Skip to main content

Introduction - Destinations of Leavers 2006/07

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. 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 2006/07, that is, the period 1 August 2006 to 31 July 2007. It covers data supplied by 169 HEIs (133 in England, 12 in Wales, 20 in Scotland, 4 in Northern Ireland). 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 and is now standard. The reference date for those obtaining the qualification between 1 August 2006 and 31 December 2006 was 16 April 2007, and the reference date for those obtaining the qualification between 1 January 2007 and 31 July 2007 was 14 January 2008. 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.

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 Data packs 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:

  1. 0, 1, 2 are rounded to 0
  2. 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.

Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Institutions 2006/07

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 2006/07 there were 267,605 valid responses from a possible total of 357,880 qualifiers from full-time programmes, a percentage with known destinations of 74.8% (2005/06: 74.8%; 2004/05: 76.0%). There were 64,505 valid responses from a possible total of 96,005 qualifiers from part-time programmes, a percentage with known destinations of 67.2% (68.6%; 67.5%). In total there were 332,110 valid responses from 453,880 qualifiers, giving a survey-wide figure of 73.2% (73.5%; 74.2%).

7,225 full-time and 3,040 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. Also, the very small numbers of qualifiers reported to institutions as deceased are included. The following table shows the position for DLHE in 2006/07.

Table i Responses Qualifiers Rate Target Rate
Full-time UK 258845 328250 78.9% 80%
Full-time other EU 15985 29625 54.0% 50%
Part-time UK 65665 92340 71.1% 70%
Part-time other EU 1880 3660 51.4% 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 1.1%, and the part-time response rate achieved the target by a margin of 1.1%. For 2005/06 the achieved rates were 78.7%, 51.4%, 72.4% and 50.4%, and for 2004/05 they were 79.9%, 47.5%, 71.1%, and 44.0%, in the same order as the rows of Table i. So for qualifiers of UK domicile the response rate from full-time qualifiers remained steady in 2006/07 following a fall of about 1% in 2005/06, whereas the part-time response rate dropped back in 2006/07 to its 2004/05 level after a rise of just over 1% in 2005/06. For qualifiers of other EU domicile, the response rate for qualifiers from full-time programmes showed a further considerable rise of 2.5%, and the response rate for qualifiers from part-time programmes rose by a further 1% after a large rise in 2005/06 (on small absolute numbers); both of these rates achieved the 50% target in 2006/07. 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 2005/06 and for 2004/05, in that order, and are provided for comparison.

Of the 267,605 (262,635; 258,420) full-time qualifiers of UK or other-EU domicile for whom a valid DLHE return was made, 198,925, or 74.3% (194,225, or 74.0%; 190,205, 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 65,525, or 24.5% (62,835, or 23.9%; 60,960, or 23.6%). The number assumed to be unemployed was 14,040, or 5.2% (15,030, or 5.7%; 15,385, or 6.0%).

Of the 64,505 (65,120; 60,840) part-timers, 56,715, or 87.9% (57,080, or 87.7%; 53,250, or 87.5%) were working, and 1,535, or 2.4% (1,640, or 2.5%; 1,510, or 2.5%) were assumed to be unemployed. There were 14,570, or 22.6% (14,435, or 22.2%; 13,860, or 22.8%) 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 251,985 (248,435; 245,955) qualifiers from full-time programmes for whom a valid DLHE return was made, 189,155, or 75.1% (185,350, or 74.6%; 182,715, or 74.3%) were working and 59,560, or 23.6% (57,655, or 23.2%; 56,355, or 22.9%) were studying. The number assumed to be unemployed was 13,225, or 5.2% (14,210, or 5.7%; 14,510, or 5.9%).

Of the 62,690 (63,425; 59,380) qualifiers from part-time programmes, 55,210, or 88.1% (55,715, or 87.8%; 52,085, or 87.7%) were working and 14,155, or 22.6% (14,075, or 22.2%; 13,505, or 22.7%) were studying. The number assumed to be unemployed was 1,475, or 2.4% (1,570, or 2.5%; 1,455, or 2.4%).

Unemployment rates of qualifiers from full-time programmes were 3.6% (3.8%; 4.0%) for postgraduates, 5.8% (6.4%; 6.6%) for first degree students, and 3.9% (4.0%; 3.6%) for other undergraduates. The unemployment rates for females were uniformly lower than for males; for full-time first degree students the figures were 4.8% (5.1%; 5.2%) for females and 7.2% (8.1%; 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, Veterinary science, Subjects allied to medicine, and Education, all above 80%. The highest proportions of those studying were in Law, at over 55%, and Mathematical sciences, Physical sciences, and Historical & philosophical studies, all above 30%. Computer science had the highest unemployment rate, at just under 10%, and Creative arts & design, Mass communications & documentation, and Combined studies, were all above 7%. Hardly any Medicine & dentistry qualifiers were unemployed. The rate in Veterinary science was just under 2% and the rates in Education, Architecture, building & planning, Law, and Subjects allied to medicine were between 3% and 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, 35.3% (34.6%; 33.4%) were in occupations classified as ‘Managers & senior officials’ or ‘Professional’, whereas 4.2% (4.6%; 4.6%) were in ‘Elementary occupations’ under the Standard Occupational Classification.

Of those qualifiers from full-time programmes who were working, 81.8% (81.5%; 82.1%) were in full-time paid work, 13.6% (14.1%; 13.5%) in part-time paid work, 3.2% (3.1%; 3.1%) were self-employed (or freelance), and 1.5% (1.4%; 1.3%) 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 three times more likely at 18.3% (18.4%; 19.1%) to be in part-time employment than men at 6.1% (5.6%; 5.9%).

