Harper Top for Jobs

Posted 24 November 2004

Harper Adams University College, Shropshire, England, has proved once again that it is the best choice for students seeking great jobs. According to official league tables the university college, in Newport, has the second highest level of graduate employment in England, with graduates rapidly finding jobs after earning their first degree – and many securing employment even before leaving college.

With an average of 81.2 per cent of first degree students finding work after graduating, Harper Adams’ record was exceeded only by the School of Pharmacy. Even including Higher Educations institutions across the whole of the UK, the specialist land-based college was ranked third for graduate employment, beating more than 165 universities and colleges. Oxford and Cambridge Universities recorded a total of 42.1 per cent and 47 per cent respectively for graduates with first degrees. The Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester, scored 38.8 per cent.

The league tables, which were published this month, were produced by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) and are based on an employment survey of last year’s graduates.

Professor Wynne Jones, Principal of Harper Adams University College, said: “We are delighted – but not surprised - by the HESA league table results. The University College has a long history of helping young people develop the skills that are vital not just to enter but to succeed in the modern workplace, a fact that is well recognised by employers across the UK and beyond. All of our students complete a year’s placement with an employer, helping them to complement rigorous academic learning with hands-on skills and a deeper understanding of how to convert theory into practice. Over the years we have forged strong links with industries, who will confirm that Harper Adams graduates are of the highest calibre. Balancing job prospects and potential earnings against rising tuition fees, we are confident that Harper Adams students receive excellent value for money.”