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The Student Insider

Bright employment prospects for University of London graduates

Date

Written by
Lindsay Alexander

85% of graduates were in work or study six months after finishing their degree, according to the results of the latest survey of those who studied their University of London degree via blended, flexible or online learning. Moreover, 84% of those working were in professional level employment.

Job applicant at a panel interview.

When asked to reflect on their time studying, the response was very positive; 77% of graduates felt their course met their needs and had helped them to become an independent learner.

Graduates were also very likely to recommend studying through University of London to others with an average response of 8 out of 10 (10 being most likely to recommend to others).

“I have recommended that my employees who would like to extend their learning should take a look at the programmes available because of the flexibility and being able to study in the evenings in the distance format,” said Jamie Rees, graduate of the MSc Information Security programme.

The majority of graduates agreed or strongly agreed that their University of London programme met their needs and developed them in a range of ways, including improving their independent learning skills, challenging them to achieve their best work and helping to build their confidence in tackling unfamiliar situations or problems.

“I found that the curriculum of the University of London’s distance studies programme met my needs and what I was looking for at the time,” says BSc Business Administration (International Business) graduate, John Akinola.

“Learning about how different systems like operations, marketing and accountancy operate in private and public sectors has helped me to fulfil my dream and vision of being able to manage health care at a top level for the future.”

We can provide our students with valuable work-based learning opportunities that mirror real-life application processes and that are mutually beneficial for all involved.

42% of employed graduates felt that their University of London qualification helped them obtain their job, with 33% expressing that they accepted their job offer because it fitted into their career plan. An increasing number of graduates reported that their qualification was a formal requirement for their role.

Joanne Harris, Associate Director: Student Experience, at University of London, believes that the relationships between the University and global organisations helps to provide students with relevant work-related experience:

“We are in a strong position here at the University of London in that we are able to foster unique relationships with reputable companies all over the world. This means that we can provide our students with valuable work-based learning opportunities that mirror real-life application processes and that are mutually beneficial for all involved.

“In addition, students have access to high quality career’s support and resources provided by our colleagues at The Careers Group. Combined with the global recognition of a University of London degree, our students graduate equipped with the experience, skills and knowledge that make them stand out contenders in the world of work.”

While graduates entered employment in a wide range of sectors, Professional, Scientific and Technical activities was the most common sector worked in, with a quarter of all graduates working in this field.

Graduates reported that the top three impacts of the higher education experience were:

  • Enhanced social and intellectual capabilities beyond employment
  • Progression towards long-term career aspirations
  • Enhanced quality of life

A recent report from Universities UK International found that 84% of international students (i.e. students who studied on campus in the UK but with their home overseas) were in work, training or further study 2-7 years after graduating. With a similar percentage of University of London graduates (who had studied by blended, online or flexible learning) indicating that they were employed or studying six months after graduation, our students are achieving a great outcome for their investment.

The survey, carried out by an independent research market research agency, IFF, is broadly based on the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education survey, and was also used for 2017/18 graduates.

Read more about the 2019 University of London First Destinations survey.

This page was last updated on 13 November 2023