Masters graduates 'faring better' - graduate jobs

Masters graduates fared better as the recession began to bite than those leaving university with their first degree, research has suggested.

Analysis of figures published by the Higher Education Careers Services Unit last November shows the unemployment rate for masters graduates in 2008 stood at 4.1%, up from 3.7% in 2007.

By comparison, unemployment among degree graduates stood at 7.9% in 2008 - an increase of 2.4% on the previous 12 months - but the report warns that masters students graduating in 2009 and 2010 are likely to face a tougher time in the job market.

Researchers analysed data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency to find out what 32,195 masters-level graduates were doing in January 2009, six months after completing their course.

The findings also show that the unemployment rate for graduates who studied for a masters part-time was 2.2%, compared to 5.8% for full-time students.

The study says: "There were signs of recession in the job market for masters graduates from 2007/8, with an increase in unemployment from 3.7% to 4.1%.

"Compared to the increase in unemployment for first degree graduates over the same time period, it is possible the full effects of the downturn will be more apparent for masters graduates from 2008/9 and 2009/10."