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Introduction - Destinations of Leavers 2005/06

This publication is one of four reference volumes published annually by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). HESA is a company limited by guarantee, and is owned by the United Kingdom (UK) higher education sector through the representative bodies Universities UK and GuildHE (formerly the Standing Conference of Principals). HESA collects data from publicly funded higher education institutions (HEIs) in the UK on behalf of funding bodies and government departments, in a framework underpinned by legislation.

This volume draws on the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey, which replaced the previous First Destinations Supplement (FDS) for 2002/03. This is accordingly the fourth published volume based on DLHE, and thus the second where it is possible to provide a three-year time-series on a consistent basis for headline numbers. Strictly speaking, this publication is based on the first phase of DLHE, and provides information about patterns of employment and further study or training at a point about six months after completion. The second phase is a follow-up survey on a sample basis approximately three years and six months after completion.1. All subsequent references to DLHE in this volume relate to the first phase.

The DLHE survey covers leavers from part-time as well as full-time programmes, a major extension relative to FDS. However, it is limited to those of UK and other EU domicile (as recorded at the point of entry to the programme in question). The leavers included in the survey reported in this volume are those who completed their programmes during the academic year 2005/06, that is, the period 1 August 2005 to 31 July 2006. It covers data supplied by 167 HEIs (131 in England, 12 in Wales, 20 in Scotland, 4 in Northern Ireland). For the second time, the volume includes data from the University of Buckingham, which is not a publicly funded institution. The data capture is undertaken by HEIs but the procedure is prescribed by HESA and, with some degree of detailed flexibility, is uniform across all institutions, regardless of size, nature, and location. A standard questionnaire printed by HESA is used; this is also available in Welsh, for use on request in Welsh institutions only.

For 2002/03, a fixed date, 15 January 2004, was used as the date relating to which information was sought through DLHE, this date being chosen so as to capture as completely as possible both employment and study commencing shortly after the start of the calendar year. For the 2003/04 DLHE return, two reference dates were used, and this pattern has been followed for subsequent years. The reference date for those obtaining the qualification between 1 August 2005 and 31 December 2005 was 24 April 2006, and the reference date for those obtaining the qualification between 1 January 2006 and 31 July 2006 was 15 January 2007. The purpose of splitting the collection in this way is to bring the gap between the date of qualification and the reference date closer to the six-month target, and this pattern will be followed in future years.

The analysis of the responses to the DLHE survey in some cases depends on the survey returns alone, but many tabulations rely on linking the DLHE return to the student returns submitted earlier for the same individual through the student record collection. This allows, for example, joint analysis of subject studied and subsequent work and/or study. It is from the student record collection that the list of qualifiers eligible to be included in DLHE is constructed.

Format of publications

Commencing with the 2002/03 cycle of publications, HESA reference volumes now comprise a relatively slim printed volume containing only a limited range of tables, together with a CD, which contains all the remaining data familiar to users from earlier years, supplemented with additional and more detailed tables. The tables on the CD are in Microsoft® Excel 2003 format. This has the further benefit of allowing users to select data from the tables and manipulate how it is displayed. However, arithmetical manipulations should be carried out with caution because of the effect of the rounding strategy described below.

Other HESA publications

The other reference volumes published by HESA are as follows.

Students in Higher Education Institutions. This volume draws on HESA’s collection of data about students in HEIs. It includes information at the institutional level about entry qualifications, programmes taken, and outcomes, together with background variables such as age, gender, ethnicity, and disability. Data on HE provision in further education colleges is not included in this volume except for students funded indirectly through HEIs, in which case it is reported by the HEI through which funding passes.

Resources of Higher Education Institutions. This volume brings together information about the finances and the staff of HEIs. Tabulations are included that record and analyse income and expenditure, and the characteristics of staff, at the institutional level.

Higher Education Statistics for the United Kingdom. This is the only HESA reference volume that currently falls within the National Statistics framework, and it accordingly carries the National Statistics logo as well as that of HESA. It provides an overview of higher education in the UK from a statistical perspective, including statistics about applications, participation, institutional finance, staffing, student awards, and loans. To achieve this broad coverage, this volume draws on data collected by other bodies as well as HESA, and in particular includes some information about directly funded HE provision in Further Education Colleges.

HESA also publishes annually two Statistical First Releases within the National Statistics framework, and detailed data for institutional planning purposes on CD (HE Planning Plus and HE Finance Plus). Research Datapacks dealing with specific issues are produced on an occasional basis on CD. The HESA Information Provision Service exists to meet more specialist needs of data users on a bespoke basis.

The heidi management information system was launched by HESA in April 2007, following a joint development project with The University of Leeds and the British Universities Finance Directors’ Group. The development of heidi was funded by the funding bodies in the four administrations, together with inputs from the project partners and other institutions. It provides institutions and other approved organisations with access to large amounts of data collected by HESA and other bodies on a subscription basis, and includes the material formerly published by HESA as the Higher Education Management Statistics at institutional level.

Data protection

In order to comply with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998 and the Human Rights Act 1998, HESA implements a strategy in published and released tabulations designed to minimise the risk of disclosure of personal information about any individual. The tabulations in the volume are derived from the HESA non-statutory populations2 and may differ slightly from those published by related statutory bodies or in National Statistics publications. This strategy involves rounding all numbers to the nearest multiple of 5. A summary of this strategy is as follows:

  • 0, 1, 2 are rounded to 0
  • All other numbers are rounded to the nearest multiple of 5.

So for example 3 is represented as 5, 22 is represented as 20, 3286 is represented as 3285 while 0, 20, 55, 3510 remain unchanged.

This rounding strategy is also applied to total numbers, the consequence of which is that the sum of numbers in each row or column rarely matches the total shown precisely. Note that subject level data calculated by apportionment is also rounded in accordance with this strategy.

Average values, proportions and FTE values prepared by HESA are not usually affected by the above strategy, and are calculated on precise raw numbers.

Percentages calculated on populations that contain 52 or fewer individuals are suppressed and represented as ‘..’ as are averages based on populations of 7 or fewer.

Response rates

The coverage of the DLHE survey is limited to qualifiers of UK and other European Union (EU) domicile.3 It excludes those domiciled outside the EU. Qualifiers from part-time programmes are included.

Qualifiers with known destinations

For DLHE in 2005/06 there were 262,635 valid responses from a possible total of 350,995 qualifiers from full-time programmes, a percentage with known destinations of 74.8% (2004/05: 76.0%; 2003/04: 77.3%). There were 65,120 valid responses from a possible total of 94,920 qualifiers from part-time programmes, a percentage with known destinations of 68.6% (67.5%; 68.2%). In total there were 327,760 valid responses from 445,910 qualifiers, giving a survey-wide figure of 73.5% (74.2%; 75.5%).

5,800 full-time and 2,785 part-time qualifiers replied to the survey but explicitly declined to give information. They are not included in the above numbers of valid responses. Nor are those whose responses were insufficiently complete to be valid, or were rejected through failing any other test of validity.

Performance against target response rates

Target response rates for DLHE are set separately for full-time and part-time qualifiers and for UK and other EU qualifiers. Because these targets are a measure of institutional success in obtaining some form of response from qualifiers, explicit refusals are here included with valid responses. The following table shows the position for DLHE in 2005/06.

Table i Responses Qualifiers Rate Target Rate
Full-time UK 253960 322745 78.7% 80%
Full-time other EU 14520 28250 51.4% 50%
Part-time UK 66175 91455 72.4% 70%
Part-time other EU 1745 3465 50.4% 50%

It can be seen that for qualifiers of UK domicile, the full-time response rate fell short of the target by a margin of 1.3%, and the part-time response rate achieved the target by a margin of 2.4%. For 2004/05 the achieved rates were 79.9%, 47.5%, 71.1%, and 44.0%, and for 2003/04 they were 81.1%, 46.6%, 71.3%, and 44.3%, in the same order as the rows of Table i. So for qualifiers of UK domicile the response rate from full-time qualifiers fell by just over 1% in 2005/06 following a similar fall in 2004/05, whereas the part-time response rate rose by just over 1% in 2005/06 after holding steady in the previous year. For qualifiers of other EU domicile, the response rate for qualifiers from full-time programmes showed a further considerable rise, and the response rate for qualifiers from part-time programmes rose by more than 6% (on small absolute numbers); both of these rates achieved the 50% target in 2005/06. Most of the tabulations in this volume are limited to qualifiers of UK domicile, which is often the main focus of interest in the results from DLHE.

