All Graduate Salaries Compared
| Degree | Starting | Mid-Career | Take Home/Mo (Start) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | £32,000 | £55,000 | £2,213 |
| Medicine | £32,398 | £65,000 | £2,237 |
| Law | £25,000 | £45,000 | £1,793 |
| Engineering | £28,000 | £48,000 | £1,973 |
| Accounting & Finance | £26,000 | £50,000 | £1,853 |
| Economics | £28,000 | £50,000 | £1,973 |
| Nursing | £29,970 | £38,000 | £2,092 |
| Architecture | £24,000 | £42,000 | £1,733 |
| Marketing | £24,000 | £40,000 | £1,733 |
| Teaching | £31,650 | £43,607 | £2,192 |
| Psychology | £22,000 | £35,000 | £1,613 |
| English & Humanities | £22,000 | £32,000 | £1,613 |
| Business Management | £25,000 | £42,000 | £1,793 |
| Maths & Statistics | £28,000 | £55,000 | £1,973 |
| Art & Design | £20,000 | £30,000 | £1,493 |
| Biology | £22,000 | £35,000 | £1,613 |
| Chemistry | £24,000 | £40,000 | £1,733 |
| Physics | £26,000 | £50,000 | £1,853 |
| Pharmacy | £33,000 | £45,000 | £2,273 |
| Dentistry | £33,000 | £55,000 | £2,273 |
Career Outlook for Architecture Graduates
Architecture graduates face one of the longest training periods of any profession (7 years minimum to fully qualify). Starting salaries during the Part 1 and Part 2 assistant stages are relatively modest, but qualified architects earn significantly more. The UK's housing shortage and infrastructure investment pipeline provide long-term demand.
Typical First Roles and Career Paths
Part 1 architectural assistants work in practices while preparing for Part 2 study. Part 2 assistants take on more design responsibility. After Part 3 qualification and ARB registration, architects can lead projects independently. Specialising in sectors like healthcare, education, or sustainability can accelerate career progression. See architect salary guide.
Tips for Architecture Graduates
Architecture requires patience — the training is long and starting salaries are modest compared to peers who qualify more quickly. However, once qualified, earnings grow steadily and practice ownership or partnership can be lucrative. Consider international opportunities, as UK architecture qualifications are globally respected. Parametric design and BIM skills are increasingly valuable.
Student Loan Repayments
Architecture graduates face longer periods on modest salaries, meaning slower student loan repayment than many degree subjects. On £25,000, Plan 2 repayments are minimal. The 30-year write-off period may result in some loan forgiveness for those who pursue the full qualification pathway.