Every year, thousands of students apply to universities across the UK, but not all secure a place. Some degrees are particularly competitive, attracting far more applicants than there are spots available.
Competitiveness isn’t always about popularity. Many highly sought-after degrees have rigorous entry requirements, including high grades, admissions tests, interviews, portfolios, or practical experience. These factors ensure universities select candidates who are best suited to the challenges of the programme.
In this guide, we explore the most competitive degrees in the UK for 2024, using UCAS statistics and official admissions data from universities. You’ll find not only which courses are the toughest to get into, but also insights into what makes them so selective – and how you can prepare to maximise your chances of success.
How Is Competitiveness Of A Degree Measured?
A degree is considered competitive when the number of applicants is significantly higher than the number of available places. As a result, universities use rigorous admissions criteria – such as high entry requirements, interviews, admissions tests, or additional assessments like portfolios – to fill their limited spots with the strongest candidates.
The most reliable way to measure competitiveness in the UK is through offer rates, which represent the proportion of applications that received an offer. Lower offer rates indicate higher competition. In some cases, acceptance rates can be even lower, as not all applicants meet their offer conditions or choose to enrol, further highlighting the selectivity of these programmes.
Offer Rate= Offers Received/Total Number of Applicants x 100
Acceptance Rate= Acceptances/Total Number of Applicants x 100
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Methodology
We looked at official UCAS 2024 statistics and data published directly by universities. UCAS provides offer rates for different subject groups across the UK, which helps us see which areas are the hardest to get into based on how many applicants receive an offer.
We also included data from the G5 universities (commonly Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, UCL, and Imperial) to show the 10 most competitive degrees at some of the UK’s most selective institutions. This gives a clearer picture of how individual courses compare, especially for students aiming for top-tier universities.
By combining both sets of data, you’ll get a good overview of which degrees are the most competitive in the UK – and what that could mean for your own preparation strategy.
What Are The Most Competitive Subject Groups in the UK?
In 2024, these undergraduate subjects had the lowest offer rates across all UK universities.
10. Law
Number of applications: 163,325
Offer rate: 75%
Law is a relatively popular course in the UK, attracting 163,325 applicants. Careers in law – including solicitors, barristers, legal executives, legal secretaries, and paralegals – are highly respected and can be incredibly rewarding. To become a lawyer, you must first complete a law degree, which is often considered one of the more challenging undergraduate courses due to its heavy academic workload and the additional five to seven years of training required to become fully qualified.
9. Social Sciences
Number of applications: 318,610
Offer rate: 73.7%
Social Sciences is one of the most applied-to subject groups in the UK, with 318,610 applicants. This broad field includes disciplines such as sociology, psychology, politics, anthropology, and economics, all of which explore human behaviour, society, and institutions. Degrees in social sciences can open doors to careers in research, public policy, social work, and more. While the courses are moderately competitive to get into, subject to institution, they can be challenging due to the extensive reading, research, and critical thinking required to succeed.
8. Computing
Number of applications: 204,700
Offer rate: 72.9%
Computing attracts a large number of applicants, with 204,700 people applying in the UK. This field covers areas such as programming, software development, cybersecurity, and data science, all of which are in high demand across industries. A computing degree can lead to rewarding careers in technology, finance, and research. While the subject is highly sought after, it can also be demanding due to the technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and consistent practice required to excel.
7. Architecture, Building and Planning
Number of applications: 53,780
Offer rate: 70%
Architecture, Building, and Planning attracts 53,780 applicants in the UK. This field combines creativity, design, and technical knowledge to shape the spaces we live and work in. Degrees in these subjects can lead to careers as architects, urban planners, or construction managers. The courses are known for being rigorous, requiring strong design skills, technical understanding, and long hours of project work, but they offer highly rewarding outcomes.
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6. Mathematical Sciences
Number of applications: 63,855
Offer rate: 68.6%
Mathematical Sciences attract 63,855 applicants in the UK,m showing a moderate to high popularity. This field covers areas such as pure and applied mathematics, statistics, and actuarial science, all of which are essential for careers in finance, research, data analysis, and technology. Degrees in mathematical sciences are challenging, requiring strong analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and logical reasoning, which results in high entry requirements and rigorous admissions processes, such as the STEP. However, they can open doors to highly rewarding and specialised career paths, such as quantitative trading.
