How do you make an informed decision about your university of choice in a fast-changing world? Do you follow your passion, pick the most employable field, or chase future-proof skills? A combination of all three can be the gateway to a job market that’s continuously expanding.

In 2025, it’s hard to keep up with a job market that’s evolving faster than ever. Driven by AI, digitalisation, technology, healthcare demands, and sustainability goals, the market is becoming increasingly overwhelming. But the university degree you choose today can open doors to resilient, high-growth careers tomorrow.

In this blog, we’ll break down the top 10 in-demand degrees for 2025 to help you make a future-ready decision that prepares you for the job market.

The Shift Behind In-Demand Degrees in 2025

The world has been witnessing a shift in the job market as a whole, along with the degrees that matter. According to the Future of Jobs Report 2025, technological advancements, macroeconomic and geoeconomic shifts, the green transition, and demographic changes are major driving forces behind the changes in the global labour market, reshaping future jobs and the required skills.

These trends are driving demand in key sectors:

• Frontline roles: Sales, logistics, and construction are growing in demand, proving necessary in many economies.

• The health and care economy: Roles in nursing, mental health, and social work are on the rise due to ageing populations and increased mental health awareness.

• Education: Currently facing teacher shortages in many regions, especially in tertiary and secondary education.

• Technology-related roles: AI, data science, software development, and cybersecurity are experiencing some of the fastest growth.

• Green energy and sustainability: Environmental engineering, renewable energy, and electric vehicle specialisations are also rapidly growing.

At the same time, jobs in clerical, secretarial, and manual data entry positions are on the decline as a result of automation and digitisation.

Top 10 In-Demand Degrees for 2025

Here’s the list for the top 10 future-proof degrees that are growing in relevance in the global workforce:

1- Computer Science & AI

Computer Science (CS) is the study of designing systems and software. AI has also become one of the fastest-growing CS specialisations, and now a standalone degree, as it helps machines learn, rationalise, and solve problems.

You’ll learn:

Programming languages (Python, Java, C++), software engineering, machine learning, robotics, data structures, algorithms, and autonomous systems.

CS careers include:

• Software Developer

• AI/ML Engineer

• Big Data Specialist

• Technical Fintech Roles (e.g. blockchain developer, algorithmic fraud detection engineer)

• Robotics Programmer

• Autonomous Vehicle Systems Developer

CS graduates are highly sought after in a field that has become the standard and is only advancing. Additionally, AI opens doors right into digital transformation, including FinTech, robotics, and automation.

2- Information Technology 

Information technology (IT) is the use of computers, software, and networks. As the digital infrastructure of organisations, it ensures that the systems and platforms are well-managed and data remains secure.

You’ll learn:

System administration, cloud computing, network configuration, cybersecurity basics, troubleshooting, database management.

IT careers include: 

• IT Support Analyst

• Systems Administrator

• Cloud Engineer

• Cybersecurity Technician

Every organisation relies on IT, and skilled IT professionals who can maintain, optimise, and secure systems are needed, especially with the surge of cloud services.

3- Healthcare (Nursing, Medicine, Public Health)

Healthcare is all about people’s well-being, safety, and access to care. The field covers direct patient services and behind-the-scenes roles that oversee the systems. It also supports communities, treats patients, and analyses public health trends. 

This degree path offers clinical care roles, such as nursing, and non-clinical roles in public health, diagnostics, and health management. 

You’ll learn:

How to care for patients, healthcare ethics, anatomy and physiology, medical research, epidemiology, health data analysis, diagnostics, and healthcare policy.

Careers (Clinical):

• Registered Nurse

• Mental Health Nurse

• Personal Care Aide

• Midwife

• Community Nurse
  
  

Careers (Non-Clinical):

• Public Health Analyst

• Epidemiologist

• Medical Lab Scientist

• Health Systems Manager

• Global Health Officer

Frontline caregivers and healthcare professionals are essential in managing population health and improving the healthcare system to prevent diseases resulting from global health challenges and ageing populations.

4- Data Science & Analytics

Data Science and Data Analytics combine to make sense of data through mathematics, statistics, and computer science, revealing patterns, trends, and insights that predict future outcomes. 

