Masters graduates 'more likely to find work'

The unemployment rate for students who graduated with a masters in 2008 stood at 4.1 per cent, up from 3.7 per cent in the previous year, an analysis of official figures by Hecsu, the Higher Education Careers Services Unit, shows.

In comparison, unemployment among first degree graduates in 2008 stood at 7.9 per cent, a 2.4 per cent increase on 2007, according to Hecsu figures published last November.

But the report warns masters students graduating last year and this year are likely to face a tougher time in the job market.

The researchers analysed data published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (Hesa) to look at what 32,195 masters-level graduates were doing in January 2009, six months after graduation.

The findings show that those who had studied for a masters part-time were less likely to be unemployed than those who had studied for the qualification full-time.

The unemployment rate for part-time masters graduates was 2.2 per cent compared with 5.8 per cent for full-time masters students.

The study, What Do Masters Graduates Do? says: "There were signs of recession in the job market for masters graduates from 2007/8, with an increase in unemployment from 3.7 per cent to 4.1 per cent.

The unemployment rate for new masters graduates was higher for 2003/4 and 2004/5 graduates.

"Compared to the increase in unemployment for first degree graduates over the same time period, this cohort seem to have been less affected. As a result, it is likely the full effects of the economic downturn will be more apparent for masters graduates from 2008/9 and 2009/10."