[A] national survey shows 97% of all graduates from the University of Cumbria are in employment within six months of graduating, and of those, 82% are in professional level jobs or study.
The figures come from ‘The Destination of Leavers from Higher Education’ (DLHE) survey which collects information recording higher education (HE) students are doing six months after qualification.
The figures show consistent and year on year progression in graduate success and come just a fortnight before the university’s July graduation ceremonies where a thousand students will graduate at Carlisle Cathedral.
Of those who are UK based, full time first degree graduates, 95.4% are in employment or further study, above the national average for higher education institutions (94.6%), and ahead of many universities including Oxford and Cambridge, placing UoC 61st in the UK. 71.4% of these graduates are in professional employment or studying, up from 67.4% last year and 65.6% in 2016.
For part-time first degree graduates, 98.6% were in employment or further study which is above the national average (95.5%) and means the University of Cumbria is the 19th highest nationally.
A number of the university’s academic departments have also achieved year-on-year improvements. Science, Natural Resources and Outdoor Studies achieved a 5% improvement in employment or study and an incredible 13% improvement in professional level employment or study.
Vice Chancellor Professor Julie Mennell said: “I’m delighted with today’s results. Our priority remains that students studying programmes here at the University of Cumbria are equipped with the skills and experience necessary to undertake professional roles with local, national and international employers. We are committed to ensuring our students succeed and continue to work in partnership with local stakeholders to produce graduates with the skills and abilities needed to contribute to business growth and development in our region and beyond.”
These results follow a report published last month by the Institute for Fiscal Studies, which showed that UoC graduates in sports science and education earn more than the average graduate five years after graduation. This continues to illustrate the University of Cumbria’s commitment to enriching the lives of its students and supporting them to take up valuable roles within local and wider communities.