Employment Prospects

The British economy is relatively buoyant at the moment and graduate job prospects are good. The most recent Association of Graduate Recruiters survey found that the average starting salaries for graduates from UK universities had increased by the highest level in five years during 2004.

Growth areas where graduates are finding employment in the UK include financial services, IT, engineering and construction. Conversely, employer demand for qualified graduates in the chemical and pharmaceutical, public sector and law areas had fallen.

MBA programmes are becoming particularly popular in the UK. There are hundreds of MBA courses available, and many universities have direct links with local business community opening up employment and networking opportunities for graduates. Flexible timetables and distance learning can allow students to continue to work while studying for an MBA.

Irish and other EU students who qualify from UK universities are free to take up work in the UK. Students from non-EU countries may be expected to return home after graduation, and would have to apply for a work permit if they wish to stay in the UK; a postgraduate qualification from a UK institution does not entitle a student to a work permit.

UK postgraduate qualifications are officially accredited and are generally recognised internationally. The UK higher-level sector has a good reputation so a postgraduate qualification should prove useful when seeking employment.