Alliance research shows better job prospects for its graduates

The University Alliance, which comprises 24 institutions including Bradford, Huddersfield and Sheffield Hallam, unveiled new research yesterday which says 87 per cent of their international students choose one of their members because their top priority was finding a good job afterwards.

This compared with a national average across all UK universities of 83 per cent.

The report, UK Universities Growing Global Graduates, was published at an event in Dubai yesterday. It contained a page from each of the 24 universities in the group explaining how they supported students into work.

This included Sheffield Hallam’s Venture Matrix which allows students to get work experience on projects ranging from web design and events and marketing to legal work.

The Venture Matrix team organises trade fairs throughout the year, allowing students to promote their work, share ideas and meet employers.

The chief executive of the University Alliance, Libby Hackett, said: “Graduate careers are under the spotlight like never before. Students want to ensure their degree and time at university will help set them up for a rewarding and fulfilling career in a rapidly changing world.

“Students recognise the value of higher education in improving their employability and the data suggest that Alliance universities attract students particularly focused on their future care.”

Alliance universities have around 60,000 students from across the world who are studying alongside 450,000 people from the UK. The report says that seven out of 10 international students at Alliance institutions are from outside the European Union with the majority coming from Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

The report adds: “The diverse student body and workforce creates a more internationalised learning experience for all, essential for growing global graduates equipped for an ever more connected world.”

The report follows research from Sheffield University which revealed that international students in the city contribute £176m to the region’s economy.