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UK Degrees: Skills Over Degrees?
17 Feb
Summary
- UK universities are reshaping curricula for job-ready graduates.
- Employability support at Glasgow includes 1,600+ employer engagements.
- UK employers prioritize work experience and demonstrable skills.
UK universities are undertaking significant curriculum reforms to equip graduates with job-ready skills for 2026. The University of Glasgow is at the forefront, implementing a transformation program that integrates employability throughout its courses, emphasizes experiential learning with industry partners, and develops students' digital literacy. This initiative aims to align learning outcomes with career competencies and enhance work experience opportunities.
Careers services play a pivotal role in connecting students with employers, with the University of Glasgow reporting over 1,600 employer engagements and more than 8,250 job vacancies promoted in a recent academic year. While UK degrees are globally recognized for academic rigor and research-led teaching, a shift is occurring. Universities are moving towards more practice-based assessments that mirror workplace challenges.
Despite global job market challenges, employers continue to value graduates from leading institutions. However, the ground reality is that UK employers heavily prioritize demonstrated work experience and transferable skills, often more than a degree alone. International students must understand that UK hiring practices differ significantly from those in their home countries, making proactive career services engagement essential.
Visa regulations, including the Graduate visa and Skilled Worker route, are subject to change. For instance, the Graduate visa duration will be two years for applications made by December 31, 2026, and 18 months thereafter, with longer periods for doctoral graduates. Students are advised to seek up-to-date immigration advice and utilize university resources for support.
In terms of hiring demand, approximately 80% of UK employers are discipline-agnostic, valuing a blend of technical capability, transferable skills, and real-world experience. Sectors like healthcare, social work, engineering, and specialist IT face shortages, but universally sought-after skills include communication, problem-solving, and adaptability. Students are encouraged to connect with careers services, join campus clubs, and actively reflect on their skill development during their first 90 days to boost employability.
