93% of 2012/13 graduates in work or study three and a half years later
Results of the longitudinal survey of 2012/13 graduate destinations released today.
A sample of graduates who left higher education in 2012/13 were asked what they were doing on 28 November 2016. The full report reveals that:
- 87.5% of UK domiciled graduates were in employment (including work and further study), 5.8% were in further study only and 2.2% were assumed to be unemployed
- Of those UK domiciled graduates in employment, 84.1% were in professional jobs
- The median salary of UK domiciled leavers in full-time paid employment was £27,000 after three and a half years
- 87.5% of graduates reported being satisfied with their career to date
- 65.3% thought their course had been good value for money.
Comparison with six month survey
87.5% of UK domiciled leavers surveyed were in employment (including work and further study) three and a half years after graduation. 5.8% were in further study only and 2.2% were assumed to be unemployed. When the same respondents from the cohort were surveyed six months after graduation, 79.1% were in employment (including work and further study), 10.7% were in further study only and 6.7% were unemployed.
Chart 4 from the report shows the activities of leavers at each survey stage, including the flows between activity types. Overall 73.9% of those who were not working after six months (whether studying, unemployed or other) were in work or work and further study after three and a half years. Meanwhile, 8.9% of those who were in work or work and further study after 6 months were doing something other than work in November 2016.
Chart 4 - Activities of UK domiciled leavers from higher education six months and three and a half years after leaving
Comparison with previous longitudinal surveys
The longitudinal survey has been carried out every two years since 2006. The latest survey shows a small drop in the proportion of UK domiciled leavers in employment compared to 2010/11 leavers, but a similar drop in the proportion who were assumed to be unemployed. A higher proportion of 2012/13 leavers reported that they were not available for employment (e.g. travelling, on parental leave, retired or sick).
Satisfaction with career and course
The survey included qualitative questions about graduates' opinions and levels of satisfaction. 87.5% of UK domiciled leavers said they were satisfied with their career to date. 75.7% thought that the course they had completed in 2012/13 had prepared them well for their career. 65.3% agreed that their course had been good value for money.
Measure of satisfaction
Salary
The median salary of UK domiciled leavers from 2012/13 who were in full-time paid employment in the UK was £27,000 pa after three and a half years.
The median salary of UK domiciled full-time first degree leavers was £25,500 after three and a half years.
Report
The full report, Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Longitudinal Survey 2012/13, published on the HESA website, provides detailed information on the activities of graduates three and a half years after leaving higher education. This year's report includes a breakdown by HE provider for the first time.
Notes for Editors
- Press enquiries should be directed to:
- Simon Kemp
- HESA Press Officer
- 01242 211120
- [email protected]
- 95 Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 1HZ.
- The survey was carried out during winter 2016/17 by IFF Research and commissioned by the following higher education funding bodies:
- Higher Education Funding Council for England
- Scottish Funding Council
- Higher Education Funding Council for Wales
- Department for the Economy (Northern Ireland)
- Research Councils UK
- The survey was completed by 107,340 leavers who gave a valid response and had previously completed the Destinations of Leavers from HE survey six months after graduating. This represents 33.6% of the eligible population of 319,770 leavers who had completed the early survey and hadn't opted out of the longitudinal survey.
- Please see the Destinations of Leavers (Longitudinal) Definitions for explanations of the terms used in this press release and information on the coverage of the DLHE Longitudinal survey.
- HESA cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived from the data by third parties.
About HESA
HESA (the Higher Education Statistics Agency) is the recognised source of data on higher education in the UK. Our experts collect, analyse, and disseminate accurate and comprehensive statistical information on all aspects of UK higher education in order to support the strategic aims of our users and enhance the effectiveness of the sector as a whole. We are a charity and a company limited by guarantee. We operate as an independent organisation, working in close partnership with higher education providers, regulators, funders, government departments, policy makers, and other stakeholders.
