According to a recent study, graduate employment universities vary widely depending on the institution. The numbers of graduates in employment range from 100% at The School of Pharmacy to 74.4% at London South Bank University.

The study, published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency, found that three of the top performing universities were the University of Surrey (96.9%), Robert Gordon University (95.9%) and the University of Cambridge (95.2%).

One of the reasons for Surrey’s success maybe the practice of encouraging students to take a professional training placement as part of their studies. This usually happens in the third of fourth year. Head of careers at the University of Surrey, Russ Clark said that “Surrey has always been committed to producing employable graduates” and that the university “attracts students who are very focused and have one eye on the world of work”.

The study also seems to show that specialist universities tend to do better when it comes to graduate employment. Institutions such as the Central School of Speech and Drama and the Royal College of Music both performed well with over 98% of students in employment six months after graduation.

The overall statistic for all graduating students in employment after six months is around 89%. This leaves around 10% of students unemployed after six months, up on the figure of 8% from last year. The study follows on the heels of a another recent survey that found that for each graduate job advertised there was an average of seventy applicants, suggesting the market for graduate jobs was becoming incredibly competitive. This may be one of the reasons that specialist schools perform better, as their students are already trained in certain fields rather than broader subjects.

It has also emerged recently that record numbers of students will be applying to universities this summer in the UK, up a massive 11% on last year. This has led to fears that similarly large percentages may be left disappointed by the lack of university places. Government restrictions and funding cuts are being blamed for the shortfall in places.

As the fight for university places and graduate employment becomes more competitive, students are advised that being an organised, hard working and persistent candidate will benefit them in both instances.