This page provides a summary of what our graduates went on to do after graduating; whether they went on to employment and if so, what they were earning, or whether they went on to further study.
The data is gathered through an annual national survey carried out 15 months after our students graduate.
Data is displayed as an average across all students interviewed – undergraduate, taught postgraduate and postgraduate researchers – unless stated otherwise.
Last updated: xxx December 2022
Outcomes for students who graduated in 2020
51.4% of graduates responded to the survey: 18,319 students out of 35,666.
What they were doing after they graduated
- Working: 71.36%
- Working and studying: 10.17%
- Studying: 8.57%
- Other: 4.46%
- Due to start work or study: 1.28%
- Unemployed: 4.15%
Percentage unemployed compared to previous years
- 2020 graduates: 4.2%
- 2019 graduates: 5%
- 2018 graduates: 3.9%
Percentage that believe what they are doing to be meaningful
2020 data is followed by data for the two previous years, for comparison.
- 2020 graduates: 85.2%
- 2019 graduates: 86.5%
- 2018 graduates: 84.8%
Percentage that believe what they are doing fits their future plans
2020 data is followed by data for the two previous years, for comparison.
- 2020 graduates: 79.1%
- 2019 graduates: 79.3%
- 2018 graduates: 80.2%
Percentage that believe what they are doing utilises the skills learnt during their studies
2020 data is followed by data for the two previous years, for comparison.
- 2020 graduates: 69.6%
- 2019 graduates: 69.3%
- 2018 graduates: 70.7%
Average annual salaries
- Under £18,000: 6.22%
- £18,000 - £23,999: 27.26%
- £24,000 - £29,999: 33.33%
- £30,000 - £38,999: 23.27%
- £39,000 - £47,999: 5.90%
- Over £48,000: 4.02%
Percentage in highly skilled jobs
‘Highly skilled’ is defined by the Higher Education Statistics Agency using factors the duration of training, work experience required to perform the activities, and the knowledge required to conduct the tasks. 2020 data is followed by data for the two previous years, for comparison.
- 2020 graduates: 83.9%
- 2019 graduates: 82.8%
- 2018 graduates: 84.0%
Percentage going on to further study compared to previous years
- 2020 graduates: 18.2%
- 2019 graduates: 18.7%
- 2018 graduates: 19.4%
Type of qualification taken by those going on to further study
- Taught postgraduate: 42.42%
- Postgraduate research: 29.55%
- Postgraduate diploma / certificate: 10.34%
- Other courses: 10.12%
- Professional qualification: 7.58%