DLHE response rates vary greatly between institutions, and are dependent in part on the amount of resource committed by an institution to the various stages of the process. Information about the mode of collection (postal, telephone, web, …) is included in the returns made to HESA, and will inform the future development of the survey.

Key points

Figures in brackets are for 2004/05 and for 2003/04, in that order, and are provided for comparison.

Of the 262,635 (258,420; 257,025) full-time qualifiers of UK or other-EU domicile for whom a valid DLHE return was made, 194,225, or 74.0% (190,205, or 73.6%; 189,125, or 73.6%) reported that they were working in either full- or part-time employment, or were self-employed or freelance, or were doing voluntary/unpaid work; in each case numbers include those studying as well as working. The number studying, including those working as well as studying, was 62,835, or 23.9% (60,960, or 23.6%; 61,475, or 23.9%). The number assumed to be unemployed was 15,030, or 5.7% (15,385, or 6.0%; 15,250, or 5.9%).

Of the 65,120 (60,840; 56,040) part-timers, 57,080, or 87.7% (53,250, or 87.5%; 49,115, or 87.6%) were working, and 1,640, or 2.5% (1,510, or 2.5%; 1,315, or 2.3%) were assumed to be unemployed. There were 14,435, or 22.2% (13,860, or 22.8%; 13,030, or 23.3%) part-time qualifiers continuing to study, a percentage almost identical to that of full-time qualifiers, but most of these part-time qualifiers combined work with study.

The proportion of full-time qualifiers of other-EU domicile who were studying only was almost twice that of all full-time qualifiers, offset by a corresponding reduction in the proportion of those who were working only. The unemployment rate was the same as the overall figure. However, the response rate from other-EU qualifiers is lower than that for UK qualifiers, and there is a possibility of non-response bias.

All subsequent key points relate to UK domiciled qualifiers only.

Of the 248,435 (245,955; 245,450) qualifiers from full-time programmes, for whom a valid DLHE return was made, 185,350, or 74.6% (182,715, or 74.3%; 182,410, or 74.3%) were working and 57,655, or 23.2% (56,355, or 22.9%; 57,065, or 23.2%) were studying. The number assumed to be unemployed was 14,210, or 5.7% (14,510, or 5.9%; 14,350, or 5.8%).

Of the 63,425 (59,380; 54,670) qualifiers from part-time programmes, 55,715, or 87.8% (52,085, or 87.7%; 48,020, or 87.8%) were working and 14,075, or 22.2% (13,505, or 22.7%; 12,665, or 23.2%) were studying. The number assumed to be unemployed was 1,570, or 2.5% (1,455, or 2.4%; 1,250, or 2.3%).

Unemployment rates of qualifiers from full-time programmes were 3.8% (4.0%; 4.4%) for postgraduates, 6.4% (6.6%; 6.5%) for first degree students, and 4.0% (3.6%; 3.0%) for other undergraduates. The unemployment rates for females were uniformly lower than for males; for full-time first degree students the figures were 5.1% (5.2%; 5.0%) for females and 8.1% (8.5%; 8.5%) for males. Unemployment rates for qualifiers from part-time programmes followed a broadly similar pattern but were considerably lower than the corresponding full-time rates.

Younger qualifiers from both full-time and part-time programmes were closer to the ‘study’ end of the work-study spectrum and older ones to the ‘work’ end.

Among qualifiers from full-time first degree programmes, the highest proportions of those working were in medicine & dentistry, subjects allied to medicine, veterinary science and education, all above 83%. The highest proportions of those studying were in law, at over 50%, and mathematical sciences, physical sciences, and historical & philosophical studies, all above 30%. Computer science had the highest unemployment rate, at just under 11%, and combined studies, creative arts & design, and mass communications and documentation were all above 8%.Hardly any medicine & dentistry qualifiers were unemployed. The rate in veterinary science was just over 2% and the rates in education, architecture building & planning, and law were below 4%. The figures for medicine & dentistry should be interpreted in the light of the fact that these are quota-controlled subjects.

Among qualifiers from full-time first degree programmes who were working, 34.6% (33.4%; 33.6%) were in occupations classified as ‘Managers & senior officials’ or ‘Professional’, whereas 4.6% (4.6%; 4.8%) were in ‘Elementary occupations’ under the Standard Occupational Classification.

Of those qualifiers from full-time programmes who were working, 81.5% (82.1%; 82.7%) were in full-time paid work, 14.1% (13.5%; 13.2%) in part-time paid work, 3.1% (3.1%; 2.9%) were self-employed (or freelance), and 1.4% (1.3%; 1.2%) were doing voluntary or unpaid work. Apart from a somewhat larger percentage who were self-employed, the pattern for qualifiers from part-time programmes was similar. Men were considerably more likely than women to be self-employed, but the major gender difference was among qualifiers from part-time programmes, where women were over three times more likely at 18.4% (19.1%; 20.3%) to be in part-time employment than men at 5.6% (5.9%; 5.3%).

Of those doing full-time paid work, 2.9% (2.6%; 2.1%) of full-time and 1.3% (1.3%; 0.9%) of part-time qualifiers were known to be working outside the UK, as were 9.2% (9.2%; 10.3%) of doctorate-level qualifiers doing full-time paid work – a measure of the ‘brain drain’.

Of qualifiers from full-time first degree programmes, 8.7% (8.6%; 8.9%) proceeded to study for a higher degree. Of qualifiers from full-time other undergraduate programmes, 30.2% (28.8%; 28.6%) proceeded to study for a first degree. For part-time qualifiers, these ‘conventional’ articulation rates were considerably lower.

Of those respondents achieving Qualified Teacher Status or the equivalent, 89.6% (90.4%; 89.1%) were employed as teachers, and a further 5.3% (4.5%; 4.7%) were seeking a teaching post. Of those known to be in a teaching post, 87.6% (88.2%; 88.0%) were teaching solely in the maintained (state) sector.

Of qualifiers from part-time programmes who were employed during or just before their studies, three quarters reported some form of employer support, usually in the form of payment of tuition fees and/or the granting of study leave.

The median salary for male qualifiers from full-time first degree programmes employed in the UK, at £18,000 was a little higher than that for female qualifiers, at £17,500; the salary figure is collected to the nearest £1,000, but the median may be best represented as falling between two observable values. The highest-paying jobs tended to go to males. For qualifiers from part-time programmes, males had a substantially higher median salary, £27,000 against £23,000, and a very much larger proportion in the highest category (£40,000 and above).

Summary results with EU coverage

Chart 1 shows the proportions of all qualifiers (that is, including both those of UK domicile and those of other-EU domicile) falling into each work-study reporting category. Table A provides a detailed breakdown of all the responses to the DLHE survey, using the factors mode, level, domicile, and gender.

