HESA research
The Graduate Outcomes survey is delivered by HESA (Higher Education Statistics Agency). As well as collecting your survey responses in order to publish official statistics, we also use them to carry out research.
Our research seeks to support the development of policies that improve the individual and collective welfare of future students and current graduates.
What official statistics are published about graduates?
Every year, HESA releases official statistics from each annual Graduate Outcomes survey. These statistics are used by the Government, charities, journalists, researchers and others to understand the higher education sector and the state of the graduate labour market. Your university / college will also use them to evaluate and promote their courses.
We share some headline statistics on our survey results page, but if you’d like to dig deeper, head over to the HESA website.
How have your survey responses been used in HESA research?
Here are some of the research questions we’ve been asking lately and the impact to date:
Is it all about the money?
An objective of policymakers and providers across the UK is to ensure that all graduates have fulfilling lives. Using the data you provide on earnings, wellbeing and your reflections on the activities you are involved in, we have shown that;
- Higher earnings are correlated with better wellbeing up until you reach a salary of approximately £24,000. Beyond this point, there is no clear relationship between these two factors.
- However, meaningful work that aligns with your career aspirations and uses your skills is positively associated with your wellbeing.
Such findings can help to inform debates about what measures might be used in helping and assessing whether graduates achieve fulfilment after study. For example, as the UPP Foundation article illustrates, those working within universities are already considering how they could use this data to help all students achieve their goals.
How do we create a more equal society?
A key focus of current public policy is how to reduce the levels of inequality between different parts of the country. Evidence suggests that the proportion of graduates in an area is positively linked with productivity and prosperity.
Recently, we have used your responses on your location of work to illustrate which areas are experiencing a net outflow of graduates. This research has been used in joint work between academics and local councils/combined authorities to discuss the role higher education could play in ensuring there is greater prosperity in all parts of the country.
Want to know more?
Find more examples of our research using Graduate Outcomes data on the HESA website. You can also sign up to receive email alerts when HESA publishes new research.