Degrees in healthcare and technology are seen as the most resilient options for students hoping to weather changes in the UK job market, according to new research. It suggests that employers still place a premium on traditional, skills-based subjects even as artificial intelligence and automation reshape how work is done.
Recruitment site Totaljobs surveyed more than 500 UK recruiters to find out which degrees they believe will best withstand future disruption. The research found that medical and STEM subjects are expected to stay in demand, with recruiters rating them as the most “future-proof” qualifications for 2026 and beyond.
The concept of a future-proof degree, recruiters said, is shaped by the likelihood that its core skills will remain needed, the degree’s resistance to being replaced by AI and its ability to combine digital and human abilities.
Medical and tech subjects dominate the future-proof list
Medicine topped the list of future-proof degrees among recruiters, with Dentistry, Nursing and Veterinary Medicine close behind. Computing and IT also featured strongly, reflecting the growing appetite for digital skills in an economy increasingly influenced by automation. Engineering, Pharmacy, Biological Sciences, and Education were all named among the top ten, highlighting the continued importance of scientific and practical expertise.
Humanities subjects, in contrast, were seen as the least resilient to future change. Recruiters placed Philosophy and Religious Studies, Anthropology, and Languages and Literature at the bottom of the list. Many cited worries about the impact of AI and automation on these areas.
Despite this, the report suggests that the skills developed in humanities degrees—such as critical thinking, communication, and creativity—still hold value, even if demand for them is changing. Employers interviewed for the study stressed that they continue to look for graduates with these abilities, even as technical skills rise in importance.
AI reinforcing value of core skills
The research found that recruiters see the rise of AI as reinforcing the need for expertise in fields that are hard to automate. Many pointed out that healthcare and technology jobs involve tasks that require both specialist knowledge and a human touch—qualities that machines are still unable to replicate.
Totaljobs’ chief executive, Luke Mckend, said businesses should not limit themselves to hiring from only one discipline.
“While certain degrees are undeniably more sought after and considered future-proof, businesses cannot afford to rely on a single skill set or degree when it comes to hiring talent. Building a truly resilient workforce means embracing talent from diverse educational backgrounds and experiences,” he said.
“This diversity is not just a strength; it’s a strategic advantage. It fuels innovation, drives adaptability, and ensures we remain agile in the face of rapid change. As AI and automation reshape industries, these qualities will define the organisations that thrive.”
Mckend added that AI was “undoubtedly disruptive” but offered benefits if used well in recruitment. “By removing friction and helping businesses focus on what really matters, matching people to the roles where they can thrive, AI can go some way to help employers find the best candidates, regardless of the degree they did or didn’t study.”
What it means for employers and job seekers
The study’s findings are a reminder for HR teams and hiring managers to keep an open mind when reviewing candidates’ educational backgrounds, observers say. While technical and healthcare qualifications are expected to remain strong bets for job security, employers are still advised to look for the broader human skills that help staff adapt and innovate.
With rapid technological change and evolving business needs, adaptability and a mix of skills will likely matter more than ever. As automation handles more routine tasks, recruiters say that a blend of digital, scientific, and interpersonal skills is likely to be the best protection against future disruption.
The report suggests that while the market for degrees is changing, employers want to build teams with a mix of expertise.
