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Higher Education Leavers Statistics: UK, 2016/17 - Outcomes by subject studied

Statistical First Release SFR250

Note: An update to The University of Buckingham’s student data for 2014/15 was processed incorrectly by HESA. This resulted in The University of Buckingham being excluded from the 2014/15 destinations data published in Figures 1, 2, 4 ,7, 8, 9, 11, 14 and 16 of this release. Previous years’ releases, and other years’ data in this release are not affected. The affected tables and charts were updated on 2 August 2018 with corrected data for 2014/15.

How do HE leavers' activities vary by subject studied?

In all academic years 2012/13 through to 2016/17, the activities of leavers varied between subjects. In 2016/17, those who studied law, physical sciences and historical & philosophical studies had the highest percentage of full-time first degree leavers in further study. Compared to this veterinary science, medicine & dentistry and subjects allied to medicine had the least percentage of leavers in further study, but the highest percentage in work.

For full-time first degree leavers, the highest percentages of unemployment were among those who studied computer science, mathematical sciences, mass communications & documentation, and engineering & technology.

Figure 8 - Destinations of leavers by subject area and activity

2012/13 to 2016/17

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Figure 9 shows details of those leavers with a known destination who enter employment in the UK. This includes leavers working full and part-time and those combining work with further study. In 2016/17, of the full-time first degree leavers who were employed in the UK, 74% were in posts classified as professional employment. This has been increasing over a 5 year period from 66% in 2012/13. Sales and customer service occupations accounted for 9% of all full-time first degree leavers in employment, the largest group in the non-professional occupations. The DLHE survey gives an early indication of the occupations into which leavers are entering. These occupations may change over the leavers' careers. Further information on progression is presented as open data detailing results of the Longitudinal DLHE survey which follows up leavers 3 years later.

Figure 9 - Occupation of leavers entering employment in the UK by subject area of degree

2012/13 to 2016/17

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Figure 10 presents the percentage of UK domiciled leavers in UK employment (including leavers working full and part-time and those combining work with further study) in professional occupations by subject area and personal characteristics. In 2016/17, the only subject from which a higher percentage of female leavers entered professional occupations than males was subjects allied to medicine. In relation to ethnicity, there were three subjects from which a higher percentage of BME leavers entered professional occupations than those with a white ethnic background. These were agriculture and related subjects, historical and philosophical studies and veterinary science.

Figure 10 - Percentage of UK domiciled leavers entering employment in the UK in professional occupations by subject area and personal characteristics

2016/17

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Figure 11 shows variations in the industries of leavers entering employment (including leavers entering full and part-time employment and those combining work with further study) by subject of degree. Of those with known Standard Industrial Classification who studied education, 84% were in the education industry. This percentage was lower amongst full-time first degree leavers, at 73%. In contrast, of those who studied agriculture & related subjects, just 13% were in the agriculture, forestry and fishing industry. This percentage was the same amongst full-time first degree leavers.

Figure 11 - Industry of leavers entering employment in the UK by subject area of degree

2012/13 to 2016/17

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National Statistic

Embargo

28 June 2018, 9:30

Coverage

UK

Release frequency

Annual - view all releases (1998/99 onwards)

Pre-release access

View pre-release access list for this release

Themes

Children, education and skills

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Statistician

Rebecca Mantle

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