20 February 2023
According to recent data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), the employment outcomes for graduates in the UK can vary significantly depending on their degree and the industry in which they work. Here are some percentages of students employed in different industries with undergraduate and/or postgraduate degrees:
- Business and Management
Business and management degrees are some of the most popular in the UK, and they can lead to employment in a wide range of industries. Around 70% of undergraduate business and management graduates were in employment six months after graduation, with a further 10% in further study. For postgraduate business and management graduates, the employment rate was higher, with around 80% in employment and only 5% unemployed.
- Engineering
Engineering is another common field of study in the UK, with many students choosing to specialize in disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, or civil engineering. Around 60% of undergraduate engineering graduates were in employment six months after graduation, with a further 25% in further study. For postgraduate engineering graduates, the employment rate was again higher, with around 80% in employment and only 5% unemployed.
- Computing and IT
Computing and IT is a rapidly growing industry in the UK, with many students opting to study computer science or other related subjects. 65% of undergraduate computing and IT graduates were in employment six months after graduation, with a further 15% in further study. For postgraduate computing and IT graduates, the employment rate was even higher, with around 85% in employment and only 3% unemployed.
- Law
Law is also very popular in the UK, with many students hoping to become lawyers, solicitors, or barristers. 60% of undergraduate law graduates were in employment six months after graduation, with a further 25% in further study. For postgraduate law graduates, the employment rate was high, with around 85% in employment and only 2% unemployed.
- Medicine and Dentistry
Medicine and dentistry are highly competitive fields of study in the UK, with many students hoping to become doctors or dentists. Almost all undergraduate medicine and dentistry graduates were in employment six months after graduation, with only around 1% unemployed. For postgraduate medicine and dentistry graduates, the employment rate was equally high.
These are just a few examples of the employment outcomes for graduates in different industries in the UK. It's important to note that the figures can vary depending on the specific degree and the industry in which the graduate works. However, overall, the data suggests that graduates in fields such as STEM, business, and law tend to have good employment prospects. These degrees are often associated with strong communication and problem-solving skills, as well as a strong understanding of market trends and financial data. Graduates in more niche fields may face more challenges in finding employment.
In terms of salaries, the average starting salary for graduates in the UK is around £30,000 per year, although this can vary depending on the industry and the specific role. Graduates in STEM fields tend to command higher salaries, with starting salaries often exceeding £40,000 per year in some cases. Similarly, graduates in finance and business can also expect to earn relatively high starting salaries, with many entry-level positions offering salaries in the range of £35,000 to £40,000 per year.
