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Resources/Degree Checklist

Degree Decision Checklist

Before you commit, use these questions to interrogate every degree on your shortlist. Print it out, screenshot it, or work through it on screen.

8 sections · 35 questions · takes about 20 minutes per degree

Discover my career options
01

Jobs and careers

  • What are the three most common roles graduates from this degree go into?
  • How many employers are actively hiring for those roles right now?
  • Does the degree open doors into more than one career path?
  • Are the graduate jobs in the location I want to live and work?
02

Salary and financial return

  • What is the typical starting salary for graduates of this degree?
  • What does the salary look like after 5 years in the field?
  • How does the pay compare to the total cost of the degree?
  • Are there routes into higher-earning specialisms within this field?
03

Labour market demand

  • Is the number of job openings in this field growing, steady, or shrinking?
  • What economic or social trends are driving demand in this field?
  • Is this degree valued in other industries, giving you options if things change?
  • Are there signs of graduate oversupply in this area?
04

Competition

  • How many graduates enter this field each year compared to available jobs?
  • Is this a field where experience and portfolio matter more than grades?
  • What does a strong candidate look like — and can you build that profile?
  • Are there niches within the field with less competition?
05

AI and technology impact

  • Which tasks in this career are most likely to be automated in the next 10 years?
  • Is AI creating new roles in this field, or mainly replacing existing ones?
  • Will the degree teach you how to work with AI tools, not just despite them?
  • Are professionals in this field using AI to increase their value — or being displaced?
06

The degree itself

  • What do you actually study in the first year — is it what you expect?
  • How much work placement or industry experience does the programme include?
  • What do recent graduates say about the quality of teaching and support?
  • Does the programme have strong industry connections and employer relationships?
  • Can you specialise or choose modules that match your career goals?
07

Your personal fit

  • Have you enjoyed similar subjects at school or in your own time?
  • Do the day-to-day tasks in this career excite you — not just the title?
  • Have you spoken to someone who works in this field about what it's really like?
  • Would you be happy in this career if the salary was lower than expected?
08

Alternatives worth exploring

  • Are there related degrees that lead to the same careers but with broader options?
  • Could an apprenticeship or professional qualification lead to the same goal faster?
  • Is there a higher demand version of this subject (e.g. specialist vs. generalist)?
  • If this degree didn't exist, what would you study instead — and what does that tell you?
Get personalised guidance

Take the Future Pathway Assessment.

Answer 6 questions and get career matches, degree recommendations, and a personalised report — free.

Discover my career optionsExplore Degrees