathematics postgrad are £43,400. Career opportunities exist in business sectors such as insurance, financial trading, big data and statistics.
#6 Materials and Technology
Masters graduates in Materials and Technology earn an average of £27,400. Career options are open in many fields including oil and gas, nuclear energy, biomaterials and sustainability.
#5 Business and Management
One of the most popular postgraduate subject areas, Business and Management Masters degrees have an average salary of £39,100. These kinds of programmes are often taken by established professionals looking to boost their credentials, as well as students at the beginning of their career.
#5 Computing
Computer Science Masters programmes have median earnings of £44,500. Graduates typically working in IT, artificial intelligence, hardware manufacturing and software development..
#4 Engineering
The median earnings of an Engineering postgraduate are £44,500. These programmes come in different forms, from a four-year undergraduate degree like the MEng to a one-year MSc (Eng) course. It’s important to study a programme that is accredited by the UK Engineering Council (ECUK) if you want to become a chartered engineer.
#3 Medicine and Dentistry
Medicine and Dentistry have the third highest median earnings among postgraduate subjects, at £47,100.
#2 Economics
Masters degrees in Economics have a median salary of £51,100. Given its focus on finance and commerce, it’s unsurprising to see Economics near the top of this earnings list. Lucrative careers in investment banking are possible, as well as corporate finance and stock brokerage.
#1 Masters in Business Administration (MBA)
Although not strictly a subject, the unique nature of an MBA means that it’s worth including in a category of its own. The median salary of this prestigious qualification is £70,400, reflecting the fact that it’s commonly taken by established professionals looking to build on their existing business experience.
As we’ve covered elsewhere, there are plenty of reasons why a prospective employer would value a Masters.
These reasons could include:
- They might be keen to employ someone with a set of specialist skills and experience
- They might be in a sector that requires accredited postgraduate qualifications (like psychology or architecture)
- They simply might be looking out for that extra ‘something’ that helps a candidate stand out in a crowded job market.
Any Masters degree is likely to boost to your CV once you’ve graduated. But which are the best Masters degrees when it comes to career prospects? According to official data, these are the top 10 best Masters subjects for employability, five years after graduation. Note that this data only applies to the UK. You can also see a full table of Masters subjects and employability rates at the bottom of this page.
#10 Veterinary Sciences
84.4% of Veterinary Sciences postgraduates are in full-time work or further study after finishing their Masters course. Programmes can have an academic or a professional focus, offering opportunities to specialise in areas ranging from domestic pets and livestock to conservation and animal welfare.
#9 Education and Teaching
88.6% of people who studied a Masters in Education are in full-time work or further study. At 88.6%, employment levels are similar for those who studied a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Along with newly-qualified teachers, more established education professionals might study a Masters as a form of career development or in order to specialise in a certain aspect of teaching.
#8 Performing Arts
87.1% of Performing Arts postgraduates were employed or in further study. Popular roles include scriptwriting, production, camera work, lighting, set design and make-up.
#7 Psychology
88.6% of Psychology Masters graduates are in work or further study, according to government data. A Masters in Psychology is an important part of gaining the accreditation you need to become a registered psychologist. It’s also a great way to specialise in a particular field, such as Clinical Psychology, Forensic Psychology or Counselling.
#6 Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy
Around 90.5% of people who studied a Masters in Pharmacology, Toxicology or Pharmacy are in employment or further study five years later. Destinations for graduates include the pharmaceutical industry, as well as clinical practice and therapeutics.
#5 Allied Health
Allied Health is an umbrella term that encompasses clinical health subjects like Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Radiology and Orthoptics. Around 89.9% of students in these areas are employed or in further study after completing their Masters programme. There are many career pathways available in the NHS. It’s also worth bearing in mind that financial support is available through the NHS Learning Support Fund for these courses.
#4 Sport and Exercise Sciences
89.3% of Sport and Exercise Sciences postgraduates employed or in further study. These programmes are usually professionally-oriented and often have a work placement. Popular vocations include roles within sports teams and athletics, as well as jobs in the local community or in educational settings.
#3 Medical Sciences
Masters in Medical Sciences usually provide advanced training to current medical practitioners. So, it makes sense that 89.5% of students are employed or in further study after finishing their course. There are also opportunities to use these qualifications in non-clinical settings, such as hospital management or on behalf of charitable organisations.
#2 Health and Social Care
92.9% of Health and Social Care Masters graduates are employed or in further study after finishing their programme. Masters in Social Work are one of the most popular routes in this area, with NHS bursaries available.
#1 Nursing and Midwifery
According to the data, Nursing and Midwifery is the most employable Masters on the market. 91.1% of students are in full-time work or further study. Graduates can choose from defined career pathways within the NHS. They can also access funding from the NHS Learning Support Fund.
