Student Employability Index 2014 Part Two
Aaron Porter
NCUB is supported by the following:
03
Executive Summary Our research presents a striking picture from students about the extent to which students rate their chances of gaining work once they graduate and the factors that will affect their decision making, and how this varies by gender, institution and discipline studied.
The survey results present a striking picture of student
the choice of job after graduation. Men (42%) place far
expectations of their employment prospects on graduation.
more emphasis on earnings than women (32%), and
While students seem to have fairly realistic estimates
engineering (75%) students also place more importance
of their likely salaries after graduation they massively
on earnings that students of other subjects (average
overestimate the skill-level of the jobs they will get on
58%). This could have implications for the debate around
graduation. 79% of the students in the survey said
how to encourage women into Manufacturing, Technology,
they expected to be in a graduate level job within six
Engineering and Computing (MTEC) careers.
months while government figures suggest just 53% will be in such jobs within five years.
There is a clear gender divide in those intending to go into MTEC courses after graduation, heavily weighted towards
It appears students of some subjects might be more
men. While this is fairly common knowledge it is still a stark
realistic than others – mainly those studying humanities –
finding when seen in comparison to other careers which
perhaps because of media narrative around those subjects
are broadly even except in ‘caring’ professions – health,
and their lack of real world application. While 62% of the
education, and charity.
students said job prospects were an important factor in their choice of institution only 6% used information about
Finally, students from certain regions demonstrate a
employer needs before choosing suggesting a potential gap
significant difference in their emphasis on job prospects in
in understanding reflected in later destinations.
their choices. Welsh students (71%) are much more likely than others to value job prospects in decisions on where to
There is an interesting difference between male and female
study and in which sector to look for employment (average
students’ emphasis on earning potential especially when
62%). Those from the North East (53%) are less concerned
compared to the perceived importance of job prospects
about job prospects than others. Any potential reasons for
both in terms of choosing an institution to study at and
this could prove to be of interest in those regions.
04
Introduction This is the second of two reports which share the key findings from the survey. Part two primarily focuses on the factors that shaped student choice of institution and course, and the extent to which employability influenced this choice. It also covers student views of sectors for future employment. We were delighted to work on this research with Compass Group UK & Ireland. Compass Group UK & Ireland is part of Compass Group PLC, a world-leading food and support services provider. Across the UK & Ireland, Compass employs more than 60,000 people across approximately 10,000 sites including workplaces, famous sports and leisure venues, schools, hospitals, oil rigs and remote locations with much more in between. Both Compass and NCUB, believe this research provides fantastic insight into the importance student place on employability and hope that this new information will support continuous enhancements in the higher education, as well as how business can engage and add value.
The survey sought student views in 4 main areas:
Student views on the quality of careers and employability support during
their time as a student - Part 1.
Feedback on part-time work, work experience and internships and the extent to
which it has aided personal and professional development - Part 1.
The extent to which employability and destinations shaped
choice of subject and institution.
Student views on sectors for future employment.
05
In its first year, the Student Employability Index has surveyed over 4000 students. (200 from 20 English universities - 100 first year undergraduate students, 100 other year undergraduate students).
The students in the sample were recruited by research agency YouthSight, the students in our sample opted to participate in the research.
The 20 universities selected to participate in this were as follows:
06
Background Research to understand student views in 4 primary areas:
01
Quality, usage and value of careers and
02
employability support
Feedback on part-time work, work experience and internships (part 1)
(part 1)
03
Extent to which employability shaped subject choice and institution
04
Views on sectors for future employment
07
Which of these best describes the main subject area, course or speciality you are studying?
TABLE 1
Combined Education Creative Arts & Design History & Philosophy Languages Mass Communications & Documentation Business & Administration Law Social Studies Architecture, Building & Planning Engineering & Technology Maths & Computer Sciences Physical Sciences Veterinary Science & Related Subjects Biological Sciences Subjects Allied to Medicine Medicine & Dentistry 0
50
100
150
200
250 students
300
350
400
450
500
Factors including employability that influence student choice of course and institution
09
Which of these sources did you use to find out information about the courses and universities you were considering applying to before deciding on your firm choice of university? 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
Prospectus
70%
Open days attended
64%
League tables
57%
Friends
37%
Teachers
37%
Family
33%
Talking to students or ex students
33%
Complete University Guide
30%
The Student Room
29%
Education Fairs
26%
Direct conact with university
26%
Careers adviser
18%
Visits from university rep to your school/college
13%
13%
Talking to oďŹƒcial student ambassadors
9%
Which? University
9%
Employer needs/ recommendation Twitter
80
6% 3%
90
100
10
Which of the following factors were important to you in choosing your institution?
