New data shows graduates thrive in the south

The UUK's analysis of the government's Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) data highlights the value of a university degree, showcasing the economic gains for graduates both regionally and across the country.

Across 17 industries - from hospitality and education to the arts and health - graduates in the South East of England are earning more than their peers who didn't study at university, as much as 64% in some sectors.

This money also benefits graduate's wider communities, and the country as a whole - based on recent analysis, graduate skills from higher education teaching and learning are estimated to have an economic impact of £95 billion nationwide in 2021-2 and £13.12 billion in the South East.

There is a clear trend across the country - that those who regions with more graduates are more productive, driving economic growth. And with the industries of the future, those that the government has set out as driving growth over the next decade, heavily dependent on graduate skills - including the creative sector (76%), professional and business services (74%) and life science sector (73%) - the value of higher education and its graduates to the country has never been so high.

Solent University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor James Knowles, says:

"Universities are an essential part of regional economies, and at Solent we equip students with the skills employers are seeking to progress opportunities and address challenges.

"As well as providing highly skilled graduates, we work in partnership with local businesses to unlock the potential of innovation and drive local growth. Through our graduates, shared knowledge and resources, we underpin the success of our city and region."

Solent's recent league table results - which have seen the university climbing the ranks - further outline the positive outcomes graduates are experiencing. In the Guardian University Guide, law ranked fifth out of 108 institutions nationally, with more than 80% of combined 2020/21 and 2021/22 graduates securing graduate-level employment or being in further study within 15 months of graduating. Elsewhere, in the latest graduate outcomes survey (which covers 2021/22 graduates), more than 90% of UK-domiciled graduates in the subject of computer science had entered high skilled employment or further study. 

President of Universities UK, Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, FRSE, says:

"Those of us who work in universities witness the transformative power of higher education every day, and it is compelling to see this borne out so strongly in this analysis. But this data shows something new - universities are anchors for growth right across the UK. As well as contributing to their local area through the money they spend while studying, graduates go on to meet the needs of local industries and to earn more. This new analysis gives a clear message to government, local and mayoral authorities that thriving universities in every part of the country are central to the prospects for individuals and communities."

With triple gold recognition from the Teaching Excellence Framework, Solent is widely recognised for its excellent student experience. With a future-ready approach that places hands-on opportunities and connections with industry at the centre of its learning and teaching, graduates go on to make waves both nationally and internationally.