Destinations of leavers 2005/06

Table A - Destinations of leavers by mode of study, level of qualification, domicile and gender 2005/06
  Full-time paid work only (incl. self- employed) Part-time paid work only Voluntary/unpaid work only Work & further study Further study only Assumed to be unemployed Not available for employment Other Total
Full-time 149010 20130 2370 22715 40120 15030 10265 3005 262635
Postgraduate
UK 31795 2750 245 3015 3030 1655 990 370 43845
Female 19560 1920 155 1740 1530 830 615 210 26560
Male 12235 830 90 1275 1500 825 375 160 17285
Other EU 4165 320 110 615 960 430 135 170 6905
Female 2215 235 60 340 490 220 85 40 3680
Male 1950 85 50 275 470 210 50 130 3220
First degree
UK 99740 14900 1875 15275 27500 11625 8480 2095 181485
Female 57320 9365 1195 8915 16255 5335 4665 1085 104140
Male 42420 5535 680 6360 11245 6290 3815 1010 77345
Other EU 2560 250 85 570 2730 375 185 90 6840
Female 1385 175 60 340 1465 215 100 40 3785
Male 1175 70 25 235 1265 160 80 50 3060
Other undergraduate
UK 10635 1890 55 3180 5665 935 470 280 23100
Female 7980 1405 35 2145 2675 485 325 165 15220
Male 2655 485 20 1035 2990 445 140 110 7880
Other EU 110 20 0 65 230 15 5 5 460
Female 75 15 0 45 120 10 5 5 275
Male 35 5 0 20 110 5 5 5 185
Part-time 39870 5565 390 11255 3175 1640 2350 870 65120
Postgraduate
UK 20925 2380 150 4765 850 455 830 260 30615
Female 12085 2015 95 2900 530 255 560 190 18630
Male 8845 365 50 1865 325 200 270 70 11985
Other EU 875 50 5 155 55 50 35 25 1245
Female 440 30 0 75 35 20 20 10 635
Male 435 20 5 75 20 25 15 15 610
First degree
UK 12740 2195 175 3640 1280 930 1210 450 22620
Female 7275 1855 125 2370 875 515 770 330 14110
Male 5460 345 50 1270 410 415 440 120 8505
Other EU 175 15 5 35 85 20 15 15 365
Female 105 10 0 20 40 10 15 5 215
Male 70 0 0 15 45 10 0 10 150
Other undergraduate
UK 5125 915 60 2650 890 185 255 115 10195
Female 2765 805 50 1690 515 90 165 75 6155
Male 2360 110 10 965 375 95 90 40 4040
Other EU 25 10 5 15 15 0 10 5 85
Female 15 5 5 5 10 0 5 0 50
Male 10 0 0 10 5 0 5 0 35
Total 188875 25695 2760 33970 43295 16670 12615 3875 327760
In this table 0, 1, 2 are rounded to 0. All other numbers are rounded up or down to the nearest multiple of 5.

The following percentages are derived from Table A, where, here and in what follows, ‘work only’ comprises the categories of full-time paid work only (including self-employed), part-time paid work only, and voluntary/unpaid work only.

Table ii Work only Work & study Study only Assumed unemployed Total returns
Full-time 65.3% 8.6% 15.3% 5.7% 262635
Part-time 70.4% 17.3% 4.9% 2.5% 65120

The proportion of part-time qualifiers continuing to study (including those working and studying) at 22.2% was almost identical to that of full-time qualifiers at 23.9%, but almost four fifths of these part-time qualifiers combined study with work whereas less than two fifths of full-time qualifiers did so.

For full-time qualifiers of other-EU domicile, the corresponding percentages were as follows:

Table iii Work only Work & study Study only Assumed unemployed Total returns
Full-time other EU 53.7% 8.8% 27.6% 5.7% 14205

These percentages show a substantial shift from work only to study only, by comparison with the overall pattern, although there was little difference between the percentages of full-time qualifiers both working and studying. This shift occurred for qualifiers from all levels of study. The percentage of those assumed to be unemployed (the unemployment rate) was however only a small amount greater than the overall figure. For this reason further analysis of data including both UK and other-EU qualifiers is limited to unemployment.

For full-time qualifiers, the unemployment rate was 4.1% for postgraduates, 6.4% for first degree students, and 4.0% for other undergraduates. For part-time qualifiers, the corresponding figures were 1.6%, 4.1%, and 1.8%.

For full-time first degree qualifiers, the unemployment rate was 5.1% for females and 8.0% for males. The corresponding part-time figures were 3.7% and 4.9%.

Summary results with UK coverage

The remainder of this introductory material reports numbers for leavers with UK domicile.

The overall effect of level of study, derived from the UK data in Table A, was as follows.

Table iv Work only Work & study Study only Assumed unemployed Total returns
Full-time postgraduate 79.3% 6.9% 6.9% 3.8% 43845
Full-time first degree 64.2% 8.4% 15.2% 6.4% 181485
Full-time other undergraduate 54.5% 13.8% 24.5% 4.0% 23100
Part-time postgraduate 76.6% 15.6% 2.8% 1.5% 30615
Part-time first degree 66.8% 16.1% 5.7% 4.1% 22620
Part-time other undergraduate 59.8% 26.0% 8.7% 1.8% 10195

Qualifiers from both full-time and part-time other undergraduate programmes had a high propensity to continue studying. Qualifiers from part-time postgraduate programmes were more likely to continue studying than were qualifiers from full-time postgraduate programmes, but articulation rates for qualifiers from full-time and part-time first degree programmes were similar. Unemployment for qualifiers from part-time programmes was considerably lower than for those from full-time programmes, but followed the same pattern, with the other undergraduate and postgraduate rates being similar to one another and much lower than the first degree rate.

For qualifiers from full-time first degree programmes, the percentages by gender were as follows.

Table v Work only Work & study Study only Assumed unemployed Total returns
Full-time first degree          
Female 65.2% 8.6% 15.6% 5.1% 104140
Male 62.9% 8.2% 14.5% 8.1% 77345

The work-study pattern was similar, but the unemployment rate for females was much lower than that for males.

Table B is similar to the UK part of Table A, but provides a breakdown by age group. Those of unknown age are included only in totals.

Table B - Destinations of UK domiciled leavers by mode of study, level of qualification, gender and age group(#1) 2005/06
  Full-time paid work only (incl. self- employed) Part-time paid work only Voluntary/ unpaid work only Work & further study Further study only Assumed to be unemployed Not available for employment Other Total
Full-time 142170 19545 2175 21465 36195 14210 9940 2740 248435
Postgraduate 31795 2750 245 3015 3030 1655 990 370 43845
Female 19560 1920 155 1740 1530 830 615 210 26560
24 years & under 9015 610 70 615 765 275 225 55 11630
25 years & over 10540 1310 80 1125 765 555 395 150 14920
Male 12235 830 90 1275 1500 825 375 160 17285
24 years & under 4385 275 40 410 750 275 160 45 6340
25 years & over 7845 555 50 860 750 550 210 115 10940
First degree 99740 14900 1875 15275 27500 11625 8480 2095 181485
Female 57320 9365 1195 8915 16255 5335 4665 1085 104140
24 years & under 48235 7200 1025 7345 14285 4130 4050 755 87030
25 years & over 9085 2165 170 1570 1970 1205 615 330 17105
Male 42420 5535 680 6360 11245 6290 3815 1010 77345
24 years & under 36720 4850 575 5400 9930 5290 3460 845 67065
25 years & over 5705 685 105 955 1315 1000 355 165 10280
Other undergraduate 10635 1890 55 3180 5665 935 470 280 23100
Female 7980 1405 35 2145 2675 485 325 165 15220
24 years & under 3160 420 15 955 1880 205 145 75 6850
25 years & over 4820 985 20 1190 795 280 180 95 8365
Male 2655 485 20 1035 2990 445 140 110 7880
24 years & under 1420 370 15 730 2465 315 95 80 5485
25 years & over 1235 115 5 305 520 130 45 30 2390
Part-time 38790 5490 380 11055 3025 1570 2290 830 63425
Postgraduate 20925 2380 150 4765 850 455 830 260 30615
Female 12085 2015 95 2900 530 255 560 190 18630
24 years & under 410 40 0 115 60 10 10 5 655
25 years & over 11650 1970 95 2775 470 245 550 185 17940
Male 8845 365 50 1865 325 200 270 70 11985
24 years & under 210 15 5 55 45 10 5 5 355
25 years & over 8625 350 45 1800 280 185 265 70 11615
First degree 12740 2195 175 3640 1280 930 1210 450 22620
Female 7275 1855 125 2370 875 515 770 330 14110
24 years & under 965 140 10 165 165 95 65 25 1635
25 years & over 6310 1710 110 2205 710 420 700 305 12470
Male 5460 345 50 1270 410 415 440 120 8505
24 years & under 1225 145 10 175 130 140 65 20 1910
25 years & over 4230 195 40 1095 280 275 375 100 6590
Other undergraduate 5125 915 60 2650 890 185 255 115 10195
Female 2765 805 50 1690 515 90 165 75 6155
24 years & under 330 50 0 215 90 20 15 5 715
25 years & over 2430 755 50 1475 425 70 150 70 5425
Male 2360 110 10 965 375 95 90 40 4040
24 years & under 695 50 0 355 180 30 20 10 1340
25 years & over 1655 60 10 610 190 65 65 30 2690
Total 180960 25035 2555 32515 39215 15785 12230 3570 311860
In this table 0, 1, 2 are rounded to 0. All other numbers are rounded up or down to the nearest multiple of 5.
# see relevant note in Notes to tables

The pattern for full-time qualifiers by gender and age group was as follows.

