Hardest Degrees in the UK: Ranked & Explained

Written by: Rob Cadwell

Reviewed by: Holly Barrow

Published

28 August 2025

Contents

Key Takeaways

The difficulty of a degree depends on factors like contact hours, assessment types, mental demands, and how detailed the course content is.
What feels hard varies between students, so consider the workload, how much independent study is expected, and pass rates.
Some of the hardest degrees in the UK include Medicine, Engineering, Architecture, Law, and Veterinary Science.
It’s important to match your strengths to the course demands, such as whether you prefer essays or exams, and teamwork or working alone.
Choose a degree based on your interests and skills, not just its reputation for being hard.
Many universities allow you to switch courses if you find your degree too challenging, so seek advice if needed.
Employers value your skills and experience as much as the degree subject you studied.

Use Measurable Factors

Choosing a university degree is a big decision, especially when you want to challenge yourself but also succeed.

Some degrees are known for being more demanding than others, but what makes one course harder than another? Is it just about the amount of work, or are there other factors involved?

To help you understand, here are some measurable factors that affect how tough a degree can be.

Contact hours: How many hours per week you spend in lectures, seminars, labs, or tutorials. More contact hours often mean a heavier schedule and less free time.
Assessment style: Different courses assess students in different ways. Some rely heavily on exams, others on coursework, projects, or practical work. The type and frequency of assessments can greatly affect the stress and workload.
Mental demands: This relates to how much critical thinking, problem-solving, or creativity is required. Some degrees require mastering complex theories or solving difficult problems regularly.
Content depth: How detailed and technical the subject matter is. Some courses cover vast amounts of material or highly specialised knowledge, which can be challenging to absorb and understand.

By focusing on these concrete criteria rather than just opinions or reputations, we can provide a clearer picture of which degrees are the hardest in the UK. This way, you can make an informed choice that matches your strengths, interests, and future goals.

What Makes a Degree “Hard”?

When students talk about the hardest degrees, they’re usually thinking about how tough the course is to complete successfully. But “hard” can mean different things depending on what you find challenging.

Here are some key factors that make a degree demanding:

Academic intensity: Some degrees require a high volume of essays, reports, lab work, or technical problem-solving. For example, science and engineering courses often involve complex experiments and calculations, while humanities degrees might require writing multiple lengthy essays.
Volume of content: The sheer amount of material you need to learn and understand can make a course difficult. Some degrees cover a wide range of topics in great detail, meaning you have to remember lots of facts and concepts.
Independent learning expectations: At university, you’re expected to manage much of your own learning. Some courses expect more self-study, research, and reading outside of taught sessions. If a degree demands a lot of independent work, it can feel more challenging.
Drop-out and Fail Rates: Statistical data shows that certain degrees have higher drop-out or fail rates. These figures often reflect how demanding the course is, both academically and mentally.
Entry Requirements and Selectivity: The grades and qualifications needed to get into a course are another sign of difficulty. Degrees that require high A Level grades or specific subjects usually indicate a competitive and challenging programme.

Understanding these factors can help you weigh which courses match your abilities and how ready you are for the challenges ahead.

Top 10 Hardest Degrees in the UK (Ranked)

Based on measurable factors like workload, assessment types, mental demands, pass rates, and entry requirements, here is our ranked list of the hardest degrees in the UK with an explanation of why it’s considered so challenging, helping you understand what to expect.

Medicine

According to Oxford Royale (opens in a new tab), this course requires intense study, long hours, practical clinical work, and very high entry grades.

Engineering

According to Bright Network (opens in a new tab), this course demands strong technical knowledge, complex problem-solving, heavy Maths, and substantial project work.

Architecture

This course combines creative design with technical skills, long studio hours, and frequent, high-pressure deadlines.

According to Prospects (opens in a new tab), this course involves large volumes of reading, critical analysis of complex texts, and rigorous exam preparation.

Veterinary Science

According to PDSA (opens in a new tab), this course includes learning challenging Science content, practical animal care, and strict entry requirements.

Physics

This course requires deep understanding of abstract concepts, high-level Maths, and difficult problem-solving tasks.