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
85%
Quality of the course Overall reputation of the University
74% 67%
Desirable location Job prospetcs after graduation
62%
Earning potential after graduation
36%
Cost of living
35% 25%
Nightlife Contact hours
100
19%
64%
61%
42%
32%
11
Students who stated that job prospects were important in choosing your institution? (By discipline) 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
Engineering & Technology
76%
Law
69%
Business Studies
69%
Mathematics & Computing
68%
Biological Sciences
66%
Mass Communications
66%
Architecture
63%
Subjects allied to Medicine
61%
Physical Sciences
61%
Social Studies
60%
Education
60%
Creative Arts
58%
Combined Veterinary Science & Agriculture History & Philosophical Studies Languages Medicine & Dentistry OVERALL
80
56% 50% 47% 44% 43% 62%
90
100
12
Students who stated that job prospects were important in choosing your institution? (By home region)
65%
EU
64%
Non-EU
65%
OVERALL
62%
Scotland
53% North East
65% Northern Ireland
62%
Yorkshire & Humberside
59% North West
62% East Midlands
62% West Midlands
59% East
Wales
71%
London
61%
South East
64%
South West
63%
13
Students who stated that job prospects were important in choosing your institution? (By institution) 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
81%
A 57%
B
69%
C 64%
D 57%
E
54%
F G
52% 63%
H
64%
I J
61%
K
61% 71%
L
67%
M
63%
N
68%
O P
48% 64%
Q
60%
R
58%
S T
90
50%
Letters A-T represent each of the 20 universities participating in our study. We have not published the university breakdown, but the individual universities have privately received their results.
100
14
How important was examining graduate earnings in choosing your course or institution?
0
Essential
10
20
13%
17%
24%
Indierent
Not at all important
40
50
11%
8%
48%
20%
9%
6%
60
70
10%
45%
Somewhat important
Not very important
30
12%
9%
26%
42%
80
90
100
15
How important was examining graduate earnings in choosing your course or institution? (Essential or somewhat important) by discipline 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
Business Studies
77%
Engineering & Technology
75%
Architecture
74%
Mathematics & Computing
69%
Law
68%
Mass Communications
59%
Biological Sciences
57%
Physical Sciences
56%
Social Studies
55%
Subjects allied to Medicine
54%
Combined
53%
Education
48%
Creative Arts
47% 40%
Languages History & Philosophical Studies
39% 32%
Medicine & Dentistry Veterinary Science & Agriculture OVERALL
27% 58%
90
100
16
How important was examining graduate earnings in choosing your course or institution? (Essential or somewhat important) by institution 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
67%
A B
63%
C
63% 62%
D 53%
E F G
58% 46% 53%
H
58%
I
64%
J K
57% 62%
L
71%
M 63%
N O P
46% 52% 56%
Q R S T OVERALL
80
51% 55% 53% 58%
Letters A-T represent each of the 20 universities participating in our study. We have not published the university breakdown, but the individual universities have privately received their results.