5. Education and Teaching
Number of applications: 65,980
Offer rate: 63.4%
Education and Teaching attracts 65,980 applicants in the UK, reflecting the ongoing interest in the UK in becoming a skilled educator. This field prepares students to become teachers, trainers, or education specialists, shaping the next generation of learners. Degrees in education can be challenging, requiring strong communication skills, patience, and practical teaching experience, but they lead to highly rewarding careers that make a lasting impact on society.
4. Design, and Creative and Performing Arts
Number of applications: 259,090
Offer rate: 61.4%
The UK is home to some of the world’s most renowned art universities, and with a growing job market in creative professions, this broad field including disciplines such as graphic design, fashion, music, theatre, and fine arts, attracted over 250,000 applicants in 2024.
Students typically pursue a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), or Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA). While these courses are highly rewarding, they can be demanding, requiring strong artistic skills, dedication, and a willingness to experiment and innovate. Admissions processes for these degrees can be extremely competitive, typically requiring evidence of independent engagement and creative skills through portfolios.
3. Subjects allied to Medicine
Number of applications: 385,985
Offer rate: 52.8%
Subjects allied to medicine attracted 385,985 applicants, making it one of the most popular subjects in the UK (and the most popular in the list). This group includes courses such as nursing, pharmacy, medical technology, physiotherapy, radiography, and biomedical sciences, all of which play a vital role in healthcare. Degrees in these areas are challenging, combining rigorous academic study with practical, hands-on experience. Graduates can pursue rewarding careers in hospitals, clinics, research, and public health, contributing directly to patient care and the wider healthcare system.
2. Veterinary Sciences
Number of applications: 15,920
Offer rate: 38.7%
Although Veterinary Sciences attracted only 15,920 applicants – the lowest number on the list – it has an exceptionally low offer rate of 38.7%, highlighting just how competitive the course is. Admission typically involves rigorous interviews and specialised tests (such as the ESAT), in addition to crafting a successful personal statement, reflecting the high standards required to train as a veterinarian. Graduates can pursue careers caring for animals in clinical, research, or public health settings, making it a highly in-demand, rewarding, but also demanding field.
1. Medicine and Dentistry
Number of applications: 119,000
Offer rate: 23.9%
Medicine and Dentistry – which also happens to be at the top of the list with the highest paying degrees in the UK – are among the most competitive courses in the UK, attracting 119,000 applicants but offering just a 23.9% offer rate – this means that Medicine is roughly three times harder to get into than Law. These degrees demand exceptional academic ability, dedication, and resilience, combining intense study with practical clinical experience. Graduates can pursue careers as doctors, dentists, or specialists, making a profound impact on patient health and wellbeing. The rigorous admissions process often includes interviews and one of the most difficult entrance exams (UCAT), reflecting the high standards required to enter these vital professions.
Key Takeaways
As you can see, offer rates vary significantly, from around 75% for subjects like Law to just 24% for Medicine and Dentistry, meaning some fields are up to three times harder to get into. If you’re targeting elite institutions, like Oxbridge and other G5 universities, chances are the success rates will be even lower.
Popularity plays a role, but competitiveness is more closely linked to limited places, specialist requirements, and the intensity of the training involved. Highly competitive subjects often demand more than strong grades. Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Sciences, and Creative Arts courses frequently require admissions tests, interviews, portfolios, or extensive work experience. Similarly, analytical and technical subjects such as Mathematics, Architecture, and Computing require solid foundational skills and a genuine interest in the subject’s challenges.
This information should help you make informed decisions, not discourage you. Choosing a degree is a significant investment, and your interests and long-term goals should always guide your choices. Competitiveness can be an indicator of future career opportunities, as many demanding degrees lead to respected, high-demand, or high-paying professions.
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Most Competitive Degrees in The UK – G5 Universities
The G5 Universities
When looking at the most selective courses offered by the G5 universities (Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Imperial, and UCL), it becomes clear just how competitive certain degrees are. Offer rates for these courses range from as low as 3.5% to around 9%, with some acceptance rates dropping even further once final applicant withdrawals are taken into account. Below are the most competitive degrees for 2024, based on available admissions data.
10. Anthropology & Law – LSE
Applicants: 302
Offer rate: 9%
Acceptance rate: 6.3%
This unique interdisciplinary degree is highly competitive and appeals to students interested in the intersection of legal systems, culture, and society.
