Topping the charts for postgraduate employability and retention

UCB has topped the charts for employability and retention in the largest sector-wide survey of postgraduate students and their learning and teaching experience.

The University, which offers a range of Master’s courses, most of which are accredited by the University of Birmingham, came first in the two areas out of 105 institutions which took part in the Advance HE Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES).

With an overall ranking of fourth, UCB received a total satisfaction score of 88%, 9% higher than the sector benchmarking group. 

Alex Lofthouse, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), said topping the bill for employability and retention demonstrated UCB’s commitment to ensuring postgraduates received a positive experience that translated into successful careers.

“We are delighted that postgraduates are leaving UCB feeling equipped and ready to enter industry with highly relevant skills and knowledge,” she said.

“Investment in our McIntyre House building, with its dedicated postgraduate centre, and our hired@UCB employability service, which continues to advise students after graduation, are instrumental to this.”

The survey, which received over 85,000 responses nationally, reflects postgraduate students’ experience in the key areas of teaching and learning, engagement, assessment and feedback, organisation and management and skills development.

Measures are based on the Advance HE frameworks for student access, retention, attainment and progression, transforming assessment and embedding employability.

The PTES was launched in 2009 to provide the most comprehensive picture of the postgraduate taught experience, offering an indication of where national priorities for enhancing learning and teaching may lie.

UCB’s postgraduate courses (MA, MSc, diploma/certificate, pre-masters) cover specialised areas of education, tourism, hospitality, marketing management, culinary arts, youth work and business, with opportunities for flexible, part-time study.

Find out more about UCB’s postgraduate courses.