Disclosure: The Graduate Samaritan is a free independent blog supported by its readers; this post may contain affiliate links that may earn a tiny commission to help the blog sustain itself, thank you for supporting this independent blog! (full disclaimer here)
In our previous guide we unconditionally looked at the Top Degrees For Future Jobs & High Salaries in the UK. However, In this guide weāll break down the best non-STEM and humanitarian degrees that can land you a solid job, great salary, and long-term career security in the UK.
If you’re not into science, tech, engineering, or maths, donāt stressāthere are still loads of well-paid and future-proof career options outside STEM.
In fact, some of the highest-paying jobs in the UK are actually in law, business, and media, and these fields are packed with opportunities!
Why You Donāt Need a STEM Degree to Earn Big š°
STEM degrees get a lot of hype, but letās be realānot everyone wants to code or work in a lab. The good news? Industries like law, business, media, and even psychology offer fantastic salaries, career progression, and job stability.
Many of the worldās top CEOs, policymakers, and media moguls actually come from non-STEM backgrounds, proving that you donāt need a science or tech degree to achieve financial success.
A non-STEM degree can still lead to high-paying careers in sectors (even if not directly related!) like finance, law, digital marketing, and international relations.
These fields rely on critical thinking, communication skills, leadership, and creativity, all of which are highly valued by employers.
In fact, as automation and artificial intelligence reshape the job market, human-driven skills such as negotiation, decision-making, and emotional intelligence are becoming more valuable than ever.
Many top UK universities offer specialized programs that prepare students for the future job market. Degrees in business management, economics, and law provide access to competitive graduate schemes, where starting salaries often exceed Ā£30,000.
Meanwhile, careers in media, public relations, and psychology allow graduates to build personal brands, work as freelancers, or enter high-demand industries with endless growth potential.
If youāre choosing a degree based on salary alone, you might feel pressured to pursue STEM. However, the key to long-term success isnāt just about picking a “high-paying degree”āitās about finding a field youāre passionate about and developing expertise that sets you apart in your industry.
Whether you want to become a lawyer, start your own business, work in government, or lead a global marketing campaign, there are countless lucrative and fulfilling opportunities available outside of STEM.
Top Non-STEM Degrees for Future Jobs and High Salaries
1. Law āļø ā A High-Status, High-Pay Career
A Law degree offers one of the most structured and lucrative career paths. Graduates typically become solicitors, barristers, or legal advisors, but there are also opportunities in business, government, and even media.
Law is a career that requires sharp analytical skills, strong communication, and the ability to navigate complex legal frameworks.
While it can be a challenging field to break into, those who succeed can expect high salaries, job security, and the potential to specialise in diverse areas such as corporate law, human rights, or intellectual property.
The legal profession is known for its prestige and steady career progression, making it a great long-term investment.
- Starting Salary: Ā£25,000 – Ā£40,000
- Experienced Salary: Ā£80,000+
- Why Itās Future-Proof: The legal system isnāt going anywhere, and businesses always need legal experts.
- Least Impacted by AI? Yes! Legal work requires negotiation, ethical judgment, and advocacy that AI canāt replicate.
2. Business & Management š ā The Route to Big Boss Status
A Business degree is incredibly versatile, opening doors in corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, marketing, and human resources.
This field equips students with essential skills in finance, strategy, negotiation, and organisational leadership.
Business graduates often start in management trainee roles and work their way up to executive positions, earning significant salaries along the way.
Many business professionals also go on to start their own companies, using their expertise to build successful enterprises.
Since businesses will always need effective leaders and strategists, this degree remains one of the safest options for long-term career growth.
- Starting Salary: Ā£28,000 – Ā£45,000
- Experienced Salary: Ā£100,000+
- Why Itās Future-Proof: Businesses constantly need strong leaders to drive growth and innovation.
- Least Impacted by AI? Yes! Decision-making, leadership, and strategic thinking canāt be fully automated.
3. Economics š· ā Big Money & Global Impact
Economics is a data-driven field that intersects with finance, business, and government policy. If you enjoy analysing trends and predicting market movements, this is a strong choice. (p.n. Mind that although it is not considered a STEM subject, economics does involve quite a lot of maths!)
Economics graduates develop strong problem-solving and statistical skills, which allow them to work in areas like banking, government analysis, and corporate consultancy.
The role of an economist is vital in shaping financial markets, advising governments, and driving business strategies.
As economies become more complex and interconnected, professionals with a deep understanding of market dynamics will always be in high demand.
- Starting Salary: Ā£30,000 – Ā£50,000
- Experienced Salary: Ā£120,000+
- Why Itās Future-Proof: Economists are essential in finance, government, and business strategy.
- Least Impacted by AI? Somewhat! AI assists with data analysis, but human insight and decision-making remain vital.
