Record number of Music School graduates in work

100% of 2017 graduates from the School of Music were in employment or further study six months after graduation.

The latest Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Employment of leavers 2016/17 figures published this week show that record levels of Music School graduates have secured a job and/or continued with their studies six months after graduating.

This is the highest percentage since figures began in 2012/13 and almost a 5% increase on the previous year (95.1%), with Music School graduates continuing to be highly sought after amongst employers.

Figures also showed that of the 100% in employment or further study, 74% of those were in professional employment or graduate-level further study.

Cardiff University also saw an improved overall score in employability, reaching 95.7%, climbing to sixth place among the research-intensive Russell Group universities.

All students at the School of Music benefit from Careers in Music talks from music professionals, as well as the opportunity to study Business of Music modules which offer the chance to undertake a work placement in their second year of study.

Dr Charles Wilson, Business of Music Co-ordinator and Employability Lead at the School of Music said: “Here at the School of Music we encourage our students to think about their futures from day one, offering them high-quality work experience, providing additional development opportunities through masterclasses and workshops, and in every way possible bringing them closer to the realities of the profession.

“These latest figures are further evidence that our music graduates leave Cardiff thoroughly equipped, whether for the workplace or for postgraduate study at the highest level. We are delighted to see so many of them enjoying success.”

The HESA UK Performance Indicators 2016/2017: Employment of leavers is available on the HESA website.