Northumbria University: Lead Role In North East Graduate Employment
Latest figures show that graduates from Northumbria University in Newcastle Upon Tyne enjoy one of the strongest employment rates in the United Kingdom. For the second year running recent Northumbria University graduates also achieved the highest rate of job market success amongst the universities of North East England. |
Data published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) reveals that 92.3% of Northumbria graduates in 2008/9 were either employed or were engaged in further study six months after finishing their first degree course.
The Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Northumbria University, Professor Andrew Wathey, said “Northumbria University has always placed strong emphasis on the need to take the job prospects of its graduates seriously, and we have a strong record in giving employers the skills they want. Degree programmes informed by high-quality research, students who are independently curious and innovative, and teaching skills that fit graduates for the workplace are all important elements in this.”
Professor Wathey added: “It is excellent that the University is performing strongly in this respect, and with 2,870 graduates entering jobs in the region annually this provides a clear marker of this University's economic contribution to the City and Region.”
The HESA figures, which relate to students who graduated in 2009, are the latest available.
Northumbria University’s 2008/9 graduate employment rate varied by just -0.8% on its region-leading performance in 2007/8. This was despite the significantly heightened climate of financial uncertainty and marked economic downturn.
The University Alliance group of 23 major business-facing universities - of which Northumbria University is a founder member - believes that research-engaged, business-focused institutions can make a powerful contribution towards economic recovery.
University Alliance Director Libby Aston, speaking from Whitehall, said: “In a global, knowledge-led economy the majority of newly-created jobs demand graduate-level skills. Northumbria University is helping to shape this new economy, through its partnerships with new industries, the use of latest technologies, a culture of innovation and entrepreneurialism, and a high proportion of professionally-accredited courses with a focus on graduate attributes and employability skills.”
Date posted: July 20, 2010
