With a highly competitive job market on the horizon for the next generation of university graduates, it’s becoming more and more essential to have an undergraduate degree.

We’re currently seeing record numbers of applications for full-time undergraduate courses in the UK. But a recent drop in applications from EU students opens the door for a greater number of UK applicants. So, there’s no time like the present to become an undergraduate student.

We’ll delve into what an undergraduate is, the benefits of studying for an undergraduate degree, and how you can make the most of your time at university to set you up for future success.

What is an Undergraduate?

An undergraduate student is a student in higher-level education who is working towards a bachelor’s degree, otherwise known as an undergraduate degree.

Undergraduate students are different from postgraduate students who are studying at a higher. Postgraduate students have usually already received a bachelor’s degree in their chosen subject and have now gone on to study the likes of a master’s degree or a PhD.

Benefits of an Undergraduate Degree

Employers are searching for candidates who have the skills and knowledge to continue to grow their business. An undergraduate degree is therefore a common prerequisite for many employers in their job application process.

There are many other advantages to having an undergraduate degree, including:

  • Higher Levels of Employment

    Graduates are more likely to find a job than non-graduates. In fact, the employment rate for graduates is 86.7% versus 70.2% for non-graduates.

  • Higher Earning Potential

    People who have a degree have higher salaries than those without. Studies show that the average salary for graduates is £36,000. Meanwhile, the average annual income of non-graduates is £26,000.

  • Experience Student Life

    For a large number of university students, it’s their first taste of independence. Although you’ll still be expected to study hard, there’s so much fun to be had at university. From joining clubs and societies to student nights out, the life of a university student has so much to offer.

  • Expand Your Horizons

    Many students who attend university to study for an undergraduate degree aren’t certain what they want to do when they finish. Attending university allows you to live new experiences, study new subjects, and meet new people. This helps you to get a better idea of the type of career path you’d like to pursue.

Making The Most Of University

Studying for a degree is one of the last big steps you’ll take before going out into the world and beginning your career. Therefore, it’s important to explore opportunities that will expand your work experience and those all-important transferable skills that employers look for. Alongside completing a degree, university presents the perfect chance to take part in extra-curricular activities. You can include these on your CV to demonstrate your skills and personal strengths.

  • Joining Sports Teams / Societies

    On top of the social aspect, joining a sports team is beneficial in demonstrating your teamwork, motivation, and communication skills. Joining a subject-based society provides a great way to network and gain contacts.

  • Volunteering

    Volunteering is a great way to experience helping others. It shows employers you are passionate, eager to gain experience, and dedicated to giving back to the community.

    For further information, head over to our dedicated page on Volunteering for Students.

  • Part-Time Work

    As well as a source of income, part-time jobs for students can give you valuable work experience. Be it working in a café, a clothes shop, a supermarket or as a cleaner, all experience is good experience in the eyes of employers.

  • An Industrial Placement

    An industrial placement (or work placement) is typically available to most university students and involves taking a year out of studying to experience 12 months working in industry. The benefits of taking a placement year include:

    • gaining experience within a specific field of work relevant to your degree
    • experiencing the job interview process
    • gaining an insight into the working world
    • having the chance to network with professionals who may be able to provide job opportunities in the future

    Moreover, most undergraduate placements are paid, with RateMyPlacement reporting an average salary of £16,071 in 2022.

  • An Internship

    If a placement is not part of your degree, you also have the option to explore seasonal internships. Essentially, these will provide you with similar work experience to an industrial placement. However, you’ll work outside of university term time during your holidays.

    Visit our page all about Internships to find out more.

Key Takeaways

Studying for an undergraduate degree is the ideal way to set you up for your future. There are lots of things to consider such as choosing the right degree for you, deciding on a university, and the costs involved. We’ve got the answers to all your questions here at Developing a Student.

After you’ve completed your degree, it’s important to explore the opportunities that are available to you, such as a postgraduate degree, a graduate job, a graduate apprenticeship, and more.

Feel free to contact our team if you have any questions and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter below for all the latest from Developing a Student. If you’d like more information on support available near you, visit our page dedicated to Finding Help In Your Local Area.