Of those doing full-time paid work, 2.7% (2.9%; 2.6%) of full-time and 1.3% (1.3%; 1.3%) of part-time qualifiers were known to be working outside the UK, as were 8.8% (9.2%; 9.2%) of doctorate-level qualifiers doing full-time paid work – a measure of the ‘brain drain’.

Of qualifiers from full-time first degree programmes, 9.2% (8.7%; 8.6%) proceeded to study for a higher degree. Of qualifiers from full-time other undergraduate programmes, 31.7% (30.2%; 28.8%) 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, 90.3% (89.6%; 90.4%) were employed as teachers, and a further 4.1% (5.3%; 4.5%) were seeking a teaching post. Of those known to be in a teaching post, 88.3% (87.6%; 88.2%) 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 £20,000 was higher than that for female qualifiers, at £18,000; the salary figure is collected to the nearest £1,000. 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 £24,000, 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 2006/07

Table A - Destinations of leavers by mode of study, level of qualification, domicile and gender 2006/07
  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 152940 19500 2540 23945 41580 14040 9930 3130 267605
Postgraduate 37515 3125 470 4130 4130 2095 1175 600 53240
UK 33035 2790 325 3315 3175 1635 1035 405 45720
Female 20830 1925 195 1985 1585 865 670 245 28295
Male 12205 870 130 1325 1595 770 365 160 17420
Other EU 4480 330 145 815 955 460 140 195 7520
Female 2340 250 75 450 485 255 70 40 3965
Male 2140 80 70 365 470 205 65 155 3555
First degree 104810 14530 1995 16565 30995 11020 8220 2250 190385
UK 102060 14285 1920 15845 27880 10675 8020 2140 182825
Female 58640 8990 1235 9225 16095 5070 4665 1125 105050
Male 43420 5300 685 6620 11785 5600 3350 1015 77775
Other EU 2750 245 80 720 3115 345 205 105 7560
Female 1490 170 55 400 1545 175 135 50 4025
Male 1260 70 25 320 1565 170 70 55 3535
Other undergraduate 10615 1845 70 3250 6455 925 535 280 23975
UK 10485 1830 70 3190 6155 915 525 270 23445
Female 7805 1375 35 2105 3030 530 355 150 15390
Male 2680 455 35 1085 3125 380 170 125 8055
Other EU 125 15 0 60 300 15 10 5 535
Female 80 5 0 30 170 5 10 0 305
Male 50 10 0 25 130 5 0 5 230
Part-time 39415 5590 365 11345 3225 1535 2200 830 64505
Postgraduate 22345 2650 175 5020 935 540 875 320 32860
UK 21480 2590 155 4835 850 500 850 300 31555
Female 12585 2155 110 2975 535 305 600 210 19475
Male 8890 430 45 1860 320 195 250 90 12080
Other EU 865 60 20 185 85 40 25 20 1305
Female 430 40 10 105 50 20 20 10 685
Male 435 20 15 85 35 20 5 10 620
First degree 12115 2045 135 3160 1175 795 1010 375 20810
UK 11885 2020 135 3125 1105 775 995 365 20400
Female 6935 1675 90 1985 750 425 645 250 12755
Male 4950 345 45 1140 355 350 350 115 7650
Other EU 230 25 0 35 70 15 15 10 410
Female 140 25 0 20 40 10 10 5 245
Male 90 5 0 15 35 5 5 10 160
Other undergraduate 4955 895 50 3165 1115 200 315 135 10835
UK 4905 890 50 3150 1095 195 315 135 10730
Female 2650 780 35 1975 585 115 205 95 6440
Male 2255 110 15 1175 505 85 110 35 4290
Other EU 50 5 0 20 20 0 5 0 105
Female 30 5 0 10 10 0 0 0 60
Male 20 0 0 10 10 0 0 0 45
Total 192355 25090 2905 35290 44805 15575 12135 3955 332110
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 65.4% 8.9% 15.5% 5.2% 267605
Part-time 70.3% 17.6% 5.0% 2.4% 64505

The proportion of part-time qualifiers continuing to study (including those working and studying) at 22.6% was very close to that of full-time qualifiers at 24.5%, 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 52.3% 10.2% 28.0% 5.2% 15615

These percentages show a substantial shift from work only to study only, by comparison with the overall pattern, with a slightly higher percentage of full-time other-EU 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 3.9% for postgraduates, 5.8% for first degree students, and 3.9% for other undergraduates. For part-time qualifiers, the corresponding figures were 1.6%, 3.8%, and 1.8%.

For full-time first degree qualifiers, the unemployment rate was 4.8% for females and 7.1% for males. The corresponding part-time figures were 3.4% and 4.6%.

Summary results with UK coverage

The remainder of this introductory material reports numbers for qualifiers 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 79.1% 7.2% 6.9% 3.6% 45720
Full-time first degree 64.7% 8.7% 15.2% 5.8% 182825
Full-time other undergraduate 52.8% 13.6% 26.3% 3.9% 23445
Part-time postgraduate 76.8% 15.3% 2.7% 1.6% 31555
Part-time first degree 68.8% 15.3% 5.4% 3.8% 20400
Part-time other undergraduate 54.5% 29.3% 10.2% 1.8% 10730

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                                   Full-time first degree Work only Work & study Study only Assumed unemployed Total returns
Female 65.6% 8.8% 15.3% 4.8% 105050
Male 63.5% 8.5% 15.2% 7.2% 77775