Table vi Work only Work & study Study only Assumed unemployed Total returns
Full-time          
Female 24 years & under 66.1% 8.4% 16.0% 4.4% 105515
Female 25 years & over 72.2% 9.6% 8.7% 5.1% 40395
Male 24 years & under 61.7% 8.3% 16.7% 7.5% 78895
Male 25 years & over 69.0% 9.0% 11.0% 7.1% 23610

Unemployment for females was much lower than for males. Younger qualifiers were closer to the ‘study’ end of the spectrum and older ones to the ‘work’ end.

The corresponding percentages for qualifiers from part-time programmes were as follows.

Table vii Work only Work & study Study only Assumed unemployed Total returns
Part-time          
Female 24 years & under 64.7% 16.4% 10.5% 4.1% 3005
Female 25 years & over 70.0% 18.0% 4.5% 2.1% 35840
Male 24 years & under 65.5% 16.2% 9.9% 5.0% 3605
Male 25 years & over 72.8% 16.8% 3.6% 2.5% 20895

Again, unemployment for females was lower than for males, but the differences were smaller than for full-time qualifiers. Younger qualifiers were again closer to the ‘study’ end of the spectrum and older ones to the ‘work’ end, but unemployment for older qualifiers was much lower than for younger ones.

Subject of study

Tables Ci and Cii, giving figures for qualifiers from full-time and part-time programmes respectively, tabulate work-study category by subject studied, for each level of study.

Table Ci - Destinations of UK domiciled leavers who obtained qualifications through full-time study by level of qualification and subject area(#5) 2005/06
  Full-time paid work only (incl. self- employed) Part-time paid work only Voluntary/ unpaid work only Work & further study Further study only Assumed to be unemployed Not available for employment Other Total
Postgraduate
Medicine & dentistry 400 30 5 80 65 15 15 10 620
Subjects allied to medicine 930 70 5 140 75 50 25 10 1305
Biological sciences 1435 145 15 200 315 90 60 15 2275
Veterinary science 20 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 30
Agriculture & related subjects 155 10 5 40 15 5 10 0 240
Physical sciences 1310 70 10 155 225 100 45 10 1920
Mathematical sciences 235 10 5 30 60 20 5 5 365
Computer science 760 65 5 90 140 105 40 15 1220
Engineering & technology 885 35 5 100 115 65 30 10 1250
Architecture, building & planning 645 25 0 95 50 20 20 5 860
Social studies 1860 175 55 310 310 125 60 30 2925
Law 1905 60 25 215 640 120 120 35 3125
Business & administrative studies 1685 105 10 255 95 145 95 40 2430
Mass communications & documentation 910 80 15 55 30 50 20 10 1165
Languages 715 130 20 135 255 70 65 20 1415
Historical & philosophical studies 575 105 25 150 305 70 55 20 1310
Creative arts & design 875 225 15 120 160 125 35 25 1585
Education 16485 1410 20 835 180 470 280 100 19775
Combined 10 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 20
Supplementary subject information(1)
Psychology 725 90 5 100 100 30 25 10 1085
Geography & environmental sciences 445 35 15 45 65 35 15 5 655
Economics & politics 760 45 30 120 120 60 25 10 1170
English 285 60 10 65 120 25 20 10 595
First degree
Medicine & dentistry 4890 10 5 395 335 10 25 10 5680
Subjects allied to medicine 9435 1515 80 1230 1080 685 330 120 14480
Biological sciences 8895 1835 250 1515 3790 1195 1075 195 18745
Veterinary science 405 5 5 20 65 10 5 0 515
Agriculture & related subjects 810 110 20 115 175 95 110 20 1460
Physical sciences 4035 585 90 670 2505 635 510 95 9130
Mathematical sciences 1480 155 30 515 865 195 215 35 3495
Computer science 6290 710 65 565 920 1100 355 155 10160
Engineering & technology 5690 475 45 710 1015 730 410 110 9180
Architecture, building & planning 1935 90 15 565 405 120 115 25 3275
Social studies 9265 1410 250 1645 2620 1120 1000 235 17545
Law 2620 365 60 810 3870 325 430 75 8555
Business & administrative studies 12655 1415 105 2325 1330 1320 1205 240 20595
Mass communications & documentation 3625 625 60 295 370 465 295 65 5805
Languages 6685 1070 250 1035 2850 845 750 155 13645
Historical & philosophical studies 4560 890 200 800 2375 685 560 150 10220
Creative arts & design 10765 2595 295 1445 1995 1735 860 340 20035
Education 5320 955 30 515 815 280 175 60 8145
Combined 380 80 10 90 120 80 50 5 815
Supplementary subject information(1)
Psychology 3940 825 125 695 1260 475 445 75 7840
Geography & environmental sciences 2690 400 80 425 1130 285 380 50 5435
Economics & politics 3445 375 100 770 1130 475 435 95 6820
English 3495 665 135 560 1635 465 340 85 7380
Other undergraduate
Medicine & dentistry 30 5 0 0 5 0 0 0 40
Subjects allied to medicine 7660 1020 5 1145 410 335 160 75 10810
Biological sciences 215 70 5 145 330 45 30 15 860
Veterinary science 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Agriculture & related subjects 185 30 0 70 310 25 15 5 650
Physical sciences 65 20 0 30 115 15 10 5 255
Mathematical sciences 20 5 0 5 25 5 0 0 60
Computer science 315 120 0 180 670 105 30 25 1445
Engineering & technology 275 45 0 140 380 55 20 10 935
Architecture, building & planning 85 5 0 55 165 20 10 0 345
Social studies 255 90 5 140 255 35 15 15 810
Law 60 10 0 35 90 15 10 5 225
Business & administrative studies 525 120 5 430 1245 90 50 25 2490
Mass communications & documentation 115 40 0 70 215 25 15 15 490
Languages 45 15 0 15 60 10 5 5 155
Historical & philosophical studies 30 15 5 20 30 10 5 0 115
Creative arts & design 540 190 15 330 1055 145 65 60 2395
Education 175 75 0 355 280 5 20 10 925
Combined 40 5 0 10 20 5 10 5 95
Supplementary subject information(1)
Psychology 45 15 5 30 50 10 5 5 165
Geography & environmental sciences 30 10 0 10 50 5 5 0 110
Economics & politics 20 5 0 10 15 0 0 0 60
English 30 10 0 10 40 5 5 5 105
Total 142170 19545 2175 21465 36195 14210 9940 2740 248435
In this table 0, 1, 2 are rounded to 0. All other numbers are rounded up or down to the nearest multiple of 5.
# see relevant footnote in Notes to tables.
(1) Numbers reported under 'Supplementary subject information' are within and not additional to the overall total, but are disaggregated from it on a different pattern from the 19 subject areas.
Table Cii - Destinations of UK domiciled leavers who obtained qualifications through part-time study by level of qualification and subject area(#5) 2005/06
  Full-time paid work only (incl. self- employed) Part-time paid work only Voluntary/ unpaid work only Work & further study Further study only Assumed to be unemployed Not available for employment Other Total
Postgraduate
Medicine & dentistry 665 80 0 135 20 5 15 5 925
Subjects allied to medicine 2375 335 15 595 80 35 75 10 3520
Biological sciences 785 150 10 205 65 20 45 10 1290
Veterinary science 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5
Agriculture & related subjects 95 5 0 20 10 0 5 0 135
Physical sciences 270 20 10 50 20 15 10 10 405
Mathematical sciences 110 10 0 15 10 5 5 0 155
Computer science 550 30 5 120 20 25 20 5 770
Engineering & technology 785 15 5 145 15 15 30 5 1015
Architecture, building & planning 850 15 5 130 35 5 20 5 1070
Social studies 1385 150 15 345 90 30 65 15 2100
Law 900 55 10 175 70 20 20 10 1265
Business & administrative studies 6035 200 10 1170 125 100 125 45 7805
Mass communications & documentation 360 55 0 50 15 15 20 5 515
Languages 280 85 5 80 45 20 65 20 595
Historical & philosophical studies 405 80 20 155 65 20 135 30 905
Creative arts & design 435 140 15 110 45 30 50 25 845
Education 4625 960 25 1250 115 95 130 60 7255
Combined 25 0 0 10 0 0 0 0 40
Supplementary subject information(1)
Psychology 520 130 10 150 50 15 35 10 915
Geography & environmental sciences 145 10 5 15 15 5 10 5 215
Economics & politics 225 10 5 50 35 0 15 5 340
English 125 40 0 45 25 10 35 5 285
First degree
Medicine & dentistry 20 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 25
Subjects allied to medicine 3030 700 5 605 55 60 80 30 4565
Biological sciences 560 130 15 265 110 70 65 40 1255
Veterinary science 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Agriculture & related subjects 50 0 0 5 10 5 0 0 70
Physical sciences 280 35 5 80 50 25 30 10 515
Mathematical sciences 95 15 0 40 30 10 25 5 220
Computer science 795 100 10 140 80 125 40 15 1300
Engineering & technology 955 30 0 135 35 50 30 10 1240
Architecture, building & planning 845 10 0 135 20 30 15 0 1055
Social studies 1265 175 15 310 90 60 90 45 2055
Law 350 55 10 180 155 50 40 15 855
Business & administrative studies 1365 125 10 265 95 115 55 30 2060
Mass communications & documentation 115 25 0 20 10 20 5 5 200
Languages 220 70 10 115 95 35 85 30 660
Historical & philosophical studies 375 120 25 195 100 45 170 65 1100
Creative arts & design 215 85 15 65 55 50 70 20 575
Education 770 155 5 320 95 25 20 15 1405
Combined 1430 360 40 760 205 160 385 115 3455
Supplementary subject information(1)
Psychology 305 95 15 205 75 55 45 25 815
Geography & environmental sciences 100 15 5 35 20 10 15 0 195
Economics & politics 125 15 5 45 15 10 15 10 240
English 130 55 10 80 60 25 55 20 435
Other undergraduate
Medicine & dentistry 15 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 30
Subjects allied to medicine 765 295 20 265 90 20 30 15 1495
Biological sciences 65 15 0 40 20 10 5 5 160
Veterinary science 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Agriculture & related subjects 95 10 0 25 10 5 5 5 155
Physical sciences 50 10 0 20 10 5 5 0 95
Mathematical sciences 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5
Computer science 230 40 0 140 85 25 20 5 550
Engineering & technology 750 15 0 305 100 15 15 5 1195
Architecture, building & planning 435 20 0 295 65 15 10 10 855
Social studies 510 75 10 235 90 20 30 15 980
Law 55 5 0 15 15 5 5 0 95
Business & administrative studies 820 65 0 490 165 30 30 15 1620
Mass communications & documentation 10 5 0 5 10 0 0 0 30
Languages 20 10 0 20 25 0 20 5 95
Historical & philosophical studies 75 30 20 45 30 0 40 10 250
Creative arts & design 85 25 5 45 45 10 25 15 255
Education 1140 285 0 705 140 10 20 10 2310
Combined 5 5 0 5 0 0 5 0 20
Supplementary subject information(1)
Psychology 25 5 0 5 5 5 5 0 50
Geography & environmental sciences 10 5 0 5 0 0 0 0 25
Economics & politics 25 5 0 20 10 5 5 0 65
English 10 5 0 5 5 0 5 0 25
Total 38790 5490 380 11055 3025 1570 2290 830 63425
In this table 0, 1, 2 are rounded to 0. All other numbers are rounded up or down to the nearest multiple of 5.
# see relevant footnote in Notes to tables.
(1) Numbers reported under 'Supplementary subject information' are within and not additional to the overall total, but are disaggregated from it on a different pattern from the 19 subject areas.

