Bradford undergraduates outperform national average in securing highly-skilled jobs, statistics show

New figures show University of Bradford undergraduates are outperforming the national average when it comes to securing employment in highly-skilled jobs.

The HESA 2020/21 Graduate Outcomes Survey core data for the University shows that 94% of the University of Bradford’s ‘known and available’* UK-domiciled undergraduates were in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation.

Some 85 per cent of our known and available UK domiciled undergraduates were in employment 15 months after graduation. Of those, 80 per cent were employed in high-skilled roles, compared with 73 per cent of graduates across the higher education sector. A further 9 per cent of University of Bradford UK domiciled undergraduates progressed to further study.

Following a steep rise during the covid years in the percentage of graduates being unemployed, this year’s survey results show a significantly decreased in unemployment for the University of Bradford UK-domiciled undergraduates. At 6 per cent, this figure is equal to the unemployment rate for the higher education sector.

Joanne Beaumont, Associate Director: careers, Employability and Engagement, said: “This is a really positive set of outcomes for our graduates, which clearly demonstrate how our highly talented graduates are really valued by business and industry, with the majority of our graduates progressing into high skilled roles, and within West Yorkshire.”

The University has a strong track record in developing innovative ways to engage and support our graduates. These include the Bradford Graduate Talent programme which provides 1:1 coaching, employability workshops, access to graduate job portals and vacancies, introductions to graduate recruiters, and ongoing job search support. In addition, recent graduates can access the Bradford Graduate Internship Programme to complete a 12-week paid internship with a local business.  

Over the last year, the University’s Career and Employability Services has delivered over 320 individual career coaching appointments to recent graduates.

Enabling social mobility and supporting graduates to develop successful careers is one of the University’s key priorities. In 2021 and 2022, the University was named No.1 in the England Social Mobility Index ranking system for universities (Higher Education Policy Institute). The Times Good University Guide 2023 ranked the University 49th out of 132 universities for graduate prospects.

The University became one of the first institutions in the country to be awarded a new quality mark from the National Network for Education of Care Leavers in June 2021, recognising its support of students who have been in the care system. Also in 2021, the University was awarded one of the first-ever Levelling Up awards by the Rt Hon Justine Greening’s The Purpose Coalition.

* ‘Known and available’ means those who responded to the HESA survey and who were also available for work.