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) 2006/07
  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 145585 18905 2315 22350 37210 13225 9580 2820 251985
Postgraduate 33035 2790 325 3315 3175 1635 1035 405 45720
Female 20830 1925 195 1985 1585 865 670 245 28295
24 years & under 9470 570 80 725 755 290 255 60 12210
25 years & over 11355 1350 115 1265 825 575 420 185 16085
Male 12205 870 130 1325 1595 770 365 160 17420
24 years & under 4335 280 55 440 815 275 155 45 6400
25 years & over 7875 590 75 885 780 495 210 115 11025
First degree 102060 14285 1920 15845 27880 10675 8020 2140 182825
Female 58640 8990 1235 9225 16095 5070 4665 1125 105050
24 years & under 48930 6945 1040 7490 14225 3965 3960 780 87335
25 years & over 9710 2045 195 1735 1875 1105 710 340 17715
Male 43420 5300 685 6620 11785 5600 3350 1015 77775
24 years & under 37720 4635 595 5640 10475 4790 3060 865 67780
25 years & over 5700 665 90 975 1305 810 295 150 9995
Other undergraduate 10485 1830 70 3190 6155 915 525 270 23445
Female 7805 1375 35 2105 3030 530 355 150 15390
24 years & under 3125 410 20 940 2140 205 150 65 7050
25 years & over 4680 965 15 1165 895 330 205 85 8335
Male 2680 455 35 1085 3125 380 170 125 8055
24 years & under 1430 330 25 745 2530 255 120 90 5530
25 years & over 1245 125 10 340 595 125 55 30 2520
Part-time 38270 5495 340 11105 3045 1475 2160 795 62690
Postgraduate 21480 2590 155 4835 850 500 850 300 31555
Female 12585 2155 110 2975 535 305 600 210 19475
24 years & under 420 30 5 100 35 10 10 5 610
25 years & over 12145 2125 110 2875 500 295 590 205 18840
Male 8890 430 45 1860 320 195 250 90 12080
24 years & under 190 20 5 45 40 10 5 5 315
25 years & over 8690 410 40 1810 280 190 245 85 11750
First degree 11885 2020 135 3125 1105 775 995 365 20400
Female 6935 1675 90 1985 750 425 645 250 12755
24 years & under 970 150 15 180 155 90 75 35 1665
25 years & over 5965 1525 70 1805 595 335 570 215 11080
Male 4950 345 45 1140 355 350 350 115 7650
24 years & under 1255 160 15 170 105 145 50 30 1930
25 years & over 3690 180 30 965 250 205 300 85 5710
Other undergraduate 4905 890 50 3150 1095 195 315 135 10730
Female 2650 780 35 1975 585 115 205 95 6440
24 years & under 295 50 0 220 125 25 25 10 745
25 years & over 2355 730 35 1750 465 85 180 90 5690
Male 2255 110 15 1175 505 85 110 35 4290
24 years & under 815 40 0 430 235 35 25 10 1590
25 years & over 1440 75 15 740 270 45 80 25 2690
Total 183850 24405 2655 33455 40260 14700 11735 3615 314675
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.

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

Table vi Full-time Work only Work & study Study only Assumed unemployed Total returns
Female 24 years & under 66.2% 8.6% 16.1% 4.2% 106595
Female 25 years & over 72.2% 9.9% 8.5% 4.8% 42135
Male 24 years & under 62.0% 8.6% 17.3% 6.7% 79705
Male 25 years & over 69.6% 9.3% 11.4% 6.1% 23540

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 Part-time Work only Work & study Study only Assumed unemployed Total returns
Female 24 years & under 63.9% 16.5% 10.3% 4.2% 3025
Female 25 years & over 70.4% 18.1% 4.4% 2.0% 35610
Male 24 years & under 65.1% 16.9% 9.8% 4.9% 3835
Male 25 years & over 72.3% 17.5% 4.0% 2.2% 20155