Work, study, and unemployment rates varied greatly between subject areas at the six-month point. In some cases the outcome was an obvious consequence of the characteristics of the subject area. For full-time first degree qualifiers, the highest and lowest three rates in each category were as follows.

Table viii Work (incl. work & study) Study (incl. work & study) Assumed unemployed
Highest Medicine & dentistry 93.3% Law 54.7% Computer science 10.8%
Second highest Subjects allied to medicine 84.7% Mathematical sciences 39.4% Combined 9.8%
Third highest Veterinary science 83.9% Physical sciences 34.8% Creative arts & design 8.7%
Third lowest Mathematical sciences 62.4% Computer science 14.6% Education 3.4%
Second lowest Physical sciences 59.0% Medicine & dentistry 12.8% Veterinary science 2.1%
Lowest Law 45.0% Mass communications & documentation 11.5% Medicine & dentistry 0.2%

Occupational classification

Table D gives figures for working qualifiers, broken down by mode and level of study, and by gender, according to the Standard Occupational Classification of the work they were doing.

Table D - UK domiciled leavers entering employment by mode of study, level of qualification, gender and Standard Occupational Classification 2005/06
  Managers & senior officials Professional occupations Associate professional & technical occupations Administrative & secretarial occupations Skilled trades occupations Personal service occupations Sales & customer service occupations Process, plant & machine operatives Elementary occupations Unknown Total
Full-time 12880 62940 55765 20920 1725 8185 15015 790 6985 145 185350
Doctorate degree
Female 50 1280 140 35 0 5 10 0 0 0 1525
Male 70 1365 155 35 10 5 5 0 5 0 1650
Other PG degree
Female 565 3595 3105 960 35 205 290 10 100 10 8870
Male 905 3340 2150 545 45 80 200 15 135 15 7430
PGCE
Female 55 12495 140 120 5 100 45 0 20 5 12980
Male 25 5135 90 35 10 25 20 5 5 0 5350
First degree
Female 4995 18650 23965 12445 380 5370 7910 180 2855 50 76800
Male 5575 16360 15565 6020 1015 1465 5250 495 3190 60 54995
Other undergraduate
Female 320 385 8625 470 40 800 630 20 265 0 11565
Male 330 335 1825 255 190 125 660 60 415 0 4195
Part-time 10280 21055 17060 3090 525 2085 890 250 440 40 55715
Doctorate degree
Female 55 435 60 15 0 0 0 0 5 0 570
Male 55 480 50 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 600
Other PG degree
Female 2950 6650 4550 535 15 150 70 15 30 10 14975
Male 3250 4355 1815 285 45 40 60 35 45 10 9935
PGCE
Female 60 1280 145 15 0 35 5 0 0 0 1545
Male 50 465 65 5 0 5 0 0 0 0 595
First degree
Female 1275 2745 5220 1195 40 735 300 25 85 5 11625
Male 1410 2555 1920 420 160 115 255 105 180 5 7125
Other undergraduate
Female 630 1045 2015 480 40 960 95 10 25 5 5305
Male 545 1045 1220 135 230 40 100 60 65 0 3445
Total 23165 83995 72825 24010 2250 10265 15905 1040 7425 185 241065
In this table 0, 1, 2 are rounded to 0. All other numbers are rounded up or down to the nearest multiple of 5.

Among qualifiers from full-time first degree programmes who were working (including those who were also studying), 34.6% were in occupations classified as ‘Managers & senior officials’ or ‘Professional’, whereas 4.6% were in ‘Elementary occupations’.

