91% of Bradford Graduates in Work or Further Study

Latest figures show strong graduate outcomes 15 months after graduation

Recent data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) reveals that 91% of University of Bradford graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of completing their degrees. This marks one of the university’s best results in the Graduate Outcomes survey to date.

Graduate employment and education breakdown

• 80% of graduates are in employment
• 11% are engaged in further education
• 82% of UK-domiciled, full-time first-degree graduates in employment have secured high-skilled roles in the UK

This 82% figure represents a five percentage point increase from the previous year and is significantly higher than the national sector average of 70%. The university has also risen 30 places nationally to 16th for graduates entering high-skilled employment.

University rankings and sector context

The improved graduate outcomes coincide with upward movements in several league tables. The University of Bradford climbed 12 places to 69th out of 123 in the Guardian league table, rose 25 places to 86th out of 130 in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, and moved up 20 places to 511th in the QS World University Rankings.

While national figures show a decline in university-business collaboration, particularly affecting business graduates, Bradford has recorded a 15.7% year-on-year increase in the number of business graduates, indicating growing demand in this area.

University response and strategic focus

The university’s leadership highlights the results as evidence of its focus on student support, inclusion, and career preparation. The interim Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nick Braisby, noted the university’s commitment to equipping students with skills relevant to the labour market.

Provost Paul Watson emphasised the importance of the university’s learning and teaching quality, as well as the support networks available to students. The Head of the Career & Employability Service, Zailie Barratt, pointed to targeted employability initiatives and employer partnerships as factors contributing to the positive outcomes.

Background and future plans

• The University of Bradford has been recognised for social inclusion, including being named Daily Mail University of the Year for Social Inclusion 2026.
• It was also University of the Year at the Social Mobility Awards in 2024 and topped the Higher Education Policy Institute’s Social Mobility Index from 2021 to 2024.
• In 2025, the university launched a long-term strategy aiming to recruit 10,000 new online learners by 2035, expanding access to higher education.

The latest graduate outcomes data reflects the university’s ongoing efforts to support students’ career success and widen access to higher education opportunities.