- Law – UCL
Applicants: 5,034
Offer rate: 8.1%
Acceptance rate: 3.9%
UCL Law is one of the top law schools in the UK. Applicants need strong grades, critical thinking skills, and a compelling academic profile.
8. Politics and International Relations – LSE
Applicants: 982
Offer rate: 7.9%
Acceptance rate: 2.4%
One of LSE’s most popular degrees, this course is extremely selective and attracts applicants from around the world interested in global politics and policy.
- Computer Science – University of Oxford
Applicants: 881
Offer rate: 7.5%
Acceptance rate: 6.4%
6. Economics, Finance and Data Science – Imperial
Applicants: 3,036
Offer rate: 7.4%
Acceptance rate: 3.9%
This new and rapidly growing field sits at the intersection of maths, finance, and computation. Imperial receives far more applications than available places.
5. Fine Art – UCL Slade School of Fine Art
Applicants: 1,128
Offer rate: 6.2%
Acceptance rate: 4%
Slade is one of the UK’s leading art schools, and entry is based heavily on a high-quality portfolio showcasing creativity, technique, and independent work.
4. Computing (Software Engineering) – Imperial
Applicants: 434
Offer rate: 6.2%
Acceptance rate: N/A
Imperial’s Computing degrees are globally competitive and attract top international applicants. Strong programming and problem-solving skills are crucial.
- Economics & Management – University of Oxford
Applicants: 1,517
Offer rate: 6.1%
Acceptance rate: 5.5%
Economics & Management is one of the most competitive courses at Oxford due to its very small cohort size of under 100 students. This is unusual for a major course like this, but it goes to show that your application is going to have to really stand out to be a part of those 5% of successful applicants.
2. International Social and Public Policy with Economics – LSE
Applicants: 444
Offer rate: 4.1%
Acceptance rate: 1.8%
In 2024, this was by far the most competitive degree in LSE, and the second most competitive degree across all G5 universities, while it also had the lowest acceptance rate of 1.8%.
1. Mathematics and Statistics – Oxford
Applicants: 142
Offer rate: 3.5%
Acceptance rate: 2.1%
At the top spot of most competitive G5 courses we have Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Oxford. While the 2024 acceptance rates for this course were omitted from Oxford’s 2024 admissions table, the course remains active and had the lowest 2023 offer rate among all other G5 courses.
Key Insights
Across the G5 universities, the most competitive courses tend to be highly specialised and academically demanding. Subjects like Maths & Statistics, Economics and Management, and Software Engineering require strong analytical skills, while courses such as Law and Politics attract huge numbers of applicants due to their prestige and clear career pathways. This combination of high interest and limited places naturally pushes offer rates down – some to as low as 3-4%.
With three entries each, LSE and Oxford dominate the list with both universities offering some of the lowest-offer-rate courses in the country. Oxford also stands out for its STEM-heavy competitiveness, with courses like Computer Science and Mathematics & Statistics sitting at the very top of the list.
Interestingly, Cambridge doesn’t appear in the top, although it dominates spots just below the top 10.
Again, the data shows that competitiveness doesn’t depend solely on applicant numbers. Some courses – like Oxford’s Economics & Management – have relatively modest applicant pools but still rank among the toughest due to extremely small cohort sizes. Others, such as Imperial’s Computing degrees, attract global interest because of their strong technical focus.
How To Prepare For Competitive Degrees
Getting into a highly competitive degree requires more than excellent grades. Universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Imperial, and UCL look for applicants who demonstrate genuine interest in their subject, independent engagement, and strong analytical and critical thinking skills. Start by understanding each course’s requirements: required subjects, admissions tests, interviews, and any portfolio or written work you may need to submit.
Building your subject knowledge early is crucial. Read widely around your chosen course, keep up with recent research, and participate in activities that demonstrate genuine engagement, such as competitions, online courses, or relevant projects and work experience. Oxbridge and other top-tier institutions also assess how well you think critically during interviews. The goal is not to memorise facts but to demonstrate your actual reasoning clearly and confidently.
Effective preparation also involves identifying the areas where you need the most improvement and taking concrete steps to address them. For students seeking expert support, UniAdmissions offers specialised Oxbridge and G5 Preparation Programmes. These programmes provide one-to-one guidance on personal statements, admissions tests, interviews, and subject enrichment – all designed to maximise your chances of success when applying at Oxbridge and other competitive universities.
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