Tables Ei and Eii, giving figures for working qualifiers from full-time and part-time programmes respectively, tabulate for each level of study the Standard Occupational Classification of the post held against the Standard Industrial Classification of the employer.

Table Ei - UK domiciled leavers who obtained qualifications through full-time study and entered employment by level of qualification, Standard Industrial Classification of employer and Standard Occupational Qualification 2005/06
  Managers & senior officials Professional occupations Associate professional & technical occupations Administrative & secretarial occupations Skilled trades occupations Personal service occupations Sales & customer service occupations Process, plant & machine operatives Elementary occupations Unknown   Total
Postgraduate
Agriculture & forestry 10 20 15 0 10 5 0 0 5 0   70
Fishing 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0   5
Mining & quarrying 15 120 20 5 5 0 0 0 0 0   170
Manufacturing 155 420 600 80 25 0 20 10 10 0   1325
Electricity, gas & water supply 15 55 25 15 0 0 10 0 0 0   120
Construction 30 85 35 15 10 0 0 0 5 0   180
Wholesale & retail trade; repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles & personal & household goods 135 60 120 50 0 0 345 0 30 5   745
Hotels & restaurants 55 5 15 20 10 0 10 0 110 0   230
Transport, storage & communication 65 90 70 45 0 30 30 10 20 0   355
Financial activities 205 200 465 190 0 0 40 0 0 0   1100
Property development, renting, business & research activities 345 3655 1390 390 15 20 40 10 20 5   5890
Public administration & defence; social security 305 1510 580 350 0 30 10 0 0 5   2790
Education 55 19350 300 215 5 165 0 5 10 5   20110
Health & social work 145 1205 1120 185 0 105 10 0 5 5   2785
Other community, social & personal service activities 125 375 995 150 10 60 50 0 45 5   1815
Private households with employed persons 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0   15
International organisations & bodies 5 25 25 10 0 0 0 0 0 0   70
Not known 0 15 10 5 0 0 0 0 0 0   35
Total 1665 27210 5780 1730 100 425 570 35 265 30   37805
First degree
Agriculture & forestry 130 50 45 45 120 80 10 5 80 0   560
Fishing 5 5 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0   20
Mining & quarrying 50 415 135 65 10 0 10 5 5 0   690
Manufacturing 850 2245 3790 1085 235 15 325 195 210 10   8965
Electricity, gas & water supply 95 230 220 245 10 0 260 5 10 0   1075
Construction 300 935 375 310 195 0 45 25 190 5   2385
Wholesale & retail trade; repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles & personal & household goods 2325 1140 1855 1180 160 45 8780 100 585 5   16170
Hotels & restaurants 1265 30 315 355 215 80 170 20 3205 0   5660
Transport, storage & communication 465 460 820 635 40 595 655 140 315 5   4130
Financial activities 1085 975 3010 3255 5 5 1155 0 25 10   9535
Property development, renting, business & research activities 1770 8330 9820 4300 150 170 895 80 305 25   25845
Public administration & defence; social security 630 1855 2400 2795 25 415 155 15 85 5   8385
Education 250 9090 1715 1180 25 2650 45 15 110 5   15090
Health & social work 445 8295 9860 1650 25 2035 150 25 95 15   22590
Other community, social & personal service activities 870 900 5060 1295 160 660 490 35 805 10   10270
Private households with employed persons 5 10 15 5 10 75 0 0 5 0   130
International organisations & bodies 10 20 25 20 0 5 0 0 0 0   80
Not known 15 30 60 40 5 10 20 5 15 15   215
Total 10570 35010 39535 18465 1395 6835 13155 675 6040 115   131790
Other undergraduate
Agriculture & forestry 20 10 10 5 35 15 5 0 20 0   125
Fishing 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0   0
Mining & quarrying 5 5 5 5 0 0 0 0 0 0   30
Manufacturing 30 40 105 35 40 5 25 25 20 0   325
Electricity, gas & water supply 5 5 10 5 0 0 20 0 0 0   45
Construction 20 30 15 15 25 0 5 5 10 0   125
Wholesale & retail trade; repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles & personal & household goods 140 15 75 65 15 10 965 10 105 0   1400
Hotels & restaurants 115 0 10 30 40 15 25 5 330 0   565
Transport, storage & communication 25 15 65 40 10 40 60 25 25 0   300
Financial activities 20 10 50 120 0 0 55 0 5 0   260
Property development, renting, business & research activities 60 125 275 135 15 25 60 5 35 0   740
Public administration & defence; social security 40 50 285 95 5 65 10 5 15 0   570
Education 35 205 110 40 10 265 5 0 20 0   690
Health & social work 80 155 9160 70 5 385 10 0 15 0   9885
Other community, social & personal service activities 55 45 260 60 25 90 40 5 70 0   655
Private households with employed persons 0 0 0 0 5 10 0 0 5 0   20
International organisations & bodies 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0   5
Not known 0 0 5 5 0 0 0 0 0 0   15
Total 650 720 10455 725 230 925 1290 85 675 0   15755
Total - All students 12880 62940 55765 20920 1725 8185 15015 790 6985 145   185350
In this table 0, 1, 2 are rounded to 0. All other numbers are rounded up or down to the nearest multiple of 5.
Table Eii - UK domiciled leavers who obtained qualifications through part-time study and entered employment by level of qualification, Standard Industrial Classification of employer and Standard Occupational Qualification 2005/06
  Managers & senior officials Professional occupations Associate professional & technical occupations Administrative & secretarial occupations Skilled trades occupations Personal service occupations Sales & customer service occupations Process, plant & machine operatives Elementary occupations Unknown   Total
Postgraduate
Agriculture & forestry 15 5 15 5 5 0 0 0 5 0   50
Fishing 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0   0
Mining & quarrying 60 30 35 0 0 0 0 0 0 0   120
Manufacturing 885 445 365 40 15 0 10 15 0 5   1780
Electricity, gas & water supply 100 55 30 5 0 0 0 0 0 0   195
Construction 145 85 40 5 10 0 0 5 0 0   290
Wholesale & retail trade; repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles & personal & household goods 245 95 95 15 0 0 75 0 10 0   540
Hotels & restaurants 60 5 10 5 5 0 0 0 20 0   100
Transport, storage & communication 275 100 120 25 0 15 10 10 10 0   575
Financial activities 390 175 215 55 0 0 15 0 0 0   855
Property development, renting, business & research activities 865 1615 730 105 15 5 10 5 15 5   3365
Public administration & defence; social security 1235 1260 1135 255 5 25 5 5 10 0   3935
Education 380 7050 475 165 5 95 5 5 5 0   8175
Health & social work 1485 2435 2975 120 0 65 5 5 5 5   7100
Other community, social & personal service activities 260 290 415 55 5 20 10 0 5 0   1065
Private households with employed persons 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0   5
International organisations & bodies 10 5 10 5 0 0 0 0 0 0   35
Not known 10 5 10 5 0 0 0 0 0 5   35
Total 6420 13665 6680 860 60 235 140 50 80 25   28220
First degree
Agriculture & forestry 15 5 5 5 15 0 0 0 0 0   50
Fishing 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0   5
Mining & quarrying 25 40 15 5 0 0 0 0 0 0   90
Manufacturing 320 575 310 100 55 0 20 45 30 0   1455
Electricity, gas & water supply 40 60 25 15 5 0 5 5 0 0   155
Construction 135 350 65 25 25 0 0 5 5 0   610
Wholesale & retail trade; repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles & personal & household goods 230 65 90 80 15 0 300 10 25 0   815
Hotels & restaurants 70 0 15 10 10 0 5 0 70 0   185
Transport, storage & communication 120 75 110 55 10 35 45 35 40 0   525
Financial activities 155 85 185 170 0 0 65 0 0 0   665
Property development, renting, business & research activities 360 705 580 245 25 20 45 10 35 0   2025
Public administration & defence; social security 470 1015 770 370 5 100 20 10 15 5   2780
Education 140 1530 325 210 5 420 5 5 10 0   2650
Health & social work 490 670 4365 225 5 225 15 5 10 5   6010
Other community, social & personal service activities 115 105 275 90 15 40 20 5 20 0   680
Private households with employed persons 0 10 0 0 5 5 0 0 0 0   25
International organisations & bodies 0 5 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0   10
Not known 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0   10
Total 2690 5300 7140 1615 195 850 550 130 265 10   18745
Other undergraduate
Agriculture & forestry 15 5 0 0 20 0 0 0 10 0   55
Fishing 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0   0
Mining & quarrying 0 15 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0   25
Manufacturing 125 255 225 35 90 0 5 25 5 0   765
Electricity, gas & water supply 15 50 20 0 10 0 5 5 0 0   105
Construction 80 225 105 10 30 0 0 10 5 0   465
Wholesale & retail trade; repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles & personal & household goods 80 15 40 30 20 0 120 0 5 0   310
Hotels & restaurants 40 0 5 5 5 0 5 0 25 0   85
Transport, storage & communication 40 40 35 20 10 5 5 10 10 0   175
Financial activities 25 15 50 40 0 0 15 0 0 0   145
Property development, renting, business & research activities 125 200 270 55 25 10 10 5 10 0   715
Public administration & defence; social security 230 275 960 215 20 90 10 5 5 0   1815
Education 95 705 200 95 0 715 0 0 5 0   1825
Health & social work 255 245 1250 85 10 150 5 0 0 0   2010
Other community, social & personal service activities 45 40 65 20 15 25 10 0 5 0   225
Private households with employed persons 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0   5
International organisations & bodies 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0   5
Not known 5 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0   10
Total 1175 2090 3235 615 265 1000 200 70 90 5   8750
Total - All students 10280 21055 17060 3090 525 2085 890 250 440 40   55715
In this table 0, 1, 2 are rounded to 0. All other numbers are rounded up or down to the nearest multiple of 5.

