Top 10 Hardest Degrees in the World, Is Yours on the List?

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Pursuing higher education is often seen as one of the most promising paths to success. By pushing your limits academically and personally, growth naturally follows to help you move forward with confidence. However, some degrees are known for their intense difficulty, earning a reputation as the hardest degree in the world.

List of the Hardest Degrees in the World

Oxford Summer Courses has published a ranking of the most challenging degrees, with Medicine taking the top spot as the hardest degree in the world. Let’s take a closer look at the top 10 list and explore what makes each of these programs so demanding.

1. Medicine

Taking the top spot, medicine is widely considered as the hardest degree in the world. Given its vast curriculum covering subjects such as anatomy, pharmacology, biochemistry, and more, medical students often face greater complex academic demands than most other disciplines.

The degree typically takes five to six years to complete, followed by additional years of training, internships, and residency. Beyond academic excellence, medical students are also expected to develop emotional resilience, empathy, the ability to work under pressure, and strong communication skills.

2. Law

Coming second is a law degree, renowned for its vast scope and intricate subject matter. Law students must master complex legal systems, principles, terminology, and develop strong skills in argumentation and logical reasoning to thrive in this highly competitive field.

The challenge isn't just theoretical, but students also face an intense workload, often spending countless hours reading, analyzing, and preparing detailed case briefs.

3. Engineering

With heavy emphasis on mathematics, physics, and problem-solving, engineering is often hailed as the hardest degree in the world. Mastering both theoretical knowledge and practical application is essential, as to why the learning process involves a lot of laboratory work and projects.

Common branches of this discipline include mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering, each is among the highly sought-after jobs globally with skyrocketing pay.

4. Architecture

Combining artistic flair and technical skills, architecture stands as one of the hardest academic degrees. A student pursuing this discipline is required to possess the ability to draw, calculate, and appreciate aesthetics. It’s common for them to spend countless hours on design projects and model-making to create works that are innovative and feasible.

5. Physics

Physics delves into the fundamental nature of the universe, covering complex topics such as quantum mechanics, relativity, and astrophysics. Often regarded as one of the hardest degrees in the world, it demands exceptional analytical and mathematical skills to understand, explain, and apply abstract concepts to real-world phenomena.

Studying physics can also be seen as a gateway to groundbreaking discoveries and innovations, from advancements in renewable energy through thermodynamics to deeper understandings of space and time.

6. Mathematics

As the foundation of nearly all complex disciplines, Mathematics is often regarded as the hardest degree in the world. With subjects involving pure and applied mathematics, this degree often pushes students to their cognitive limits, demanding advanced problem-solving and logical reasoning skills.

Patience and precision are essential traits, and those who succeed in mathematics enjoy diverse career opportunities in finance, technology, academia, and beyond.

7. Chemistry

Chemistry blends memorization with deep analytical thinking, as students must grasp intricate details of chemical reactions, structures, and equations. Often cited as one of the hardest degrees in the world, it involves extensive laboratory work that is not only time-consuming but also demands strict precision and adherence to safety measures.

Oxford Summer Courses highlights chemistry’s specializations in organic and physical chemistry as particularly challenging areas.

8. Nursing

Nursing is both physically and emotionally demanding. With the requirement of mastering academic knowledge like anatomy, pharmacology, and physiology, students are also required to complete extensive clinical practice.

In this field, hands-on experience is not only important, but essential for developing the skills needed to provide safe and effective patient care.

9. Philosophy

Though it may seem abstract, a philosophy degree demands deep intellectual engagement and rigorous reasoning. Often considered one of the hardest degrees in the world, it requires students to read and interpret dense, centuries-old texts, construct logical arguments, and grapple with complex existential and ethical questions. Hence, logical reasoning and critical thinking are crucial for anyone hoping to thrive in this field.

10. Economics

Economics degree sits at the intersection of mathematics, politics, and sociology, resulting in the complex concepts students must master. High-level statistical and analytical skills are necessary for students to interpret data, create models, and understand theoretical frameworks that explain real-world economic phenomena. The subject’s reliance on both abstract theory and practical application makes it intellectually challenging.

These hardest degrees in the world not only test students’ intellect but also demand emotional resilience, time management, and dedication. If you’re fascinated by this discussion, why stop here? Explore the 10 most useful college degrees to chase.

Editor’s Choice: Top 10 Most Useful College Degrees to Chase with Excellent Careers

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