4. Politics & International Relations š ā Changing the World (and Getting Paid for It)
A degree in Politics and International Relations is ideal for those interested in global affairs, policy-making, and governance.
This field requires a deep understanding of governmental structures, diplomacy, and international policies.
Graduates often work in public service, think tanks, NGOs, and global organisations like the UN or European Union.
Political analysts and diplomats play a crucial role in shaping laws, trade agreements, and international relations. With governments constantly facing new challenges, professionals in this field remain highly valuable.
- Starting Salary: Ā£25,000 – Ā£40,000
- Experienced Salary: Ā£70,000+
- Why Itās Future-Proof: Politics and international relations remain crucial for governing societies and managing global conflicts.
- Least Impacted by AI? Yes! Diplomacy, policy-making, and negotiation require human judgment and cultural awareness.
š Amazon Prime Student: The Ultimate Uni Perk!
- š Free Next-Day Delivery
- š¬ Amazon Prime Video
- š¶ Prime Music
- š Student-Exclusive Offers
5. Media & Communications š¬ ā Thriving in the Digital Age
The rise of digital media, content creation, and public relations makes this degree more valuable than ever.
Media graduates work in journalism, marketing, advertising, and film production.
With the ever-growing presence of social media platforms and online publications, businesses are investing heavily in digital content strategies. Professionals in this field must be adaptable, creative, and skilled in storytelling.
Whether working for a major media corporation, managing public relations for a brand, or becoming an independent content creator, opportunities in this industry are vast and continuously expanding.
- Starting Salary: Ā£22,000 – Ā£35,000
- Experienced Salary: Ā£70,000+
- Why Itās Future-Proof: Brands and companies will always need compelling storytelling and marketing strategies.
- Least Impacted by AI? Somewhat! AI can generate content, but human creativity, emotional intelligence, and branding expertise remain essential.
6. Psychology š§ ā Understanding People & Making an Impact
A Psychology degree can lead to careers in mental health, business, research, and even marketing.
Psychologists play a vital role in understanding human behaviour, treating mental health issues, and improving workplace productivity.
This degree is highly adaptable, allowing graduates to specialise in clinical psychology, counselling, HR, or even forensic psychology.
As mental health awareness continues to grow, so does the demand for qualified professionals in the field.
- Starting Salary: Ā£25,000 – Ā£40,000
- Experienced Salary: Ā£70,000+
- Why Itās Future-Proof: The increasing focus on mental health ensures growing job opportunities.
- Least Impacted by AI? Yes! Therapy, counselling, and human behaviour analysis require emotional intelligence and personal interaction.
FAQs: Your Degree Questions Answered
A: Law and Economics lead the pack in high salaries, with experienced professionals making six figures.
A: Not necessarily! Many employers prioritise communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills over technical knowledge.
A: Absolutely! Law, business, and media-related fields offer great salaries if you gain experience and develop in-demand skills.
A: Law, business, and economics have strong long-term career prospects.
A: Law, psychology, business leadership, and politics rely heavily on human judgment and emotional intelligenceāareas where AI struggles.
Final Thoughts: Pick a Degree That Works for You
At the end of the day, salary is important, but so is studying something you actually enjoy. The best degree is the one that plays to your strengths and interestsābecause thatās what will make you stand out in the job market.
Do your research, think about where you see yourself in the future, and go for a degree that sets you up for success. The opportunities are out thereāyou just need to grab them! š
(Bonus paragraph) The Best Student Discount! šø
Want to save money and enjoy exclusive perks? Unlock big savings with Amazon Prime Student, you can get 6 months FREEāand thatās just the beginning! Hereās what youāll get with your free trial:
- š Free Next-Day Delivery on all your essentialsābecause who doesnāt love fast shipping?
- š¬ Amazon Prime Video: Stream the latest films, TV shows, documentaries, and even live sports events.
- š¶ Prime Music: Listen to ad-free music, playlists, and podcasts to stay focused while studying.
- š Student-Exclusive Offers: Get discounts on uni essentials, textbooks, and more.
And, if you love it (which you will), you can keep your Prime membership at half price until you graduate! š
Ready to start? Follow this quick step-by-step guide to set up your Amazon Prime Student account:
- Visit the official Amazon Prime Student, landing page.
- Click on āStart Your 6-Month Trialā and then hit āTry Prime Studentā.
- Sign in if you already have an account, or create one quickly.
- Enter your university email address (ending with .ac.uk).
- Provide your expected graduation year.
- Add your payment details (donāt worry, the first 6 months are totally FREE!).
- Verify your email (Amazon will send a confirmation to your uni address).
- Enjoy your Prime perks!
Donāt miss out on these incredible benefitsāsign up today and get your free 6 months of Amazon Prime Student now!