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) 2006/07
  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 365 25 5 80 80 20 10 10 595
Subjects allied to medicine 1145 115 10 185 105 55 35 10 1665
Biological sciences 1615 150 30 280 360 115 85 30 2655
Veterinary science 25 5 0 5 10 0 5 5 50
Agriculture & related subjects 170 15 5 40 20 15 5 5 275
Physical sciences 1400 75 25 175 260 105 45 15 2100
Mathematical sciences 240 15 5 50 80 20 15 5 430
Computer science 695 60 5 70 105 90 25 10 1055
Engineering & technology 940 45 10 95 95 70 25 10 1290
Architecture, building & planning 725 20 0 85 50 30 20 5 940
Social studies 2080 210 70 285 355 165 95 35 3290
Law 1930 90 40 255 460 115 90 30 3005
Business & administrative studies 1710 120 15 230 110 175 90 40 2490
Mass communications & documentation 870 85 15 35 50 60 30 10 1150
Languages 765 140 25 150 330 65 75 20 1570
Historical & philosophical studies 630 115 25 150 325 80 70 25 1420
Creative arts & design 955 215 15 150 165 85 50 35 1670
Education 16765 1295 30 985 210 380 280 120 20060
Combined 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10
Supplementary subject information(1)
Psychology 850 100 10 160 120 40 45 10 1335
Geography & environmental sciences 495 30 15 60 100 35 15 5 750
Economics & politics 775 60 40 100 155 75 35 10 1250
English 310 70 15 80 150 35 40 10 710
First degree
Medicine & dentistry 4910 10 5 450 265 10 25 5 5680
Subjects allied to medicine 10090 1350 70 1365 1130 555 330 135 15030
Biological sciences 9165 1875 265 1775 3940 1060 975 190 19250
Veterinary science 420 5 5 20 10 10 10 0 480
Agriculture & related subjects 840 95 20 120 190 80 85 10 1440
Physical sciences 4015 510 80 675 2395 555 455 95 8785
Mathematical sciences 1540 150 30 550 845 210 175 50 3545
Computer science 5495 645 40 475 780 865 270 150 8715
Engineering & technology 5890 475 50 775 1015 640 410 100 9355
Architecture, building & planning 2225 75 20 600 415 115 115 30 3595
Social studies 9695 1380 275 1640 2660 1045 980 225 17905
Law 2730 385 60 930 4065 310 400 105 8990
Business & administrative studies 12615 1385 105 2315 1380 1345 1095 290 20540
Mass communications & documentation 3660 610 80 285 350 450 295 70 5800
Languages 6535 1005 210 1025 2830 760 685 140 13185
Historical & philosophical studies 4605 785 220 805 2550 625 560 130 10285
Creative arts & design 11510 2545 345 1420 2055 1710 875 340 20795
Education 5720 915 30 535 860 265 240 60 8635
Combined 400 80 15 80 135 60 45 10 825
Supplementary subject information(1)
Psychology 4015 825 130 790 1295 460 385 90 7985
Geography & environmental sciences 2450 310 85 390 1035 265 360 45 4935
Economics & politics 3480 375 100 740 1180 420 390 95 6780
English 3435 595 115 560 1540 445 345 70 7100
Other undergraduate
Medicine & dentistry 20 10 0 5 15 0 0 0 45
Subjects allied to medicine 7135 1030 10 1005 465 335 180 65 10220
Biological sciences 275 65 5 140 425 35 35 25 1015
Veterinary science 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Agriculture & related subjects 220 35 5 55 255 15 20 10 615
Physical sciences 70 25 5 25 100 20 5 10 255
Mathematical sciences 15 5 0 10 20 5 5 0 65
Computer science 310 100 0 225 770 105 25 35 1565
Engineering & technology 330 45 5 145 410 40 20 10 1000
Architecture, building & planning 75 20 5 65 155 20 5 0 350
Social studies 395 70 5 165 310 35 30 10 1025
Law 100 10 0 30 80 20 5 10 250
Business & administrative studies 530 125 5 430 1240 105 55 30 2510
Mass communications & documentation 130 25 5 65 225 25 10 10 495
Languages 50 15 0 20 45 10 10 5 160
Historical & philosophical studies 50 15 0 25 40 5 10 0 150
Creative arts & design 545 150 20 330 1255 120 70 45 2540
Education 205 80 0 440 320 15 20 10 1095
Combined 30 5 0 10 20 5 10 0 80
Supplementary subject information(1)
Psychology 55 10 5 15 50 5 10 5 155
Geography & environmental sciences 25 10 0 15 35 10 0 0 95
Economics & politics 35 5 0 5 35 5 5 0 90
English 30 10 0 15 35 10 5 5 110
Total 145585 18905 2315 22350 37210 13225 9580 2820 251985
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) 2006/07
  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 660 90 5 220 20 5 30 0 1035
Subjects allied to medicine 2405 460 20 630 75 25 85 25 3720
Biological sciences 895 130 10 220 50 35 40 5 1380
Veterinary science 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 15
Agriculture & related subjects 95 5 0 10 10 5 5 5 140
Physical sciences 285 25 5 50 15 15 15 5 415
Mathematical sciences 95 5 0 15 5 5 5 0 130
Computer science 545 20 0 90 25 25 20 5 730
Engineering & technology 760 20 5 145 15 15 10 5 980
Architecture, building & planning 1035 25 5 140 40 15 10 0 1275
Social studies 1455 180 25 350 75 30 60 25 2205
Law 770 55 10 125 50 25 30 15 1075
Business & administrative studies 5550 210 10 1120 130 100 120 50 7280
Mass communications & documentation 355 70 5 45 10 5 20 5 520
Languages 315 60 5 90 55 25 55 25 630
Historical & philosophical studies 545 110 20 170 90 30 160 45 1165
Creative arts & design 530 160 10 120 45 40 55 30 985
Education 5140 965 15 1285 145 105 125 50 7835
Combined 35 5 0 10 0 0 0 0 45
Supplementary subject information(1)
Psychology 545 105 10 150 30 25 30 5 905
Geography & environmental sciences 160 20 5 20 10 5 5 0 230
Economics & politics 220 15 10 35 15 10 10 5 315
English 150 30 5 50 25 10 30 10 310
First degree
Medicine & dentistry 15 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 25
Subjects allied to medicine 3015 635 5 580 55 55 85 25 4465
Biological sciences 635 145 15 245 120 70 75 25 1330
Veterinary science 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Agriculture & related subjects 55 10 0 10 10 5 5 5 100
Physical sciences 210 30 0 50 35 10 20 5 365
Mathematical sciences 65 20 0 35 25 5 15 5 170
Computer science 675 105 10 115 65 110 40 25 1140
Engineering & technology 1015 35 0 160 25 35 15 5 1295
Architecture, building & planning 775 20 5 130 20 20 20 5 995
Social studies 1085 175 10 250 85 60 75 25 1755
Law 365 55 10 185 135 60 35 20 860
Business & administrative studies 1405 140 15 275 95 115 65 35 2145
Mass communications & documentation 130 30 5 15 10 15 5 5 210
Languages 220 80 10 100 85 35 85 25 635
Historical & philosophical studies 300 90 15 160 90 50 155 45 905
Creative arts & design 255 65 5 55 40 45 55 35 555
Education 850 215 10 355 110 25 40 15 1615
Combined 805 175 20 405 110 65 200 55 1835
Supplementary subject information(1)
Psychology 280 80 15 170 70 40 45 15 705
Geography & environmental sciences 85 15 0 25 20 5 15 5 160
Economics & politics 95 15 0 30 20 10 10 5 180
English 150 55 5 70 55 15 50 15 420
Other undergraduate
Medicine & dentistry 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Subjects allied to medicine 895 305 10 300 95 35 40 25 1700
Biological sciences 65 20 0 35 50 5 10 5 195
Veterinary science 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Agriculture & related subjects 125 15 0 35 25 5 10 0 215
Physical sciences 50 5 0 25 15 0 5 0 95
Mathematical sciences 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5
