- 87% of UK learners achieved a positive career outcome from online learning, with one in five (21%) reporting a higher job level
- Almost half (49%) of UK learners experienced a salary increase as an outcome after taking an online course
- Data analysis ranked top technical skill needed by UK workers, although 8 in 10 are also learning soft skills
According to the World Economic Forum, 92 million jobs are expected to be displaced by 2030. With a further 170 million new roles projected to emerge, the global workforce is on the verge of being significantly reshaped.
This ongoing workforce evolution is driving a new era of learning for learners worldwide, and shifting their priorities. According to new research from Coursera’s 2025 Learner Outcomes report, based on global data from more than 50,000 learners, including 879 UK learners, 87% of British learners on Coursera achieved a key career outcome based on this learning and development.
The report provides encouraging evidence that online learning is equipping millions of learners worldwide with the critical skills required for career growth and professional success. In the UK, key findings include:
- Nearly half (49%) reported a salary increase after completing their course or program
- A quarter (25%) reported improved performance at work
- One in five (21%) reported a higher job level
UK workers balance technical and human skills
UK learners are making significant strides in technical skill development, with 75% reporting improvement in data analysis, 72% in data science, 73% in business intelligence and 65% in artificial intelligence. These figures point to broad-based progress across core areas shaping the future of work.
Alongside technical development, human skill growth is strong, with 71% of UK learners improving critical thinking, 70% enhancing problem-solving and process optimisation, 67% strengthening self-discipline, and 66% developing creativity. Twinned development of technical and human skill development underscores a workforce preparing to meet emerging technology challenges with both expertise and adaptability.
Worldwide learners secure job-ready skills through online learning
Globally, the most popular primary enrollment goal for learners is to “enhance skills to advance in my current job or career field” (38%). This is followed by “learn skills to get hired in my first professional job” (21%) and “switch to a different job or career field by developing skills” (20%).
When asked about their motivations for enrollment, respondents globally primarily focused on career development – “to gain skills for advancement” (73%), “to increase earning potential” (45%), and “to stay competitive in their industry” (40%).
Global data from the report additionally suggests that this focus on in-demand tech skills is yielding positive career results for learners. Nine in ten (91%) of GenAI content completers achieved a positive career outcome, with four in ten (42%) reporting an improved salary after completing their course or program.
AI fuels optimism among worldwide learners
As AI reshapes the workplace, there is also a growing need to build human skills alongside technical proficiency. 89% of Coursera learners worldwide built or strengthened their soft skills, especially critical thinking (72%) and problem solving (72%) – skills that are essential to remain resilient in the AI economy.
With AI often seen as a threat to employees, learners are seeking to navigate shifting labour market demands by equipping themselves with critical job-relevant skills. Among those who are learning on Coursera, AI optimism outweighs AI skepticism, with 88% of respondents worldwide expressing positive sentiments about using AI for their work and learning.
Nikolaz Foucaud, Managing Director, EMEA, Coursera said: “Continuous learning is essential for today’s rapidly-evolving job market. British learners recognize this imperative, with a clear majority of learners coming to Coursera to transform their careers. It’s clear that, whatever the intended outcome – salary increase, career advancement or improved productivity – learners are evolving not just how they use technology; but their human skills as well.
“This report suggests that, by combining platform innovations with trusted content from our partners, we can equip millions of learners worldwide with the skills they need to thrive in an AI-driven world. It also offers a reminder that our work is not yet done. We will continue to work tirelessly with our university and industry educators, as well as UK businesses, campuses, and governments, to foster a more skilled, innovative, job-ready British workforce.”
The 2025 Coursera Learner Outcomes Report can be found here.
