press release
Published: 14 June 2024

University of Surrey places 12th in the UK for Graduate Outcomes

The University of Surrey’s strong record of producing future-ready graduates is reflected in the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey, which collects data to measure the employment outcomes of graduates by university. 

Overall, the University of Surrey places 12th in the UK - and 2nd only to the University of Oxford in the South East of England - for higher-skilled employment amongst its graduates, when data published in the Graduate Outcomes Survey is analysed and used to create a ranking*. 

The survey, which provides an insight into the jobs that graduates go on to take after university, shows that 95% of Surrey graduates are in employment or further study, while 87% of graduates record “higher skilled” outcomes – being in graduate-level employment or further study. 

Furthermore, 95% of graduates who did a placement year are in graduate-level employment or further study. 

The Graduate Outcomes survey, published by the Higher Education Standards Agency, was completed by nearly 400,000 graduates who studied at universities and colleges in the UK, and collects data on what they are doing 15 months after graduating. 

It offers a measure of whether a graduate’s degree has helped to secure highly skilled employment, which reflects their graduate status. 

I’m delighted that the excellence of the education provided at the University of Surrey and the quality of our graduates is reflected in the Graduate Outcomes survey.

The high proportion of our graduates in highly skilled employment after graduation is a testament to their own skills and application, but we are proud to have played our part in equipping them to make outstanding contributions to society.
Professor Max Lu, Vice Chancellor
The Vice-Chancellor Professor G.Q. Max Lu AO DL FREng FAA FTSE
The Graduate Outcomes survey results recognise the exceptional opportunities which the University of Surrey offers students. Those of us in the Employability and Careers Team strive every day to play our part in helping our graduates to go on to make meaningful contributions in their careers of choice, with roles that make full use of the knowledge, skills and experiences. These results reflect the calibre of our graduates first and foremost, but they are also a source of pride for our team. Our consistent strong performance in the Graduate Outcomes Survey also a tribute to our employer partner base and placement schemes, which help to ensure that our exceptional Surrey graduates are well-equipped to make an impact in their chosen profession. Frances Gow, Associate Director, Student Success
frances gow giving a lecture

In March 2022 the University of Surrey won the best university careers and employability service at the National University Employability Awards and the University was awarded the University of the Year for Graduate Employment in the Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide for 2022. 

Find out more about the University of Surrey's Employability and Careers Service. 

* UK domiciled graduates of full-time, undergraduate qualifications, in full-time employment, from higher education institutions tracked by the Guardian Newspaper, when data published in the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey is analysed and used to create a ranking.

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