Computer science 235 30 0 80 125 25 15 5 520
Engineering & technology 750 15 0 380 120 15 10 5 1295
Architecture, building & planning 485 10 0 405 85 10 15 0 1015
Social studies 580 95 5 500 90 20 25 10 1330
Law 35 5 0 30 10 0 5 5 90
Business & administrative studies 645 55 0 410 175 25 30 10 1350
Mass communications & documentation 15 0 0 5 15 5 0 0 45
Languages 50 15 0 25 70 5 35 5 205
Historical & philosophical studies 95 35 25 85 25 5 55 20 355
Creative arts & design 75 25 0 50 60 15 25 15 265
Education 780 250 0 790 125 15 25 15 2000
Combined 15 0 0 5 10 0 15 5 50
Supplementary subject information(1)
Psychology 20 15 0 15 20 0 5 5 75
Geography & environmental sciences 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5
Economics & politics 45 5 0 15 0 0 0 0 70
English 5 5 0 5 5 5 5 0 25
Total 38270 5495 340 11105 3045 1475 2160 795 62690
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 94.6% Law 55.6% Computer science 9.9%
Second highest Veterinary science 94.1% Mathematical sciences 39.3% Creative arts & design 8.2%
Third highest Subjects allied to medicine 85.7% Physical sciences 35.0% Mass communications & documentation 7.7%
Third lowest Historical & philosophical studies 62.4% Medicine & dentistry 12.6% Education 3.1%
Second lowest Physical sciences 60.1% Mass communications & documentation 11.0% Veterinary science 1.9%
Lowest Law 45.7% Veterinary science 6.7% 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 2006/07
  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 12795 65985 58650 19860 1665 8230 14540 715 6490 230 189155
Doctorate degree
Female 55 1395 155 40 5 10 5 0 0 5 1670
Male 80 1515 170 40 5 5 5 0 5 10 1830
Other PG degree
Female 635 3915 3545 1010 20 230 260 10 100 20 9745
Male 775 3445 2270 535 65 95 225 25 130 15 7575
PGCE
Female 40 13095 135 95 0 100 40 0 10 5 13515
Male 30 4920 80 30 15 25 20 5 10 0 5125
First degree
Female 4975 19705 25725 11740 375 5240 7480 155 2620 75 78090
Male 5510 17190 16590 5600 920 1435 5225 455 3000 90 56020
Other undergraduate
Female 365 385 8110 525 65 960 635 10 260 5 11325
Male 330 420 1865 255 190 135 640 55 355 5 4255
Part-time 9785 21930 16420 2860 525 2125 880 215 420 55 55210
Doctorate degree
Female 50 485 55 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 600
Male 60 550 50 10 0 5 0 0 0 0 675
Other PG degree
Female 3025 7165 4525 610 20 200 65 15 40 15 15675
Male 2970 4595 1855 260 55 55 55 30 35 20 9925
PGCE
Female 65 1260 160 25 0 30 5 0 5 0 1555
Male 50 495 60 10 0 5 0 5 0 0 625
First degree
Female 1140 2450 4905 1025 30 740 290 15 75 10 10685
Male 1195 2345 1810 370 160 100 255 85 155 5 6480
Other undergraduate
Female 615 1260 2000 430 35 940 115 5 40 5 5440
Male 610 1325 1010 115 220 55 95 60 65 0 3555
Total 22580 87915 75070 22720 2190 10360 15415 930 6905 280 244365
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), 35.3% were in occupations classified as ‘Managers & senior officials’ or ‘Professional’, whereas 4.2 % 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 Classification 2006/07
  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 1610 28280 6360 1740 110 460 555 40 255 50 39465
Agriculture & forestry 20 20 10 5 10 5 0 0 5 0 70
Fishing 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Mining & quarrying 5 110 25 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 150
Manufacturing 155 455 610 80 20 0 10 5 5 5 1355
Electricity, gas & water supply 20 60 35 20 0 0 10 0 0 0 140
Construction 40 130 35 15 15 0 0 0 5 0 240
Wholesale & retail trade; repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles & personal & household goods 150 95 115 65 5 0 335 5 20 5 795
Hotels & restaurants 75 5 15 20 10 5 10 0 125 0 270
Transport, storage & communication 65 100 75 45 5 20 30 10 10 0 360
Financial activities 165 210 440 170 0 0 45 0 0 0 1030
Property development, renting, business & research activities 395 3840 1640 390 15 15 45 5 25 15 6395
Public administration & defence; social security 170 1435 575 310 5 35 15 5 5 5 2555
Education 65 20070 320 230 0 180 5 5 10 5 20895
Health & social work 150 1350 1390 205 5 130 15 0 10 0 3250
Other community, social & personal service activities 120 360 1020 170 15 65 35 5 25 0 1825
Private households with employed persons 0 10 0 0 5 5 0 0 0 0 20
International organisations & bodies 10 25 35 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 80
Not known 5 15 10 5 0 0 0 0 0 5 40
First degree 10485 36900 42315 17340 1295 6675 12705 610 5615 170 134110
Agriculture & forestry 140 30 45 25 115 55 10 10 75 0 500
Fishing 0 0 5 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 15
Mining & quarrying 55 365 100 55 5 5 5 5 0 0 600
Manufacturing 845 2205 3850 1020 220 15 330 160 195 15 8855
Electricity, gas & water supply 85 225 210 175 5 0 195 0 5 0 905
Construction 330 1135 375 280 160 0 20 25 165 5 2500
Wholesale & retail trade; repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles & personal & household goods 2320 1300 1950 1105 150 40 8535 95 565 10 16065
Hotels & restaurants 1160 35 320 395 220 65 165 25 2950 5 5340
Transport, storage & communication 450 425 805 585 25 490 610 135 315 5 3845
Financial activities 1115 1040 3115 2830 0 10 1145 5 25 20 9290
Property development, renting, business & research activities 1745 9145 10350 4045 145 160 875 75 290 30 26855
Public administration & defence; social security 600 2060 2360 2365 15 410 125 5 90 15 8040
Education 235 9365 1990 1170 25 2635 50 15 90 5 15570
Health & social work 470 8515 10940 1925 20 2065 135 25 90 15 24200
Other community, social & personal service activities 915 950 5785 1275 170 635 490 35 735 10 11005
Private households with employed persons 0 15 10 10 10 85 0 0 10 0 140
International organisations & bodies 5 40 35 25 0 0 0 0 0 0 110
Not known 25 50 75 55 0 10 15 0 15 40 280
Other undergraduate 695 805 9980 780 260 1095 1280 65 615 10 15580
Agriculture & forestry 20 5 10 5 50 20 0 0 20 0 135
Fishing 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Mining & quarrying 5 10 10 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 30
Manufacturing 30 45 125 40 30 5 20 15 15 0 320
Electricity, gas & water supply 5 5 5 10 5 0 15 0 0 0 50
Construction 20 40 20 15 25 0 5 5 15 0 145
Wholesale & retail trade; repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles & personal & household goods 165 10 100 60 35 10 975 15 75 0 1440
Hotels & restaurants 120 0 20 30 40 5 15 0 320 0 550
Transport, storage & communication 15 50 40 35 10 35 65 15 30 0 290
Financial activities 15 10 75 135 0 0 65 0 0 0 305
Property development, renting, business & research activities 60 130 275 120 25 15 50 5 35 0 715
Public administration & defence; social security 35 90 465 110 5 55 5 0 10 0 780
Education 40 220 120 45 0 305 5 0 20 0 755
Health & social work 100 150 8365 110 5 515 10 0 10 0 9270
Other community, social & personal service activities 60 35 345 55 25 115 50 0 60 0 745
Private households with employed persons 0 0 0 0 0 20 0 0 0 0 25
