Easiest Degrees in the UK: Ranked & Explained

When it comes to choosing a university degree, the idea of the “easiest” course can mean different things to different people. What feels manageable for one student might be challenging for another. 

Instead of simply looking for the “easiest” degree, it’s important to consider factors such as assessment style, entry requirements, and overall workload. Some courses rely more on coursework, while others have frequent exams or higher contact hours. 

This article aims to provide a clear, balanced guide to some of the UK’s degrees that tend to have lower entry grades, less exam pressure, or more flexible study formats. 

Our goal is to help you make an informed choice based on your own strengths and learning preferences—not to judge or label any course as “easy” or “hard.”

Key Takeaways

• What makes a degree “easy” depends on your personal strengths, learning style, and how the course is assessed. It’s not the same for everyone.

• Degrees with lower entry requirements, fewer exams, and more coursework often feel more manageable for many students.

• Subjects like Media Studies, Sociology, English Literature, and Education Studies often have more coursework and flexible assessments, which some find less stressful.

• Even degrees considered easier can be challenging and rewarding, developing important skills like communication, creativity, and critical thinking that employers value.

• Choosing a degree that fits your interests and study habits is more important than just picking one because it seems easy.

• Employers focus more on your skills, experience, and attitude than on whether your degree was considered difficult or easy.

What Makes a Degree “Easy”?

Choosing a university degree can feel overwhelming, especially when you hear about some courses being “easier” than others. However, what counts as “easy” really depends on each student’s strengths and learning style. 

Several factors can influence how manageable a degree feels, including:

• Lower entry requirements: Some degrees accept lower A Level grades (for example, CCC rather than AAB), which might make them more accessible to students with different academic strengths.

• Fewer contact hours: Degrees with fewer scheduled lectures, seminars, or practical sessions each week can give students more flexibility and reduce the intensity of their study routine.

• More coursework than timed exams: Courses that assess students mainly through essays, projects, or presentations tend to be less stressful than those requiring many high-stakes, timed examinations.

• Higher average grade outcomes: Degrees where students typically achieve higher marks may reflect a more supportive learning environment or assessment style that suits a wider range of learners.

• Less technical or specialised content: Some subjects cover broader topics and avoid complex technical skills, which might be easier to follow for students who prefer general knowledge over specialised detail.

It’s important to remember that “easy” is personal, and what suits one student’s learning style or strengths might be quite different for another.

Top 10 Degrees Considered Easier in the UK (Ranked)

While no degree is truly “easy” for everyone, some subjects tend to have lower entry requirements, more coursework-based assessments, or fewer contact hours. 

Here are ten degrees often seen as more manageable, along with reasons why students might find them less demanding:

1.  Media Studies 

According to University Compare (opens in a new tab), this course is often assessed through practical elements such as coursework, presentations, and projects rather than many exams. Entry requirements are usually lower than more technical subjects.

2. Sociology

This course typically includes essays and coursework with fewer exams. It covers broad topics about society, which some students find more relatable.

3. English Literature

This course focuses on reading and essay writing, with less technical content and generally flexible assessment formats.

4. Business Studies

This course combines theory with practical assignments and tends to have moderate entry requirements.

5. Psychology

According to the British Psychological Society (opens in a new tab), this course relies on writing essays and coursework, and is more skills based and some have lower entry grades.

6. Education Studies

This course focuses on teaching theory and practice with lots of coursework and fewer exams.

7. Criminology

According to What Uni (opens in a new tab), this course is more skills based and includes essay-based assessments and offers broad topics on crime and society.

8. Law (Non-Law School routes)

Some law degrees, especially those that are more vocational or less research-heavy, can have moderate workloads and entry requirements.

9. Communication Studies

According to University Compare (opens in a new tab), this course involves more practical work such as creating blogs, websites and design pieces with fewer exams. The UCAS requirements for this course can also be lower. 

10. Human Geography

This course is often coursework-heavy and less technical, focusing on people and places rather than pure data or maths.

Remember, these subjects can still be challenging and rewarding, but their assessment styles and entry requirements often make them more accessible for a wider range of students.

