University graduates receive timely employment boost

5 July 2017

New statistics show 93.9% of UCLan’s full-time, first-degree graduates based in the UK went into employment or further study within six months of graduation.

Graduating students from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) have received an encouraging boost to their employment prospects according to latest figures released today by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).

The new statistics show 93.9% of UCLan’s full-time, first-degree graduates based in the UK went into employment or further study within six months of graduation.

The figure represents the best ever achieved by the University since the information became available in 2008/09 when the total was 88.7%.

Commenting on the news Vice-Chancellor Professor Mike Thomas said: “This key statistic is hugely encouraging especially for those who are about to graduate from the University next week.

“To have nearly 94% of our full-time UCLan graduates in employment or further study six months after graduation is a great achievement. It shows the value placed on our graduates and I congratulate all of them as they further their careers and wish them well for the future.’’

The good news is also an improvement on 2016 when the figure was 92.2%.

"To have nearly 94% of our full-time UCLan graduates in employment or further study six months after graduation is a great achievement."

The Vice-Chancellor added: “More broadly this clearly shows that degree study remains one of the best ways of securing employment and a career because of the range of opportunities the experience provides. This is enhanced at Central Lancashire because employability skills are embedded into every one of our degree programmes.

“As one of Preston’s key economic anchors we will continue to promote economic development and create jobs by helping talented people from all walks of life to make the most of their potential through the moulding of informed leaders, creative thinkers and entrepreneurial business minds.”

Significant numbers of Central Lancashire graduates are entering professions such as nursing, social work, police and fire services as well as other professional, scientific and technical roles. The latest analysis also shows graduates finding good career opportunities in areas such as retail, arts, entertainment and recreation, gaining graduate roles at a range of companies and organisations such as ASDA, Aston Martin, BBC, Capita, IBM, John Lewis Group, Marks and Spencer.