International organisations & bodies 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Not known 0 0 5 5 0 0 0 0 0 5 15
Total - All students 12795 65985 58650 19860 1665 8230 14540 715 6490 230 189155
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 Classification 2006/07
  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 6225 14550 6705 920 80 295 125 45 80 35 29055
Agriculture & forestry 15 5 5 5 10 0 0 0 0 0 40
Fishing 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Mining & quarrying 50 40 25 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 120
Manufacturing 710 385 320 25 15 0 5 5 0 5 1480
Electricity, gas & water supply 90 65 30 5 0 0 0 5 0 0 195
Construction 145 130 50 10 10 0 0 0 0 0 345
Wholesale & retail trade; repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles & personal & household goods 260 125 115 20 5 0 70 5 5 0 600
Hotels & restaurants 65 0 10 5 5 0 5 0 20 0 115
Transport, storage & communication 230 100 120 15 5 15 5 15 5 0 505
Financial activities 385 160 205 60 0 0 15 0 5 5 830
Property development, renting, business & research activities 900 1550 735 105 10 10 10 5 15 0 3335
Public administration & defence; social security 1210 1420 1060 260 5 30 5 5 10 5 4010
Education 415 7475 525 180 5 110 5 0 5 0 8720
Health & social work 1505 2765 3000 150 0 95 10 0 5 5 7540
Other community, social & personal service activities 225 310 485 70 5 30 5 5 10 0 1140
Private households with employed persons 0 5 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 10
International organisations & bodies 10 10 10 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 30
Not known 10 5 10 5 0 0 0 0 0 5 30
First degree 2335 4800 6715 1395 190 840 540 100 235 15 17160
Agriculture & forestry 15 10 5 5 15 5 0 0 5 0 65
Fishing 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Mining & quarrying 20 30 15 5 0 0 0 5 0 0 75
Manufacturing 270 465 280 70 50 5 20 25 10 0 1185
Electricity, gas & water supply 30 50 25 20 5 0 15 5 0 0 150
Construction 135 365 65 30 20 0 0 5 5 0 625
Wholesale & retail trade; repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles & personal & household goods 175 55 85 50 10 0 325 10 25 0 745
Hotels & restaurants 70 5 10 20 20 5 10 0 70 0 205
Transport, storage & communication 95 110 80 45 10 35 35 30 35 0 475
Financial activities 145 90 160 170 0 0 50 0 0 0 615
Property development, renting, business & research activities 315 750 590 205 20 10 45 5 25 0 1970
Public administration & defence; social security 365 710 675 310 15 80 15 5 25 0 2200
Education 140 1355 335 165 5 470 0 5 5 0 2490
Health & social work 460 710 4125 205 5 185 15 5 5 5 5720
Other community, social & personal service activities 95 90 245 85 10 35 5 0 20 0 590
Private households with employed persons 0 0 5 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 15
International organisations & bodies 5 0 5 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 15
Not known 5 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 20
Other undergraduate 1225 2585 3005 545 255 990 210 65 105 5 8995
Agriculture & forestry 15 0 5 0 20 0 0 0 5 0 55
Fishing 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Mining & quarrying 0 10 5 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 25
Manufacturing 120 325 175 30 90 0 5 20 10 0 775
Electricity, gas & water supply 10 50 20 5 15 0 5 0 0 0 105
Construction 125 280 110 15 30 0 5 15 10 0 585
Wholesale & retail trade; repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles & personal & household goods 75 20 50 15 15 0 125 0 10 0 310
Hotels & restaurants 35 0 5 10 10 0 5 0 30 0 95
Transport, storage & communication 45 40 35 25 10 10 15 15 5 0 200
Financial activities 45 10 40 25 0 0 20 0 0 0 145
Property development, renting, business & research activities 145 250 295 55 20 5 10 5 10 0 790
Public administration & defence; social security 205 265 520 150 20 100 10 5 5 0 1280
Education 105 820 275 80 5 660 0 0 5 0 1950
Health & social work 240 465 1375 105 5 195 5 0 5 0 2405
Other community, social & personal service activities 60 40 85 25 10 20 5 0 10 0 255
Private households with employed persons 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5
International organisations & bodies 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5
Not known 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 15
Total - All students 9785 21930 16420 2860 525 2125 880 215 420 55 55210
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 2006/07
  Of those working (incl. work & further study)
    Full-time paid work      
      Location   Duration      
  Total Total in full-time paid work Within the UK Within other EU countries Outside the EU Unknown location of employment   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 189155 154660 150250 1765 2420 225   108375 22810 23470 25685 6060 2755
Doctorate degree 3505 3120 2790 100 220 5   2520 280 320 255 100 35
Female 1670 1435 1320 40 80 0   1170 135 130 165 55 15
Male 1830 1685 1475 65 140 5   1350 145 190 90 45 15
Other PG degree 17320 14020 13395 230 375 20   9975 1815 2230 1850 1120 335
Female 9745 7855 7560 115 170 5   5590 1110 1155 1125 570 195
Male 7575 6165 5835 115 205 10   4385 705 1075 725 545 135
PGCE 18640 17135 16995 65 65 5   12335 2135 2660 1335 145 25
Female 13515 12370 12275 50 40 5   8855 1620 1895 1035 90 20
Male 5125 4765 4720 15 25 5   3485 515 765 300 55 5
First degree 134110 108750 105580 1310 1680 180   74690 17735 16320 18780 4325 2260
Female 78090 62865 61215 750 815 90   42785 10940 9140 11830 1915 1475
Male 56020 45885 44365 560 870 90   31910 6795 7180 6945 2405 785
Other undergraduate 15580 11635 11485 60 80 15   8855 845 1940 3470 375 100
Female 11325 8725 8665 25 35 5   6765 570 1390 2370 175 55
Male 4255 2910 2820 35 45 10   2090 275 550 1100 200 45
Part-time 55210 44920 44130 225 375 190   37445 1575 5900 7500 2320 475
Doctorate degree 1275 1020 975 15 30 0   860 40 115 170 80 5
Female 600 445 430 5 15 0   375 20 50 120 35 0
Male 675 575 545 10 15 0   485 20 65 50 45 5
Other PG degree 25605 21530 21145 130 230 30   17960 595 2975 2585 1300 185
Female 15675 12700 12540 55 95 10   10525 365 1810 2125 715 135
Male 9925 8830 8600 75 130 20   7435 230 1165 460 585 50
PGCE 2180 1585 1570 5 5 5   1295 150 140 520 65 5
Female 1555 1065 1055 5 0 5   845 120 100 435 45 5
Male 625 515 515 0 0 0   450 30 35 85 25 0
First degree 17160 13715 13435 60 90 130   11360 615 1740 2645 605 195
Female 10685 8085 7965 25 40 55   6620 380 1080 2160 305 135
Male 6480 5630 5470 35 50 75   4740 235 660 485 300 60
Other undergraduate 8995 7075 7005 15 25 30   5970 180 930 1575 265 85
Female 5440 3880 3845 10 5 20   3275 95 505 1355 145 60
Male 3555 3195 3160 10 20 10   2690 80 425 215 120 25
Total 244365 199575 194375 1995 2790 415   145820 24390 29365 33185 8380 3230
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 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 81.6% 14.5% 2.5% 1.5% 114345
Full-time male 82.1% 12.2% 4.3% 1.3% 74810
Part-time female 77.1% 18.3% 3.7% 1.0% 33950
Part-time male 88.2% 6.1% 5.1% 0.7% 21260

