What degree should I do?

If you are taking your GCSEs or A Levels and want to go on to study at university, you might know exactly the subject area you want to specialise in. It could be a subject you enjoy like English, history or maths, or perhaps one that you think may be more useful in the world of work, such as science or engineering. But if you already know that you want to work in construction, what degree should you do?

Why choose a career in construction?

Construction is a diverse, vibrant industry with a great range of different careers. You could be working in a specialised on-site role like plastering, carpentry or roofing, in a more office-based job such as CAD or BIM technology. Or there are professions like civil engineering and architecture which offer a combination of site and office work. By working in construction you could be making a major contribution to the built environment and sustainability. One of the current major challenges for the construction industry is reducing its carbon emissions, and you can help with this effort by working in a sustainable construction role.

Things to think about before picking your construction degree

Personal interests and strengths

What kind of strengths do you think you have? Are you a good team player, work well with your hands or like working outdoors? Are you good at drawing? Do you enjoy making things or finding out how stuff works?

If you are interested in a career in construction but want some hints as to what kind of career your personality might make you suitable for, and therefore what degree to do, why not take our Personality Quiz? You are asked a series of questions to reveal what personality type you are. You could be a Fixer, the Boss or the Creative!  

Job roles and career goals

What ambitions do you have in your career? Do you want to make as much money as you can, or value personal fulfilment above financial rewards? How about the impact you want to make on the world around you – do you want to make people’s lives better with the work you do, or have a positive environmental impact?

To get a better understanding of the construction career that is most suited to your ambitions and skills, have a go at using our Career Explorer.

Industry trends and the job market

What are the boom areas in the construction jobs market? Where are the shortages going to be in a few years time? Salaries are likely to rise for those job roles, so if you can do some research and find out where the demand is going to be, studying for a degree in that field will put you at the front of the queue when you graduate. The UK government has committed to a major increase in house building, so there will always be demand for construction jobs.

Popular construction degrees

Architecture

Working as an architect is often seen as one of the most rewarding roles in construction, but is also one of the longest to study for. An architecture degree takes seven years, including two years of work experience with an architecture practice. After completing all three Parts of the degree you qualify as an architect and can become a chartered member of the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects).

Quantity surveying

Quantity surveying is a profession which combines engineering, economics and construction. Quantity surveyors estimate the costs associated with building projects – materials, labour and other expenses, and prepare cost analysis and feasibility studies. On larger projects, they might monitor ongoing costs. A degree in quantity surveying is one of the best routes into this profession, giving students a thorough understanding of how to financially manage construction projects.

Civil engineering

Civil engineers are responsible for the planning, design and management of significant construction projects, including transportation links, buildings and other structures. They use computer modelling software and data from surveys, tests and maps to develop project blueprints. Civil engineering is a popular area of study and many universities offer courses that specialise in a certain type of civil engineering, such as structural, environmental and coastal engineering. Competition for places on engineering degree courses is high, and according to a report by EngineeringUK in 2023, engineering and technology is the 5th most popular subject group in UK universities.    

Building surveying

Building surveyors advise clients about the design, construction, maintenance and repair of buildings, including listed buildings and those with heritage status. Some graduates go into building surveying after degrees in engineering, but you can also study for a specialist building surveying degree. Students learn about inspection and analysis techniques and use CAD technology and other industry-standard surveying equipment.

H3: Construction management

Construction managers oversee the planning and delivery of construction projects. They ensure that work is completed on time and within budget. They organise logistics, delegate work and keep track of spending. While people often go into construction management with a variety of academic backgrounds, Construction management degrees provide specialist training in how building projects are created and managed, and develop skills in managing heritage and refurbishment projects.

Other relevant degree subjects

The degree subjects above are specialised. If you’re not quite sure what job you want to do after university then it may be better to take a degree in a more general academic subject. Maths, physics and computing are all viewed favourably within construction because they are STEM-based. These subjects develop the technical skills that can be applied to many jobs within construction, such as engineering and architecture.

Alternatives to university

You don’t need a degree to work in construction. There are a number of other routes into construction, whether you have A-Levels, GCSEs or no formal qualifications.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships offer the combination of a job with vocational training and study, leading to a nationally recognised qualification. Apprenticeships usually take 1-3 years to complete and set you up for the world of work. You get paid a salary like a normal job and may even be offered a job at the end of your apprenticeship.

College courses

You may be able to take a college course to get skills in the trade or field you are interested in. You might not have to pay for these courses, especially if you are under the age of 24 and they are equivalent to a GCSE or A-Level.

Work

Getting started in work is something many young people want to do as soon as possible after taking their A-Levels or GCSEs. There are a range of entry level jobs in construction that do not require any formal qualifications, and if you have previous work experience in those jobs, this may help with gaining employment. Once you are in a job your employer may arrange for vocational training so that you can make further progress in your career.

What is the most employable degree?

There is no one university degree course that makes someone more employable. All have their individual benefits, and it will really depend on what kind of career you want to begin after your degree. Almost every degree has transferable skills that can be used in a job. It could be literacy or numeracy skills, analytical thinking, presentation and communication skills, time management, organisational skills or attention to detail. Whether you are studying an arts or science subject, a vocational or academic course, it will stand you in good stead for your future career. 

How to find a course?

Whether you are looking for flexibility or to specialise in what you study, you will be able to find the degree course that is right for you. Look on websites like UCAS, Discover Uni and the National Careers Service. Or if you want to explore other options, try Talentview for apprenticeship opportunities in construction.