6. London School of Economics (LSE)
Per cent in employment 6 months after graduating: 83
Overall rank: 3
LSE is one of four London universities in the top 10 for job prospects. It has a diverse alumni, drawn from almost 200 countries. A typical starting salary for an LSE graduate is £9,000 higher than the national average – with graduates expecting to earn £29,000 (based on HESA survey from 2013).
7. University of Oxford
Per cent in employment 6 months after graduating: 81.9
Overall rank: 2
While Oxford University comes in at number two for overall ranking and difficulty with entry, the same cannot be said for its graduate prospects. It still boasts an outstanding record of alumni in positions of power – 26 British prime ministers attended the university.
8. Cardiff University
Per cent in employment 6 months after graduating: 81.5
Overall rank: 31
In 2013, 81.5 per cent of students were in employment, or further study, six months after graduating. Cardiff University is particularly renowned for its school of journalism, which has an impressive alumni including Good Morning Britain host, Susanna Reid, and sports presenter, Adrian Chiles.
9. University College London
Per cent in employment 6 months after graduating: 81.3
Overall rank: 10
According to HESA statistics from 2013, 86 per cent of UCL graduates enter graduate level work compared to a national average of 66 per cent, with an average starting salary of £24,572. This is 20 per cent higher than the national average. UCL promote networking events, with 896 employers attending events arranged by the UCL careers service in 2013-14.
10. University of Surrey
Per cent in employment 6 months after graduating: 81.2
Overall rank: 8
Celebrating its 50th birthday next year, the University of Surrey is fast establishing itself as a UK university to be reckoned with. As well as making the top 10 for this year’s CUG best universities, it has an impressive track record for getting students into employment. The university prepares its students for the professional environment by exploring study beyond the Surrey campus – the majority of students undertake a professional training placement or study abroad as part of their degree.
