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University of York graduates among the most employable, latest figures reveal

Posted on 2 December 2016

The University of York has the highest proportion of graduates in work or further study three years after graduating in the influential Russell Group of leading UK universities, latest figures reveal.

Overall, York has the joint fourth highest rate in England with 84.6% of 2008/09 graduates in further study and/or sustained employment during the three years following graduation. 

York is one of only two institutions, along with Loughborough, where men and women fared equally well on this measure, both achieving identical scores.

The University is also the highest among universities in Yorkshire and the North East.

The figures were released today by the Department for Education and for the first time combine graduate data with HMRC tax returns separated by university.

Tom Banham, Director of Employability and Careers at York, said: “These are extremely positive figures and reflect the hard work of staff and students.

“Universities must ensure their graduates are properly equipped for the world of work or further study and these figures demonstrate that York is clearly succeeding in that area.

“Over the years York has launched a number of projects and initiatives to support the employability of our students, and I'm delighted to see that our graduates are now benefiting from that.”

Employment initiatives include:

• The York Award qualification which is earned in addition to a student's degree and includes language and information literacy skills, volunteering and personal development schemes
• Emphasis on international experiences with access to mobility programmes, international internships and the development of International Study Centres
• A focus on volunteering with students encouraged to contribute to the local community and schools 
• First university to launch a crowdfunding platform to enable students to gain valuable skills in developing business and marketing plans and help them fundraise to achieve their goals 
• Problem based learning modules in our law school and medical school which makes our graduates better prepared for employment

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