90
100
17
How important was examining employment destinations in choosing your course or institution? 0
10
20
30
40
50
20%
Essential
44%
Somewhat important 22%
Indierent Not very important
9%
Not at all important
6%
How important was examining employment destinations in choosing your course or institution? (Essential or somewhat important) by discipline 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
Engineering & Technology
79%
Business Studies
75%
Law
72%
Mathematics & Computing
69%
Architecture
68%
Social Studies
64%
Biological Sciences
63%
Subjects allied to Medicine
63%
Physical Sciences
61%
Creative Arts
60%
Combined
59%
Mass Communications
53%
Education Medicine & Dentistry Veterinary Science & Agriculture Languages History & Philosophical Studies OVERALL
90
53% 48% 47% 46% 44% 64%
100
18
How important was examining employment destinations in choosing your course or institution? (Essential or somewhat important) by home region
59%
EU
69%
Non-EU
74%
OVERALL
64%
Scotland
61% North East
57% Northern Ireland
64%
Yorkshire & Humberside
57% North West
63% East Midlands
63% West Midlands
64% East
64%
Wales
72%
London South East
58%
South West
62%
19
How important was examining employment destinations in choosing your course or institution? (Essential or somewhat important) by institution 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
72%
A
70%
B
74%
C 69%
D E
55%
F G
62% 56% 63%
H
59%
I
68%
J K
70% 60%
L
72%
M 66%
N O
54%
P
62% 60%
Q R
56% 63%
S T OVERALL
55% 64%
Letters A-T represent each of the 20 universities participating in our study. We have not published the university breakdown, but the individual universities have privately received their results.
90
100
Destinations and student views of sectors for employment
21
Do you expect to be in graduate level employment, 6 months after graduating?
How many graduates from your university do you think are in employment or further education within 6 months of graduating?
YES
7%
11%
79%
14%
23%
NO
18%
21%
26%
Less than 50%
70-79%
50-59%
80-89%
60-69%
90% or more
83%
77%
17%
23%
22
Students who expect to be in graduate level employment, 6 months after graduating? (By discipline) 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
97%
Medicine & Dentistry Engineering & Technology
93%
Subjects allied to Medicine
91%
Business Studies
89%
Architecture
87%
Mathematics & Computing
87%
Education
84%
Physical Sciences
79%
Veterinary Science & Agriculture
79%
Mass Communications
75%
Combined
73%
Social Studies
73%
Creative Arts
71%
Biological Sciences
70% 69%
Languages Law History & Philosophical Studies OVERALL
67% 56% 79%
23
Students who expect to be in graduate level employment, 6 months after graduating? (By institution) 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
87%
A 79%
B
90%
C 84%
D
83%
E F G
71% 62% 78%
H
79%
I
80%
J K
87%
L
82%
M
82%
N
84%
O
84%
P
78%
Q
78% 75%
R
76%
S T
100
71%
OVERALL
Letters A-T represent each of the 20 universities participating in our study. We have not published the university breakdown, but the individual universities have privately received their results.
79%
24
What would be your expected salary level, 6 months after graduating?
0
10
20
40
7%
£0 - £9,999
10%
£10,000 - £14,999
24%
£15,000 - £19,999
36%
£20,000 - £24,999
16%
£25,000 - £29,999
5%
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 or more
30
1%
50
25
Which of these best describes the main subject area, course or speciality you are studying?
0
5
10
15
Social Studies
12% 11%
461
Biological Sciences
11%
433
8%
322
Mathematics & Computing
8%
331
Subjects allied to Medicine
8%
303
Business Studies
8%
305
Creative Arts
6%
256
Medicine & Dentistry
6%
238
Languages
5%
201
