National Statistics published today (28 June) by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) show graduates from Scotland’s universities have the highest level of positive destinations, the highest starting salaries and the lowest levels of unemployment in the UK six months after graduation. The figures will make for encouraging reading for graduates at Scotland’s 19 universities, coming as they do in the middle of university graduation season.
The statistics, which are taken six months after graduation, show:
- 90 per cent of graduates from Scotland’s universities are in positive destinations, i.e. work or further study, compared to 87 per cent of graduates from universities in England.
- The mean starting salary for graduates of Scotland’s universities is £21,500 compared to a mean average of £21,000 across the UK.
- Only 7 per cent of graduates from Scotland’s universities were through to be unemployed compared to 10 per cent of graduates from universities in England.
The National Statistics track the destinations of graduates who completed their studies during academic year 2010/11. This year’s results defy the tough labour market conditions facing all young people as a result of the recession.
Alastair Sim, Director, Universities Scotland said:
“Today’s figures are a timely and welcome boost in confidence for those graduating across Scotland this summer. Scotland’s graduates have the best employment prospects and can expect the highest starting salaries anywhere in the UK. Our graduates can be immensely proud of the high regard they are held in by employers.
“Scotland’s universities have employability embedded as a core part of their learning and teaching strategies. We are committed to working with others to ensure that young people are able to seize the opportunities which are out there, even in tough times.”
Notes
- HESA’s destination of leavers from higher education for 2010/11 is a National Statistics Publication.
- You can access the full data set from HESA at this link: www.hesa.ac.uk/content/view/2514.