Dentistry

According to Medify (opens in a new tab), this course mixes scientific theory with precise practical skills, alongside demanding clinical placements.

Mathematics

This course focuses on abstract thinking, problem-solving, and requires high mathematical ability and concentration.

Chemical Engineering

This course combines Chemistry, Physics, and Maths with complex lab work and engineering principles.

Pharmacy

This course involves detailed knowledge of drugs, Chemistry, and patient care, with a demanding workload and assessments.

Choosing a Degree That’s Right for You

When deciding which degree to study, it’s important to think about your own skills and how they fit with what the course requires.

Match Your Strengths to Course Demands

Different degrees demand different strengths, so consider questions like:

Do you prefer writing essays or taking exams? Some courses, like Law or English, involve lots of essay writing, while others, like Engineering or Physics, often rely more on exams.
Are you better at teamwork or working independently? Degrees like Medicine or Architecture often involve group projects and collaboration, whereas courses like Mathematics or Philosophy can involve more solo study.
Do you enjoy technical skills or more theoretical ideas? Engineering and Computer Science are more practical and hands-on, while subjects like History or Sociology focus more on theory and analysis.

By understanding how a course is structured and what it expects, you can choose a degree that plays to your strengths and keeps you motivated throughout your studies.

Don’t Pick Based on Reputation Alone

It’s easy to be tempted to choose a degree just because it’s known as “hard” or prestigious. But remember, a tough course isn’t always the best fit for you. What matters most is whether you enjoy the subject and feel confident you can handle its specific challenges.

Choosing a degree only for its reputation can lead to unnecessary stress and lower motivation. Instead, focus on what suits your interests, skills, and long-term goals. After all, success comes from passion and persistence, not just difficulty.

Look at Course Structure and Support

Before choosing a degree, take time to explore how the course is organised. Look at things like:

Weekly contact hours: How much time you’ll spend in lectures, labs, or seminars each week. Some degrees have packed schedules, while others give more time for independent study.
Personal tutor support: Find out if the course offers dedicated tutors who can guide you, help with difficulties, and provide advice throughout your studies.
Assessment format: Check whether you’ll be mainly doing exams, coursework, projects, or presentations. Knowing this can help you decide if the assessment style suits your strengths.

Understanding these details can make a big difference in how manageable and enjoyable your degree will be.

How to Prepare for a Challenging Degree

Starting a demanding degree can feel overwhelming, but good preparation can make all the difference. Here’s how you can get ready:

Choose A Levels that build the right foundation: Pick subjects that relate closely to your chosen degree to develop the necessary knowledge and skills early on.
Read ahead during Year 13: Try to get a head start by reading introductory books or articles about your course topics before university begins.
Develop study habits early: Practice effective note-taking, organise your work, and do independent reading to build skills you’ll need for university-level study.
Find student blogs or YouTube channels: Hearing from current students can give you a real sense of what to expect and tips for managing your workload and stress.

Preparing like this will help you feel more confident and ready to succeed in a challenging degree.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hardest subject to study at university in the UK?

While it depends on your skills and interests, degrees like Medicine, Engineering, and Architecture are often considered the hardest due to their heavy workload, complex content, and high entry requirements.

Are harder degrees better for job prospects?

Not necessarily. Employers value skills and experience as much as your degree. It’s more important to choose a course that suits your strengths and career goals than just picking the hardest degree.

Can you switch courses if a degree is too hard?

Yes, many universities allow students to switch degrees, especially in the first year. It’s important to seek advice early and speak with academic advisors to find the best path for you.

Do employers care what degree you studied?

Some jobs require specific degrees, but many employers focus on your skills, work experience, and how you apply your knowledge rather than the exact subject you studied.

Final thoughts

What counts as a “hard” degree can be different for everyone. What’s tough for one student might feel manageable for another. However, some courses are clearly more demanding in terms of workload, content, and skills needed.

It’s important to be realistic about your strengths and limits, but don’t be afraid to aim high. Choose a degree that will challenge you enough to grow, but also inspire and excite you every day.

Finding the right balance between ambition and suitability is key to enjoying your university experience and achieving success.