Law
5%
187
History & Philosophical Studies
5%
183
Combined
111
3%
Education
77
2%
Architecture
1%
42
Mass Communications
1%
50
Veterinary Science & Agriculture
1%
44
25
471
Engineering & Technology
Physical Sciences
20
TOTAL SUDENTS 4015
26
Which sector of employment are you thinking of working in after you graduate? 0
10
20
30
23%
Health sector (inc medicine, pharma and veterinary) Education
17%
40
50
16%
28%
13%
20%
Engineering
13%
26%
6%
Finance/banking
13%
18%
9%
Marketing (inc market research, advertising & PR)
12%
10%
14%
Media/broadcasting/publishing
12%
9%
14%
8%
11%
7%
10%
Art/design/fashion/performing arts/drama/music
10%
Civil service/local government
9%
IT/Telecommunications
8%
17%
3%
Social service/welfare
8%
3%
11%
Accountancy
8%
11%
7%
Charity/voluntary
8%
4%
10%
Law
8%
6%
9%
Retail/distribution
6%
5%
6%
Transport/travel/tourism/leisure
6%
6%
5%
5%
5%
8%
2%
4%
2%
Police/armed forces/prison service Manufacturing Building and construction
5% 4% 3%
Surveying/planning/real estate
2%
2%
2%
Agriculture/forestry and ďŹ shing
2%
2%
2%
Have not yet decided
10%
9%
10%
Other
10%
9%
10%
27
Which sector are you thinking of working in after you graduate by discipline? (Top answer only, and %)
95%
87%
36%
83%
36%
Medicine & Dentistry
Engineering & Technology
Social Studies
Mass communications
History & Philosophical Studies
90% Subjects allied to Medicine
75%
79% Architecture
Creative Arts
53%
33%
44%
Biological sciences
Mathematics & Computing
Business Studies
45%
89%
Languages
Education
Health Sector / Medicine / Pharmaceutical / Veterinary
53% Veterinary Science & Agriculture
19% Physical Sciences
19%
18%
90%
Combined
Law
18%
Social Services / Welfare
Education
Art / Design / Fashion Performing Arts / Drama / Music
Engineering
Law
Building & Construction
Marketing / Market Research, Advertising & PR
Finance & Banking
Media / Broadcasting / Publishing
28
Which sector of employment are you thinking of working in after you graduate? (%) UNIVERSITY
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
SECTOR Health Sector
23
23
34
11
33
27
15
18
22
28
18
20
19
18
30
23
29
34
24
26
11
Education
17
17
14
12
11
17
25
19
18
19
19
13
14
15
16
23
9
17
18
20
25
Engineering
13
24
11
39
12
16
3
7
6
20
10
18
6
23
15
17
7
12
11
8
5
Finance/ Banking
13
22
15
14
9
14
7
14
3
17
8
10
9
13
20
16
3
18
13
17
12
Marketing / Market Research / Advertising
12
10
10
15
10
10
16
15
14
15
13
10
19
15
13
7
9
10
10
15
14
Media / Broadcasting
12
6
6
6
7
12
16
21
14
11
9
10
21
7
16
14
11
10
12
14
24
Art / Design / Fashion
10
3
11
9
9
7
17
15
10
7
15
7
16
12
6
8
8
4
10
6
14
Civil Service / Local Govt
9
8
3
7
6
8
4
16
8
12
7
12
4
6
15
17
6
10
12
9
12
IT
8
9
7
8
7
7
8
8
10
9
9
8
12
13
8
8
16
4
5
6
7
Social services / Welfare
8
11
3
6
13
7
9
10
15
8
9
6
6
12
7
6
12
3
5
9
10
Accountancy
8
13
10
10
6
9
4
6
4
8
5
7
7
11
9
5
4
10
11
15
9
Charity / Voluntary
8
7
2
5
5
8
5
16
8
8
4
7
6
7
7
18
6
5
10
12
12
Law
8
5
3
4
7
6
8
12
10
9
13
3
6
8
7
10
7
6
6
11
12
Retail / Distribution
6
5
8
6
3
2
8
9
7
7
7
4
9
5
7
1
4
6
6
4
8
Transport / Travel / Leisure
6
5
5
8
7
2
9
5
7
6
7
6
9
5
5
4
1
4
6
5
6
Police / Armed Forces
5
2
5
6
8
2
7
5
13
3
9
3
7
3
1
1
16
1
2
4
10
Manufacturing
4
7
2
9
3
3
2
3
3
5
7
3
4
6
5
5
1
4
4
3
1
Building & Construction
3
5
1
3
5
1
4
2
3
2
6
2
1
3
4
2
-
1
-
2
2
Surveying / planning / Real Estate
2
-
1
1
4
1
2
3
1
2
3
2
2
2
7
-
1
1
1
2
2
Agriculture
2
2
2
1
2
1
1
1
3
1
-
4
2
1
1
3
-
1
3
4
1
Have not yet decided
10
8
3
7
7
14
5
13
8
8
7
19
8
7
11
13
5
9
16
12
14
Other
10
10
5
8
8
13
11
8
8
10
6
7
11
7
12
19
8
13
9
9
8
Average %
29
How important do you feel work experience or internships are in aiding progression to your preferred sector for future employment?
