University of Derby graduates are among the country’s most employable, says new survey

University of Derby graduates are more likely to be in employment or study six months after completing their course than those of most other UK universities, according to official figures just released.

A survey released on July 3 reveals that 96.7% of University of Derby interviewees - who’d completed a full-time, first degree course during the 2012/13 academic year - were employed or studying six months on. This puts Derby 10th highest amongst all UK universities and eighth for English institutions.

Derby’s 96.7% figure - up from 96.1% in the previous such survey - is higher than the UK universities’ average of 92.1%. The University’s percentage was also higher than its ‘benchmark group’; universities deemed similar to it such as Nottingham Trent, De Montfort and Sheffield Hallam.

Derby also saw its figures rise for graduates who studied their first degree course part-time (98.5%, up from 96.8% last year).

The survey is carried out annually by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), which surveys those who completed their degree courses six months before, to see if they are in employment or have gone on to further study. HESA’s survey received replies from 1,975 Derby students out of a total 2,390 leavers (a response rate of 82.6%).

University of Derby senior staff said a concentration on ‘real world learning’, and on providing degree courses which answered employers’ needs and students’ aspirations, was behind the success.

Sue Morrison, Head of the Careers and Employment Service at the University of Derby, said: “We are delighted to celebrate the success of Derby graduates. Through our academic programmes students develop the knowledge, understanding and skills needed by employers.

“Students also work during their studies to enhance their skills and experience, and to earn and support themselves whilst at university. Derby students and graduates are ‘work ready’ and our graduates are in demand.

“The University’s Careers and Employment Service works with all students, graduates, academic teams, employers and community organisations to develop students’ leadership and management skills, inform career choices and develop the skills and experience needed to build a successful career.”

The University recently reached the top 50 in The Guardian University Guide 2015. It is currently building a £10.8m sports centre at its Kedleston Road site and recently opened its Institute of Sustainable Engineering in the city – a hi-tech establishment set up in partnership with Rolls-Royce and other major employers. Derby is also one of the partners behind a University Technical College (UTC) due to open in Derby in September 2015; which will provide vocational education for 14 to 19-year-olds, who will then go on into industry and higher education.