Is a creative arts degree worth it?

Creative degrees have long carried a reputation for being ‘risky’ compared to more vocational courses. Employment rates and unpredictable career paths can make some students (and their parents) hesitate.  

But those statistics don’t always contextualise the reality of how creative industries actually function. 

Unlike more traditional career paths, many creative professions have a more winding pathway. This can make early career outcomes look weaker on paper, even if the long-term prospects are strong. 

Employment rate for creative art degrees 

According to data from the Graduate Outcomes Survey for those finishing their degree in 2023, the rate of graduates from creative degrees in full-time employment is 52%, but that’s only slightly below the national average across all subject areas (56%). 

Creative art graduates, however, have a significantly higher rate of part-time employment. 34% of graduates from creative degrees are in part-time work, compared to the national average of only 12%. 

Why is the employment rate for creative degrees lower than other areas? 

There’s many factors that cause the employability rate for creative art graduates to not be as high as other subject areas.  

Creative fields tend to rely on project-based freelance and contract work, rather than full-time roles. A graduate may be working regularly, but not counted as in full-time employment because of how they work. 

One of the reasons that the part-time employment rate is so high for creative art graduates is that there is a high level of self-employment within the creative industries. In fact, for some creative sectors the self-employment rate is as high as 70% ('What Do Graduates Do? 2025/25' by Prospects and HESA). 

What jobs can you get with an art degree? 

If you were to ask 100 people this question, there’s a good chance the majority would say artist and they’re not wrong.  

But that’s also not the full story. 

Artist is indeed the most commonly held professional job by art degree graduates (according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey), but the rest of the top ten demonstrates the wide range of career prospects that a degree in art can prepare you for. 

This list also includes: 

• Primary and secondary education teaching roles 
• Advertising and marketing professionals 
• Science, engineering and production technicians 
• Graphic designers 
• Welfare professionals 
• Archivists and curators 
• Youth and community workers 

And there’s a similar story for graduates from other creative subjects... 

Common jobs for design degree graduates 

• Graphic designers 
• Advertising and marketing professionals 
• Interior designers 
• Fashion and accessory designers 
• Artists 
• Architectural technicians 
• Buyers and procurement officers 
• Retail and wholesale managers 

Common jobs for film and photography degree graduates 

• Photographers 
• AV and broadcast equipment operators 
• Art producers and directors 
• Graphic designers 
• PR professionals 
• Advertising and marketing professionals 
• Retail and wholesale managers 
• Designers  
• Artists 
• Writers and translators 
• Event managers 

Common jobs for media degree graduates 

• Advertising and marketing professionals 
• Art producers and directors 
• PR professionals 
• Photographers 
• AV and broadcast equipment operators 
• Event managers 
• Graphic designers 
• Newspaper and broadcast journalists 
• HR officers 
• Secondary education teaching professionals 

Common jobs for performing arts degree graduates 

• Actors, entertainers and presenters 
• Teaching professionals 
• Photographers 
• AV and broadcast equipment operators 
• Dancers and choreographers 
• Advertising and marketing professionals 
• Event managers 

How to improve your chances of employment with a creative degree 

One of the most important factors in strengthening career prospects is building a strong portfolio alongside your degree.

In many creative industries, your work matters just as much as your qualifications, so having real projects to showcase is essential. 

Gaining experience during your studies can also make a significant difference. Internships, freelance work, live briefs and even personal projects all help demonstrate practical skills and initiative.  

At UCA, you’ll have the option to undertake a professional practice year before the final year of your degree. During this placement you’ll have the chance to work in the creative industries and further develop your skills whilst building your network of industry connections. 

Creative industries are often relationship-driven, so building connections through previous projects, events and online platforms can open doors to opportunities that aren’t advertised through traditional job routes. 

So, is a creative arts degree worth it? 

Ultimately, a creative arts degree can absolutely improve your job prospects, but you should go into the course with clear expectations. 

You may find the transition challenging if you’re expecting a straightforward path into a stable, full-time role once you graduate. 

A degree in the creative arts provides time to develop your craft, build a portfolio, immerse yourself in a creative community and learn from academic mentors with years of industry experience. All of these are crucial within creative industries. 

It’s also worth remembering that creative graduates don’t just work in ‘creative’ jobs. As the Graduate Outcomes Survey shows, many progress into jobs in marketing, education, and beyond, applying their skills in a wide range of sectors. 

For those willing to be proactive, adaptable and persistent, a creative degree can be the foundation for a fulfilling career.