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 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 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 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.
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