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 three times more likely than males to be working part-time.

Of full-time qualifiers who were in full-time paid work, 1.1% were working in other EU countries, and 1.6% outside the EU. For part-time qualifiers the figures were 0.5% and 0.8% respectively. Of all doctorate-level qualifiers who were in full-time paid work, 2.8% were working in other EU countries, and 6.0% 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 2006/07
  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 5650 14700 11040 9545 3505 9265 2960 2895 59560
Doctorate degree 80 30 95 20 15 60 25 305 640
Female 30 15 55 10 10 30 15 120 290
Male 50 15 40 10 5 30 10 185 350
Other PG degree 2080 575 475 75 225 835 205 310 4785
Female 1020 305 265 40 145 410 125 190 2505
Male 1060 270 210 35 80 425 85 120 2280
PGCE 45 515 95 15 135 55 105 95 1065
Female 30 365 65 10 100 45 85 70 775
Male 15 150 25 5 35 10 20 25 290
First degree 3400 13335 10210 1995 2435 8120 2275 1955 43725
Female 1425 6825 7305 1150 1580 4420 1435 1175 25325
Male 1975 6505 2905 850 855 3695 835 780 18400
Other undergraduate 40 245 165 7435 690 200 350 225 9345
Female 25 110 110 3945 420 125 240 165 5140
Male 15 135 55 3490 265 70 110 60 4210
Part-time 950 3040 1700 3230 1660 1250 1150 1170 14155
Doctorate degree 35 5 25 0 15 15 10 150 260
Female 15 5 10 0 10 10 5 70 130
Male 20 0 10 0 5 5 5 75 130
Other PG degree 745 1705 685 125 475 465 365 535 5100
Female 400 1010 475 65 330 285 260 325 3155
Male 345 695 205 60 145 180 105 210 1945
PGCE 25 90 25 10 70 25 45 40 330
Female 10 65 20 5 50 15 35 25 225
Male 10 25 5 5 20 10 10 15 105
First degree 125 1040 825 380 495 555 465 335 4225
Female 65 585 615 210 360 320 345 235 2735
Male 60 455 210 175 135 235 125 105 1490
Other undergraduate 15 205 145 2715 600 195 260 110 4240
Female 15 110 100 1630 355 120 155 70 2560
Male 5 90 40 1080 245 70 105 40 1680
Total 6595 17745 12740 12780 5165 10515 4110 4065 73715
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, 23.9% proceeded to further study. 9.2% of that total, 38.3% of those who proceeded, moved on to study for a higher degree. The corresponding part-time percentages were 20.7%, 5.7%, and 27.5%.