Basis and location of work

Table F shows the patterns of work of those qualifiers who were working, broken down by mode and level of study, and gender. It includes those who were also continuing to study. For those in full-time paid work, it shows the location of work and, where known, the contract duration.

Table F - UK domiciled leavers who entered employment by mode of study, level of qualification, gender, employment category, mode of employment, location of employment and duration of employment 2005/06
  Of those working (incl. work & further study)
    Full-time paid work      
    Location   Duration      
  Total(1) Within the UK Within other EU countries Outside the EU   Permanent or fixed-term longer than 12 months Temporary or fixed-term of less than 12 months Duration not known Part-time paid work Self-employed/ freelance Voluntary/ unpaid work
Full-time 185350 146585 1840 2465   103190 22375 25475 26085 5700 2525
Doctorate degree
Female 1525 1225 30 85   1040 145 155 140 40 5
Male 1650 1310 55 140   1180 110 220 90 45 5
Other PG degree
Female 8870 6945 120 165   4975 1055 1205 1025 455 155
Male 7430 5810 120 230   4275 745 1155 650 515 95
PGCE
Female 12980 11665 50 45   8185 1700 1895 1120 65 15
Male 5350 4925 15 25   3510 625 845 325 45 5
First degree
Female 76800 59665 835 840   41070 10540 9775 12190 1860 1370
Male 54995 43295 580 875   29975 6760 8060 7045 2350 805
Other undergraduate
Female 11565 8960 20 25   6990 455 1565 2345 160 45
Male 4195 2785 15 30   1990 240 610 1160 175 30
Part-time 55715 44410 215 385   37740 1420 6145 7495 2385 530
Doctorate degree
Female 570 410 5 10   355 20 50 100 40 5
Male 600 510 5 20   435 20 75 30 35 5
Other PG degree
Female 14975 12125 45 95   10220 330 1735 1920 655 115
Male 9935 8675 65 150   7530 165 1230 395 555 60
PGCE
Female 1545 955 5 5   735 115 115 525 40 10
Male 595 480 5 5   410 20 65 85 15 0
First degree
Female 11625 8470 35 40   7135 365 1155 2415 380 175
Male 7125 5990 35 55   5210 235 755 480 380 70
Other undergraduate
Female 5305 3715 5 5   3095 90 545 1310 190 75
Male 3445 3075 5 5   2615 55 415 235 100 15
Total 241065 190995 2055 2850   140930 23790 31620 33580 8085 3055
In this table 0, 1, 2 are rounded to 0. All other numbers are rounded up or down to the nearest multiple of 5.
(1) Students of unknown location of employment are included in total figures

The pattern of work by mode of study and gender was as follows:

Table ix Full-time paid Part-time paid Self-employed or freelance Voluntary or unpaid Total returns
Full-time female 81.2% 15.1% 2.3% 1.4% 111735
Full-time male 81.9% 12.6% 4.2% 1.3% 73615
Part-time female 76.6% 18.4% 3.8% 1.1% 34025
Part-time male 88.7% 5.6% 5.0% 0.7% 21690

For full-time qualifiers, the percentage of males who were self-employed or freelance was substantially larger than for females. This was also true, to a lesser extent, for part-time qualifiers, but in that case there was also a major difference in the balance between full-time and part-time work, with females over three times more likely than males to be working part-time.

Of full-time qualifiers who were in full-time paid work, 1.2% were working in other EU countries, and 1.6% outside the EU. For part-time qualifiers the figures were 0.5% and 0.9% respectively. Of all doctorate-level qualifiers who were in full-time paid work, 2.4% were working in other EU countries, and 6.7% outside the EU.

Type of study

Table G shows the subsequent study patterns of those qualifiers who continued to study, broken down by mode and level of previous study, and by gender. It includes those who were also working.

Table G - UK domiciled leavers who entered further study by mode of study, level of qualification, gender and qualification aim 2005/06
  Higher degree (research) Higher degree (taught) Postgraduate diploma or certificate First degree Other diploma or certificate Professional qualification Other qualification Not aiming for a qualification Total
Full-time 5195 13800 10870 8810 3735 9240 3245 2765 57655
Doctorate degree
Female 30 25 40 5 15 30 20 110 275
Male 45 10 30 10 5 30 20 155 305
Other PG degree
Female 845 295 310 40 145 460 130 140 2365
Male 900 255 225 45 90 490 80 125 2215
PGCE
Female 35 275 85 5 65 40 60 60 630
Male 25 115 20 10 20 20 25 20 255
First degree
Female 1385 6565 7315 1030 1810 4280 1630 1155 25170
Male 1885 6040 2695 685 885 3720 925 765 17600
Other undergraduate
Female 20 95 100 3615 440 125 240 180 4820
Male 20 120 40 3365 260 50 120 50 4025
Part-time 920 3060 1825 2905 1635 1390 1185 1155 14075
Doctorate degree
Female 10 5 15 0 5 5 10 50 100
Male 15 5 10 0 5 5 5 70 115
Other PG degree
Female 410 1015 460 85 290 305 230 330 3125
Male 310 670 220 75 150 240 120 195 1980
PGCE
Female 10 40 20 5 35 20 50 20 200
Male 10 20 10 5 15 5 10 5 90
First degree
Female 75 660 750 295 395 400 400 270 3245
Male 60 490 240 205 170 250 125 135 1675
Other undergraduate
Female 10 90 75 1410 325 95 150 55 2205
Male 0 70 25 820 240 65 80 30 1335
Total 6115 16860 12695 11715 5370 10630 4435 3920 71735
In this table 0, 1, 2 are rounded to 0. All other numbers are rounded up or down to the nearest multiple of 5.

Of the total number of qualifiers from full-time first degree programmes as reported in Table B, 23.6% proceeded to further study. 8.7% of that total, 37.1% of those who proceeded, moved on to study for a higher degree. The corresponding part-time percentages were 21.8%, 5.7%, and 26.1%.

Of the total number of qualifiers from full-time other undergraduate programmes, 38.3% proceeded to further study. 30.2% of that total, 78.9% of those who proceeded, moved on to first degree studies. The corresponding part-time percentages were 34.7%, 21.9%, and 63.0%.

