Most university graduates (67.9%) work in high-skilled roles. Compare that to non-graduates, where only 23.7% are in the same types of jobs. This suggests that a university education is still important for getting into a highly skilled job. But with AI changing the world of work so quickly, how do you make sure you choose the right path?
The changing world of work
Jobs involving simple, repetitive tasks are most at risk from AI and automation. Traditionally, graduates often started their careers in these roles.
Examples of jobs most at risk include:
- Bank workers
- Administrative assistants
- Executive secretaries
- Data entry roles
- Accounting, Bookkeeping and Payroll workers
(World Economic Forum’s report on the future of jobs)
While some traditional entry-level roles like these are disappearing, AI is simultaneously creating new opportunities. This means graduates need to be ready for a new type of entry-level role. Instead of doing repetitive jobs like entering data into spreadsheets, they’ll need to analyse it and create reports from day one. Graduates will need to start thinking more strategically much earlier in their careers. This is a big change, but also a great opportunity.
Jobs with the most predicted growth
So, if those traditional entry-level roles are disappearing, where are the opportunities for graduates and what’s replacing them? The UK’s AI ecosystem is growing rapidly. AI businesses have increased by 85% over two years, reaching over 5,800 companies. This means there’s high demand for specialist roles related to AI and technology.
Top 8 fastest-growing jobs for 2025-30:
- Big Data Specialists
- FinTech Engineers
- AI and Machine Learning Specialists
- Software and Applications Developers
- Security Management Specialists
- Data Warehousing Specialists
- Autonomous and Electric Vehicle Specialists
- UI and UX Designers
(World Economic Forum’s report on the future of jobs)
All of these jobs will work closely with AI, so they’ll need people with great technical skills. More than that, they’ll need great human skills like creativity, problem-solving and analysis. These are all skills you can learn as part of a university degree.
Job growth not related to AI and technology
Health and Social Care is one of the sectors which is predicted to see the largest increase in job roles and employment over the next 20 years (PwC's report on the impact of AI on jobs). As the UK population ages, there’ll be a greater need for people working in Nursing and other healthcare roles. These kinds of jobs are also safer from being replaced by AI. They need a human touch, empathy and physical work, which AI can’t do.
How to choose the right degree
It’s more important than ever to research before you choose a degree. University is a big investment of money and time. You want to make sure you’re studying a course that will help you develop the skills you’ll need for the future of work.
For example, with Health and Social Care jobs predicted to increase, you could study a subject like Nursing. If you prefer working with tech rather than people, there are courses like Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence. Or, to develop creativity (something AI definitely can’t replace), you could study Art and Design course.
While AI specialist jobs are some of the fastest-growing, you don’t have to be a technical expert to work with AI. People with AI skills will be needed across all types of jobs in the future. So, you could study a creative subject to develop human skills that will make you better at working with AI later on.
For example, one of the skills most needed to work with AI is critical thinking. At university, nearly all assignments will challenge you to consider an argument or problem from lots of different viewpoints. Then present your own original ideas or solutions from that. This is exactly the type of skill needed for working with AI, and one that university can help you develop.
Courses to consider for high-growth jobs
Undergraduate (first degree)
- Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence – BSc (Hons)
- Artificial Intelligence – BSc (Hons)
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering – BEng (Hons)
- Nursing - Adult - BSc (Hons)
Postgraduate (after your first degree)
- Big Data Analytics MSc
- Artificial Intelligence – MSc
- Computer Science - MSc
- Advanced Computer Science - MSc
- User Experience Design - MSc
Courses like Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science and User Experience Design are also great for people who want to change careers or learn new skills. This is because they’re conversion courses, aimed at people who may not have studied a similar subject for their first degree.
The advantage of getting a degree
Getting a university education is still a strong foundation for the future workplace. A PwC report predicted that university graduates could see more job growth from AI, while people with lower education are more likely to see their jobs reduced.
University also helps you develop the more human-focused “soft skills” that employers value most. Studying at university isn’t just about learning technical skills. Through group projects, you learn communication and collaboration. Small classes (seminars) ask you to think more critically, plus you have access to all the resources and facilities a university has to offer.
These soft skills, like analytical reasoning, creativity and leadership, are the ones that AI can’t replace. They’re also the skills that show up again and again in lists of the top core skills wanted by employers (Multiverse, World Economic Forum).
Conclusion
The data shows that there’s potential for graduates if they develop the right skills now. Having a higher level of education protects you more against job loss from AI. Students who use university to develop these soft skills and learn to use AI responsibly become highly valuable employees.
It’s not all on students, though. Universities also have the responsibility of embedding both critical soft skills and AI skills throughout the university experience.
