However, according to teen magazine Future-Mag, 54% of graduates say they’d think again about choosing university as the best way to find a job.
If you don’t fancy another three years of study, can’t face the debt, or didn’t get the results you were expecting, don’t worry. There are plenty of routes into careers that that don’t require you to have a degree.
Here are some top jobs you can do without a degree:
1. Nurse - Pay:24,907to37,890
The lowdown: If youve been thinking of becoming a nurse but dont want to go to university full-time this could be for you. The government has just announced a massive 172m investment into nursing,the moneyis toallow healthcare employers to take on up to 2,000 nursing degree apprentices every year over the next four years.
Getting There: Nursing apprenticeships offer an alternative to full-time university courses, allowing people to earn a salary while their tuition costs are paid.At the end of theapprenticeship- which usually takesfour years - apprentices are able to qualify as fully registered nurses.
Youll usually need4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship Photo: pexels.com
2. Air Traffic Controller - Pay:17,000 to 50,000
The lowdown: 24 hours a day, they help to keep some of the busiest airspace in the world moving. The work is challenging and demanding, but its immensely rewarding too.Air traffic controllers give information and advice to airline pilots to help them take off and land safely and on time.
Getting There: You have to be over 18 and have at least five GCSEs or equivalent at Grade 4 or above (previously A-C) or Scottish Nationals 5 Grade A-C or equivalent, including English and maths.As well as having a good level of physical and mental fitness, you must satisfy the basic medical requirements set down by the Civil Aviation Authority.
The National Air Traffic Control Service (NATS) has developed aseries of gamesto help gauge whether youre right for this career. Photo: pexels.com
3. Computer forensic analyst(cyber security) -Pay 20,000 to 60,000
What do they do? Investigateand thwartcyber crime.Theymight work for the police or security services, or for computer security specialistsandin houseteams.Theyllfollow and analyse electronic data, ultimately to help uncovercyber crimesuch as commercial espionage,theft, fraudor terrorism.
Getting there: Cyber security professionals are in high demandin both the public and private sectorin the wake ofhigh levelbreaches and perceived terrorism threats.And theresa severe shortage of qualifiedprofessionals.Cyber securityhigherapprenticeships (level 4) are offered by major infrastructure and energy companies and excitingly -the security services. Photo: pexels.com
4. Solicitor -Pay 25,000 to 100,000
The lowdown: Its not quite Better Ask Saul in realitySolicitors advise clients about the law and act on their behalf in legal matters, and can specialise in a host of areas, includingcontract, criminal, commercialand family law, and much more.
Getting there: You can now become a solicitor bytraining on the jobsincenew solicitor apprenticeships (level 7) whichwere approved in 2015. This isnt an easy route youll need to pass a series oftoughexams. Youll need good A levels and it can take five to six years to complete. Photo: pexels.com
5. Visual Effects Artist -Pay from 18,000to 50,000once qualified
The lowdown: They help artists produce all the whizzyvisual effects (VFX). They assist seniorVFXartistsand prepare the elements required for the final shots.Eventually theyll be employed bypost productioncompaniesworking on commercials, television series and feature films.
Getting there: You could do a practical short course atLondonsMetFilmSchool (Ealing Studios) and try to get into the industry that way, or do an apprenticeship viaNext Gen Photo: pexels.com
6. Estate Agent -15,000to40,000
The Lowdown: An estate agents lot isnt quite as chaotic as the comedy StathLets Flats,might lead you to believe, in reality, estate agentssell and rent out commercial and residential property, acting as negotiators between buyers and sellers.
Getting there: Some estate agents offer an intermediate apprenticeship as a junior estate agent, or youmay be able to start as a trainee sales negotiator and learn on the job.
Pay:Estate agents often work on commission which means that you have a basic salary and also earn a percentage of the sale or rental price of any property you sell or rent. Photo: pexels.com