Research on Career Outcomes and Wellbeing of Graduates from Low-Return Subjects

About

The Department for Education awarded a contract to the University of Warwick for research on graduates of low-return subjects.

The research covered six broad questions: the types of jobs these graduates enter; alternative measures of career success beyond salary; the extent to which low salary prospects matter; how graduates chose their subjects; their career satisfaction and wellbeing; and the wider value they bring to the economy and society.

The study included comparisons between graduates of low-return subjects and other subjects, and between graduates and non-graduates in similar industries or roles.

Research activities comprised a literature review, secondary analysis of surveys such as Futuretrack, the Labour Force Survey, and the Destination of Leavers of Higher Education (Longitudinal), and qualitative research with graduates.

The contract value was £68,464.