Newly qualified teachers

Table H provides information about newly qualified teachers. It provides a breakdown by administration, gender, and age group, and shows the sector (maintained/non-maintained, also known as state/independent) and the level of the school or college in which the respondent was teaching.

Table H - UK domiciled leavers who completed an initial teacher training course leading to QTS/a course of pre-service teacher training (as defined by the Scottish Executive), by location of institution, gender, age(#1), teaching phase and teaching sector 2005/06
    QTS and in a teaching post    
      Teaching sector(1)   Teaching phase    
  Total QTS leavers Total QTS leavers in a teaching post(2) Maintained (state) school or college Non-maintained (independent) school or college Both maintained (state) and non-maintained (independent) school or college Sector not known   Primary school Secondary school Both primary & secondary schools College or other educational establishment QTS & seeking a teaching post QTS & NOT teaching or seeking a teaching post
England 20515 18300 16035 1105 230 925   8775 8915 300 310 1110 1110
Female 15440 13735 12060 790 180 700   7670 5665 220 185 885 820
24 years & under 8405 7565 6635 420 95 415   4405 2985 100 75 460 375
25 years & over 7040 6170 5425 370 85 285   3265 2680 115 110 425 445
Male 5075 4560 3975 315 50 225   1105 3250 80 125 225 285
24 years & under 2005 1825 1585 130 25 85   445 1305 35 40 75 105
25 years & over 3065 2735 2390 185 25 135   660 1945 45 85 150 180
Wales 1545 1290 1140 50 20 80   585 650 20 35 165 90
Female 1095 910 800 35 15 60   485 395 10 20 130 55
24 years & under 735 615 540 25 10 40   350 240 5 15 85 40
25 years & over 360 300 260 10 0 20   130 155 5 10 45 15
Male 450 380 340 15 5 20   100 255 10 10 35 35
24 years & under 210 170 150 10 0 10   50 110 5 5 25 15
25 years & over 240 205 190 5 5 10   50 145 5 10 15 20
Scotland 2945 2870 2825 30 5 10   1415 1375 75 10 20 55
Female 2230 2180 2145 20 5 10   1265 850 55 5 15 35
24 years & under 1070 1050 1035 10 0 5   615 405 25 0 5 10
25 years & over 1160 1130 1110 10 0 5   650 445 35 5 10 20
Male 715 690 680 10 0 5   150 525 15 5 5 20
24 years & under 265 255 255 5 0 0   55 195 5 0 0 5
25 years & over 450 435 425 5 0 5   90 330 15 0 0 15
Northern Ireland 650 525 135 5 5 35   230 270 15 5 65 60
Female 530 425 105 5 5 25   205 205 10 5 60 45
24 years & under 410 330 75 5 5 20   165 150 10 5 50 30
25 years & over 120 100 30 0 0 5   40 55 0 0 10 15
Male 120 95 30 0 0 10   25 65 5 0 5 15
24 years & under 80 65 15 0 0 5   25 35 5 0 5 10
25 years & over 40 35 15 0 0 5   5 30 0 0 0 5
Total 25655 22980 20135 1190 260 1050   11005 11210 405 360 1360 1315
In this table 0, 1, 2 are rounded to 0. All other numbers are rounded up or down to the nearest multiple of 5.
# see relevant note in Notes to tables
(1) The school types within the Northern Ireland sector are different from other United Kingdom regions. School type was not a completion requirement for those teaching in Northern Ireland and should be taken into account when analysing these figures.
(2) Students who did not respond to the teaching sector question are included in total figures but not in separate breakdowns.

Across the UK, 89.6% of those respondents achieving Qualified Teacher Status were employed as teachers, and a further 5.3% were seeking a teaching post. Of those known to be in a teaching post, 87.6% were teaching solely in the maintained (state) sector. The percentage teaching only at the primary level was 47.9%, at the secondary level or both levels 50.5%, and at a college or other educational establishment 1.6%.

Employer sponsorship for part-time study

Table I shows patterns of employer sponsorship for qualifiers from part-time programmes who were employed during or just before their studies.

Table I - UK domiciled leavers who studied part-time and were employed either during or immediately before the programme of study they recently completed, by level of qualification, gender and employer sponsorship 2005/06
  Employer sponsorship    
  Tuition fees paid Grant to cover tuition fees & living expenses Study leave Supported in other ways No employer support Total(1)
Postgraduate
Female 3095 60 2060 1675 1140 6230
Male 2010 95 1180 980 695 3765
First degree
Female 1445 35 1200 950 1695 4400
Male 925 30 565 500 845 2315
Other undergraduate
Female 725 30 480 465 250 1505
Male 370 15 195 175 105 645
Total 8575 260 5685 4745 4730 18855
In this table 0, 1, 2 are rounded to 0. All other numbers are rounded up or down to the nearest multiple of 5.
(1) This is the total number of leavers who were employed during/immediately before the course, not a tally of sponsorship option, as respondents were allowed to tick all options that applied to them.

Three quarters of those responding reported some form of employer support. Payment of tuition fees was the commonest form of support. Grants to cover living expenses as well were uncommon, study leave being the common form of personal support. This pattern of support applied regardless of level of study and of gender.

Salary levels

Table J shows the distribution, by £5,000 bands, of salaries reported (to the nearest £1,000) by qualifiers from first degree programmes who entered or continued in full-time UK employment.

Chart 2 displays this information separately for qualifiers from full-time and part-time programmes, subdivided by gender.

Table J - UK domiciled leavers who obtained first degree qualifications and entered or continued in full-time UK employment by salary band, mode of study and gender 2005/06
  Salary band      
  less than £5,000 £5,000- £9,999 £10,000- £14,999 £15,000- £19,999 £20,000- £24,999 £25,000- £29,999 £30,000- £34,999 £35,000- £39,999 £40,000+ Unknown Total Median salary
Full-time 120 830 12950 19430 11965 4155 1995 630 335 50550 102960 £18,000
Female 80 570 8375 12395 6465 1990 985 255 80 28475 59665 £17,500
Male 40 260 4575 7035 5505 2165 1010 375 255 22075 43295 £18,000
Part-time 25 55 620 1370 1930 1690 1190 570 710 6300 14465 £25,000
Female 15 45 420 910 1300 1005 645 220 195 3710 8470 £23,000
Male 10 10 200 460 630 685 545 350 515 2590 5990 £27,000
Female total 95 620 8795 13305 7765 2995 1630 475 275 32185 68140 £18,000
Male total 50 270 4775 7495 6135 2850 1555 720 770 24665 49285 £19,000
Total 145 890 13570 20800 13900 5845 3185 1200 1045 56850 117425 £18,000
In this table 0, 1, 2 are rounded to 0. All other numbers are rounded up or down to the nearest multiple of 5.

UK domiciled leavers who obtained first degree qualifications and entered or continued in full-time paid UK employment by salary band, mode of study and gender 2005/06

The median salary for female qualifiers from full-time programmes was only slightly below that for males but the high-paying jobs tended to go to males. For qualifiers from part-time programmes the distributions were quite different, with males not only having a substantially higher median salary, but also a very much larger proportion in the highest category.


1 A pilot survey was carried out in January 2006 on a test sample from the 2002/03 leaving cohort, two years and six months from completion. The results from this have not been published, but were used to inform the design of the first full survey, on a disjoint sample from the same cohort, and this was conducted in early 2007. Publication arrangements for that survey are currently under consideration; it was never planned to include results from it in the present volume. A sample from the 2005/06 cohort covered by the present volume will be surveyed in January 2010, subject to agreement being reached to continue the second phase of the DLHE survey. Publication of the results from the second phase of DLHE will be at sector, administration, and possibly regional level, but not at the level of individual institutions. A sector-wide subject breakdown may also be published.

2 Non-statutory populations omit any contribution from individuals who have notified HESA of their wish to be excluded in circumstances such as the publication of the present volume where inclusion is not defined as a requirement by the bodies whose statutory powers underpin HESA data collection.

3 The Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are not part of the UK or the EU, but, as in other HESA publications, students with these domiciles are included in UK figures unless separated out explicitly.