You’ll learn: 

Data analysis, predictive modelling, machine learning, data visualisation, statistics, data ethics, Python/R programming, and SQL.

Careers:

• Data Analyst

• Data Scientist

• Machine Learning Engineer

• Data Engineer

• Business Intelligence Analyst

• Quantitative Analyst

Industries are becoming increasingly data-dependent, especially in AI, finance, marketing, and healthcare, making data science and data analytics degrees essential in the modern world.

5- Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is the practice of safeguarding sensitive data, systems, and individuals from digital threats such as hackers, malware, and data breaches. 

You’ll learn:

Ethical hacking, digital forensics, penetration testing, threat analysis, network security protocols, and firewalls.

Careers:

• Digital Forensics Analyst

• Cyber Defence Analyst

• Security Engineer

• Penetration Tester

Cyberattacks are only getting more frequent, and cybersecurity specialists are critical to keeping digital systems safe and secure. 

6- Education & Teaching

Degrees in education have never been more important, including STEM, languages, and special education, since knowledge is the backbone of the economy. 

You’ll learn:
Pedagogy, curriculum development, classroom management, psychology, and educational technology.

Careers:

• Secondary Teacher 

• Tertiary Educator 

• Language Instructor

• STEM Curriculum Specialist

• University Lecturer

Educators shape the future by equipping learners with the skills needed in a progressive world.

7- Green & Renewable Energy Engineering

Green and Renewable Energy Engineering is concerned with the implementation and development of sustainable energy solutions using natural resources such as wind, solar, and hydropower. 

You’ll learn:

Sustainable systems design, renewable energy systems (solar, wind, geothermal), energy storage and battery tech, smart grid optimisation, energy policy and environmental impact assessment.

Careers:

• Renewable Energy Engineer

• Solar Engineer

• Sustainability Consultant

• Energy Policy Advisor

• Wind Turbine Technician

• Renewable Energy Project Manager

• Smart Grid Engineer

• Battery Technology Specialist

The demand for renewable energy talent capable of delivering scalable, low-emission energy solutions is growing exponentially as governments and corporations invest heavily in green tech to combat climate change and secure a sustainable energy infrastructure.

8- Psychology & Mental Health

Psychology prepares you to support the emotional well-being of individuals across clinics, schools, and communities. 

You’ll learn:

Cognitive science, psychological theories and concepts, counselling techniques, conducting studies, and research methods.

Careers:

• Psychologist

• Psychotherapist

• Counselor

• Social Worker

• Teacher

• Educational Psychologist

In a world more aware of mental health than ever, a psychology degree is much needed, and helps improve mental health, and therefore, a better quality of life.

9- Business & FinTech (Tech-Integrated)

Business and financial technology (fintech) focuses on the intersection between business principles and fintech, enabling students to navigate the ever-evolving financial landscape, shaped by technological advancements.

It can be offered as a specific major within a degree or as a concentration within a business or finance program.

You’ll learn:

Business fundamentals, financial systems, and how digital tools like blockchain, data analytics, and mobile banking are transforming global finance.

Careers:

• Financial Technology Analyst

• Risk and Compliance Technology Officer

• Quantitative Analyst

• Financial Product Manager

As the financial world becomes more digitalised, fintech skills are key to navigating global markets.

10- Digital Design & UX/UI

A mix of design, psychology, and technology, a Digital Design and UX/UI (User Experience and User Interface) degree allows students to create a digital experience that’s user-friendly, accessible, and engaging. 

You’ll learn:

User experience design, user research, accessibility principles, human-computer interaction (HCI), and front-end design tools like Figma and Adobe XD. 

Careers:

• UX/UI Designer

• Interaction Designer

• Product Designer

• Design Strategist

• User Researcher

• Accessibility Consultant

• Service Designer

From app interfaces to web platforms and even wearable tech, UX/UI is a major factor in product development, marketing, and customer success. 

The Core Skills You’ll Need Most in 2025

If you're thinking about tech, science, or medicine, the data is on your side. Degrees that align with healthcare, education, technology, and green energy aren’t only growing quickly but also offer strong employability in 2025 and beyond.