Of the total number of qualifiers from full-time other undergraduate programmes, 39.9% proceeded to further study. 31.7% of that total, 79.6% of those who proceeded, moved on to first degree studies. The corresponding part-time percentages were 39.5%, 25.3%, and 64.0%.

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 2006/07
    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 20935 18820 16655 1025 245 885   9045 9045 400 330 895 1220
Female 15985 14355 12750 750 175 670   7900 5955 290 210 730 905
24 years & under 8730 7850 6975 380 100 390   4600 3015 150 85 385 495
25 years & over 7255 6505 5775 370 75 280   3300 2940 140 125 345 405
Male 4950 4465 3905 275 65 215   1145 3090 110 120 165 315
24 years & under 2035 1840 1625 105 25 80   480 1275 45 40 70 130
25 years & over 2910 2625 2280 170 40 135   665 1815 70 80 100 185
Wales 1475 1265 1135 50 20 60   620 585 30 35 110 100
Female 1105 955 850 35 20 50   535 380 20 20 90 65
24 years & under 760 645 575 25 15 35   375 245 20 10 60 50
25 years & over 350 305 270 10 5 20   160 135 5 10 25 15
Male 370 315 285 15 5 10   85 205 5 15 25 35
24 years & under 180 155 140 5 0 5   45 105 0 5 10 15
25 years & over 190 155 145 5 0 5   40 100 5 10 15 20
Scotland 3085 2975 2925 30 10 10   1555 1405 10 5 15 90
Female 2390 2305 2275 20 5 5   1400 900 10 0 10 70
24 years & under 1160 1125 1110 10 0 0   680 440 5 0 5 30
25 years & over 1230 1180 1165 10 5 5   720 460 5 0 10 40
Male 695 670 650 10 5 5   155 510 0 5 5 20
24 years & under 260 250 235 5 5 5   55 195 0 0 5 10
25 years & over 430 420 415 5 0 0   100 315 0 5 0 10
Northern Ireland 670 565 150 15 5 35   250 285 20 10 45 65
Female 545 460 115 5 0 30   225 210 15 10 40 45
24 years & under 415 350 75 5 0 25   190 140 15 5 30 35
25 years & over 130 110 40 0 0 5   35 70 5 5 10 10
Male 125 105 35 10 0 5   30 70 5 0 5 20
24 years & under 90 75 20 5 0 5   25 50 5 0 5 10
25 years & over 40 30 15 0 0 0   5 25 0 0 0 10
Total 26165 23620 20865 1115 275 995   11470 11320 460 375 1070 1475
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) 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.
# see relevant footnote in Notes to tables.

Across the UK, 90.3% of those respondents achieving Qualified Teacher Status were employed as teachers, and a further 4.1% were seeking a teaching post. Of those known to be in a teaching post, 88.3% were teaching solely in the maintained (state) sector. The percentage teaching only at the primary level was 48.6%, at the secondary level or both levels 49.9%, 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 2006/07
  Employer sponsorship    
  Tuition fees paid Grant to cover tuition fees & living expenses Study leave Supported in other ways No employer support Total(1)
Postgraduate 5280 180 3280 2755 2000 10380
Female 3275 90 2165 1735 1275 6595
Male 2005 90 1115 1015 725 3785
First degree 2045 65 1465 1280 1925 5440
Female 1320 30 1020 870 1245 3640
Male 725 35 440 410 680 1795
Other undergraduate 1245 40   730 400 2380
Female 855 25 535 555 295 1715
Male 390 15 175 175 110 665
Total 8570 285 5455 4765 4325 18195
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 2006/07
  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 45 630 10840 18220 15565 5370 2145 655 455 51650 105580 £19,000
Female 30 440 7080 11475 8970 2475 1010 220 125 29385 61215 £18,000
Male 15 190 3760 6740 6595 2900 1135 435 330 22265 44365 £20,000
Part-time 5 35 485 1210 1705 1490 1135 510 675 6180 13435 £25,000
Female 5 30 305 800 1175 915 610 220 190 3710 7965 £24,000
Male 0 5 180 405 530 575 525 290 485 2470 5470 £27,000
Female total 35 470 7385 12280 10145 3390 1625 445 315 33095 69180 £19,000
Male total 15 195 3940 7150 7125 3475 1655 725 815 24735 49835 £20,000
Total 50 665 11325 19430 17275 6865 3280 1165 1130 57830 119015 £19,000
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 2006/07

The median salary for female qualifiers from full-time programmes was somewhat below that for males and 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. Reports on that survey are available on the HESA website www.hesa.ac.uk under the ‘DLHE longitudinal survey’ tab. A sample from the 2004/05 cohort will be surveyed in early 2009, and an alternate-year pattern is likely to be followed thereafter.

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.