Minority Ethnic Graduate Outcomes Rise at Leicester Amid Career-Focused Initiatives

76% of Leicester Graduates Secure High-Skilled Jobs Within 15 Months

In an era where graduate employability and long-term earnings serve as key indicators of higher education success, the University of Leicester has demonstrated notable strength across both metrics. According to recent analysis from the Department for Education (DfE), Leicester graduates are earning £3,600 more than the sector average five years after completing their studies. Moreover, data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) reveals that 76.2% of Leicester’s 2023 graduates reported positive outcomes within 15 months of graduation, with over 77% securing highly skilled roles. Significantly, outcomes for minority ethnic graduates improved by 3.2%, a development attributed to the university’s emphasis on pre-graduation work experience and its Career Accelerators programme.

Further insights from the DfE’s Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) survey show that Leicester computing graduates earn £16,400 above the national median. Other disciplines, including Biosciences, Business, Mathematics, and Law, also recorded above-average earnings. HESA noted that these findings reflect broader employment trends and contribute to ongoing innovation within the higher education sector.

Individual success stories further illustrate the university’s impact. Imogene Wheeler, a 2023 Psychology graduate now working in Human Resources, credited Leicester’s blend of cutting-edge research and robust student support for her achievements. She highlighted the opportunity to observe brain scans conducted by her lecturer, a leading researcher, as a defining moment in her academic journey. Jo Wheldon, Director of Careers and Employability at the University of Leicester, affirmed that graduates are thriving in a competitive job market. She noted that over 76% are entering high-skilled roles and earning above the national average, attributing this success to the university’s commitment to real-world experience, which equips students with a distinct advantage as they embark on their careers. The University of Leicester continues to provide a strong foundation for graduate success, even amidst a challenging employment landscape.

Editor’s Note:

The latest graduate outcomes from the University of Leicester show how clear strategies can lead to real success for students, both professionally and financially. At a time when many people question the value of a university degree, Leicester’s strong results, especially in graduate earnings and high-skilled jobs, set an example for how universities can better connect education with today’s job market. Leicester graduates are earning significantly more than the sector average, with an uplift of £3,600, largely due to the university's strong focus on employability. Initiatives like Career Accelerators and structured work experience have been particularly impactful, leading to a 3.2% improvement in outcomes for minority ethnic graduates and promoting fairer graduate success. The data also underscores the importance of subject choice, as Leicester's computing graduates are earning £16,400 more than the national median. This highlights the need for universities to offer tailored support across different subject areas, in addition to general student support.

Skoobuzz notes that the University of Leicester has adopted a proactive strategy to help students succeed in today’s competitive job market. Expanding these efforts across the higher education sector is essential to ensure that university remains a true gateway to opportunity for all students.