The McKinsey Global Institute also highlights in a report that:

• Demand for STEM-related professionals and healthcare professionals is expected to grow by 17 to 30% between 2022 and 2030.

• For customer service and office support roles, there could be a decline.

In the Future of Jobs Survey, analytical thinking remains the top core skill sought by employers, as it has in the two previous editions of the report. It’s also considered essential in seven out of ten companies.

Based on this, the list of core skills is as follows: 

• Analytical Thinking
  Critical for your problem-solving and decision-making patterns.
  
  

• Resilience, Flexibility and Agility
  Helps you navigate change and uncertainty in evolving work environments.
  
  

• Leadership and Social Influence
  Drives collaboration, motivation, and overall team success.
  
  

• Creative Thinking
  Fuels innovation and adaptability, offering fresh solutions.
  
  

• Motivation and Self-Awareness
  Improves your focus, goal-setting, and emotional regulation.
  
  

• Technological Literacy
  Enables you to skillfully utilise digital tools and tech platforms.
  
  

• Empathy and Active Listening
  Builds your communication, inclusivity, and teamwork skills.
  
  

• Curiosity and Lifelong Learning
  Encourages your growth in a rapidly evolving job market.
  
  

• Talent Management

            Helps organisations nurture natural talent and retain top performers.

• Service Orientation and Customer Service
  Creates satisfactory customer experiences that lead to brand loyalty.
  
  

• AI and Big Data
  Powers insight-driven decisions and automation.
  
  

• Systems Thinking
  Helps you understand how interconnected elements affect the bigger picture.
  
  

• Resource Management and Operations
  Optimises time, budgets, people, and workflows.
  
  

• Dependability and Attention to Detail
  Builds trust in the workplace and achieves high-quality outputs.
  
  

• Quality Control
  Ensures precision, accuracy, and standardisation of all processes.
  
  

• Teaching and Mentoring
  Shares expertise that develops future talent.
  
  

• Networks and Cybersecurity
  Safeguards data and the IT infrastructure of the digital world.
  
  

• Design and User Experience (UX)
  Improves product usability and user satisfaction.
  
  

• Multilingualism
  Supports communication across borders.
  
  

• Marketing and Media
  Boosts brand visibility, engagement, and reach.
  
  

• Reading, Writing and Mathematics
  Supports literacy and numeracy, which are essential across all careers.

• Environmental Stewardship
  Supports sustainability and responsibility in both work and life.
  
  

• Programming
  Maintains the creation and improvement of digital tools and services.
  
  

• Manual Dexterity, Endurance and Precision
  A must for technical, hands-on jobs in fields like industry and healthcare.

• Global Citizenship
  Promotes diversity awareness and international collaboration.
  
  

• Sensory-Processing Abilities
  Enhances perception, reaction time, and accuracy in high-focus environments.

In the McKinsey report, a survey was also conducted in five countries, which found that:

• Tech and data skills are in short supply, most particularly in fields like advanced data analysis, programming, and AI.

• About 40% of executives reported shortages in these high-demand areas.

• A considerable number of executives state that a sufficient number of employees yield good results, with basic cognitive skills, and fewer physical and manual skills. 

Famous Universities for In-Demand Degrees

Here’s a list of some of the most popular universities for the in-demand degrees:

Sources: Rankings are based on data from QS World University Rankings 2025, Times Higher Education Subject Rankings 2025, and U.S. News Best Global Universities 2025.

There’s a widening gap between what’s taught and what’s needed in the job market. Choosing a degree that fills that gap can give you a major edge.

The job market in 2025 is full of possibilities, and your degree can be the key to your future career. From AI and data science to healthcare, education, and sustainability, the world is heading towards a tomorrow where opportunities are growing. 

As you are in the process of planning your future academic journey, think beyond passion. Consider your strengths, future skills, and where the world is headed. After all, the best choice is one that excites you and prepares you for the real world.

For more information about trending jobs, check out our blogs, the Highest Paying Technology Degrees for International Students and 10 High Paying Engineering Jobs in the UK.