University Job Outcomes: What UK Students Really Earn and Where They Work

When you hear university job outcomes, the real-world employment results and earnings of graduates after completing their degree. Also known as graduate employability, it's not just about whether you get a job—it’s about what kind of job, how much you earn, and if it actually matches what you studied. Too many students pick a course based on rankings or reputation, then find out years later that the job market didn’t follow the same script. The truth? Not all degrees lead to the same paychecks or career paths. A geography grad might end up in a museum, while a computer science grad could be coding for a fintech startup—both are valid, but the numbers tell a very different story.

Graduate salaries, the average income earned by UK university graduates within six months to a year after finishing their course, vary wildly. Engineering and computer science grads often start at £30K+, while arts and humanities grads might begin at £20K–£24K. That gap doesn’t close overnight. A 2023 HESA report showed that 15% of UK graduates were working in roles that didn’t require a degree at all—like baristas or retail assistants. But here’s the twist: some of those same people later moved into management, marketing, or public service roles where their degree still mattered. It’s not just about the first job—it’s about the trajectory. And that’s where student employability, how well a university prepares students to enter and succeed in the workforce comes in. Schools with strong industry links, placement years, and career support services see their students land better roles faster. Places like Imperial, UCL, and Durham don’t just teach theory—they connect you to employers before you even graduate.

What you won’t find in league tables is how many grads actually use their degree. A nursing student from Manchester will likely work in a hospital. A creative writing grad from Edinburgh might freelance for years before landing a publishing job. Both are successful, but their paths look nothing alike. That’s why university job outcomes aren’t one-size-fits-all. They depend on your subject, your uni’s network, your internships, and even your city. A London uni might give you more access to media and finance jobs. A university in Leeds or Sheffield might connect you with manufacturing, logistics, or public sector roles. The key isn’t just getting a degree—it’s using your time there to build real experience, make connections, and understand what your field actually needs.

You’ll find real stories below—how students turned part-time jobs into full-time careers, why some placements led to offers before graduation, and which universities quietly outperform the rankings when it comes to getting grads hired. No fluff. Just what actually happens after you walk across that stage.