0
10
20
30
40
Essential
31%
Indierent
Not at all important
60
70
62%
Somewhat important
Not very important
50
5%
2%
-%
80
90
100
30
How important do you feel work experience or internships are in aiding progression to your preferred sector for future employment? (Essential or somewhat important, by discipline) 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Architecture
100%
Education
100%
Mass Communications
98%
Veterinary Science & Agriculture
98%
Business Studies
97%
Law
97%
Subjects allied to Medicine
96%
Engineering & Technology
96%
Creative Arts
94%
Mathematics & Computing
94%
Biological Sciences
93%
Combined
93%
Physical Sciences
92%
Social Studies
92% 89%
Languages History & Philosophical Studies Medicine & Dentistry OVERALL
82% 78% 93%
31
Please rate the following careers in terms of desirability (Desirable or very desirable)? 0
10
20
30
40
38%
Health sector (inc medicine, pharma and veterinary) Education
37%
Media/broadcasting/publishing
31%
Finance/banking
27%
Engineering
26%
50
60
70
16%
28%
13%
20%
9%
14%
18%
9%
26%
6%
Charity/voluntary
25%
4%
10%
Marketing (inc market research, advertising & PR)
25%
10%
14%
6%
9%
8%
11%
7%
10%
17%
3%
Law
24%
Art/design/fashion/performing arts/drama/music
23%
Civil service/local government
22%
IT/Telecommunications
21%
Police/armed forces/prison service
19%
5%
5%
Accountancy
19%
11%
7%
6%
5%
3%
11%
Transport/travel/tourism/leisure
18%
Social service/welfare
17%
Retail/distribution
14%
5%
6%
Manufacturing
14%
8%
2%
Building and construction
11%
4%
2%
Surveying/planning/real estate
11%
2%
2%
2%
2%
Agriculture/forestry and ďŹ shing
7%
32
When it comes to applying for a job with an employer, which of these factors are important do you? (%)
Earning Potential
Job Satisfaction
Area of interest/ passion
Flexible working
Relates to my area of study
Well managed graduate programme
Ability to travel
Clear route for career progression
Not at all important
1
-
-
3
3
3
9
1
Not very important
4
1
1
14
6
9
16
4
Indifferent
18
7
7
34
18
28
31
17
Important
40
29
26
32
32
36
25
41
Very important
36
62
65
16
40
22
18
37
Don’t know
1
1
1
1
1
3
1
1
33
When it comes to applying for a job with an employer, earning potential is important or very important (by institution) 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
84%
A B
83%
C
83% 81%
D
79%
E F
78%
G
78%
H
77%
I
77%
J
77%
K
77%
L
76%
M
76%
N
75%
O
75%
P
74% 72%
Q
71%
R
70%
S T
62%
OVERALL
Letters A-T represent each of the 20 universities participating in our study. We have not published the university breakdown, but the individual universities have privately received their results.
76%
100
34
When it comes to applying for a job with an employer, the job relates to my area of study by discipline (important or very important)
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Subjects allied to Medicine
92%
Veterinary science & Agriculture
92% 90%
Medicine & Dentistry Education
82%
Creative Arts
82%
Architecture
81%
Mass Communications
80%
Engineering & Technology
77%
Combined
71%
Biological Sciences
71%
Mathematics & Computing
70%
Business Studies
69%
Physical Sciences
67%
Law
67%
Social Studies
60%
Languages
60%
History & Philosophical Studies OVERALL
43% 72%
35
For more information on the National Centre for Universities and Business, do check out our website: www.ncub.co.uk
If you are interested in joining, please feel free to contact our Events and Membership Manager, Stephanie Scott-Davies either on: 020 7383 8193
or
Stephanie.scott-davies@ncub.co.uk
Compass Group UK & Ireland Parkview, 82 Oxford Road, Uxbridge, UB8 1UX +44 (0)1895 554 554
www.compass-group.co.uk
National Centre for Universities and Business Studio 11, Tiger House, Burton Street, London, WC1H 9BY info@ncub.co.uk
+44 (0)207 383 7667
@NCUBtweets
www.ncub.co.uk