Why “Easy” Degrees Are Still Valuable

It’s important to understand that degrees often labelled as “easy” are far from worthless. Many of these courses lead to rewarding and respected careers in areas like teaching, media, writing, and human resources. 

In fact, they often focus on developing valuable soft skills such as communication, creativity, and critical analysis, which are skills that employers across many industries highly prize.

These degrees encourage you to think deeply, express ideas clearly, and work well with others, which can open doors to a wide range of job opportunities. Additionally, some “easy” degrees are highly respected within their fields, with graduates going on to influential roles in business, education, and beyond.

Choosing a degree that suits your strengths and interests is more important than simply aiming for what sounds hardest or most prestigious. By finding the right fit, you can build a strong foundation for both your career and personal growth.

Best “Easy” Degrees Based on Learning Style

Prefer Coursework Over Exams?

If you find coursework and continuous assessment less stressful than timed exams, degrees like Media Studies, Marketing, and Creative Writing might be a good fit. These courses typically focus on projects, presentations, and essays, allowing you to work steadily throughout the year instead of facing many high-pressure exams.

Enjoy Reading and Reflective Writing?

If you enjoy reading texts carefully and expressing your thoughts through reflective essays, degrees like Philosophy, English Literature, and Sociology could suit you well. These subjects encourage critical thinking and personal interpretation, often relying on written coursework rather than frequent exams.

Like Structure but Less Pressure?

If you prefer a clear timetable with regular classes but want to avoid intense exam stress, degrees such as Teaching or Liberal Arts may be ideal. These courses often combine practical learning with coursework assessments, offering a balanced and supportive study environment.

How to Check Degree Difficulty for Yourself

When exploring degree options, it’s important to research and decide what fits your strengths and lifestyle. Here are some practical steps to help you assess how demanding a course might be:

• Look at average entry requirements on UCAS (opens in a new tab): Check the typical A Level grades universities ask for to get a sense of how competitive the course is. Lower entry requirements can indicate a less academically intense programme.

• Research weekly contact hours and workload: Find out how much time you’ll spend in lectures, seminars, and independent study each week. Courses with fewer contact hours may offer more flexibility but could require more self-study.

• Find out assessment types—modules vs final exams: Look at how you will be assessed. Some degrees rely on coursework and smaller assignments throughout the year, while others have high-stakes final exams that can be more stressful.

• Speak to current students if possible: Try to connect with students already on the course via university forums, open days, or social media. They can provide valuable insights into the workload and what to expect.

By gathering this information, you can make a more informed choice that suits your learning style and helps you manage your university experience successfully.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest degree to get into in the UK?

Degrees with lower entry requirements and more coursework-based assessments—such as Media Studies, Sociology, or Education Studies—are often considered easier to get into. However, the “easiest” degree will depend on your personal strengths and the specific university’s standards.

Do easy degrees mean fewer job prospects?

Not necessarily. Many degrees considered easier develop important skills like communication, creativity, and critical thinking, which employers value highly. Success in your career depends more on your skills, experience, and motivation than the perceived difficulty of your degree.

Can I still get a first class degree in an “easy” subject?

Yes! Many students achieve top grades in these subjects. Assessment styles that focus on coursework and essays can allow you to demonstrate your strengths and earn high marks.

Are “easy” degrees looked down on by employers?

While some people have stereotypes about certain degrees, most employers focus on your skills, attitude, and experience rather than the label of your course. Choosing a degree that suits you and helps you grow is far more important.

Final Thoughts

The “easiest” degree is not the same for everyone—it’s the one that fits your interests, learning style, and future goals. It’s completely okay to want a balanced lifestyle while studying, including time for hobbies, work, or relaxation. 

Choosing a course isn’t just about what looks easy on paper; it’s about finding the right match for you. Take time to research thoroughly, ask questions, and consider what will keep you motivated and confident throughout your university journey.

References

UCAS (opens in a new tab) 

Media Studies Degree (opens in a new tab)

What to Expect When Studying Psychology (opens in a new tab)

Why Study Criminology? (opens in a new tab)

Communications Degree (opens in a new tab)