Social science graduates ‘more likely to be in work’

RA Now

Social science graduates are more likely to be in work after their first degree than graduates in other areas, and a higher proportion are in
managerial and senior official roles, according to analysis of official data.

Eighty-four per cent of social science graduates were in employment, compared with 78% of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduates and 79% of arts and humanities graduates. More STEM graduates go on to further study, according to the report from the Campaign for Social Science.

It analysed data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency data on 62,205 graduates, 3.5 years after they finished their first degree.

The figures show that 5.5% of social science graduates were in a combination of employment and study, and 4.5% were in further study.

The data also shows that 7.6% of social science graduates in work were classed as ‘managers and senior officials’. This compares with 3.6% of STEM graduates and 6.2% of arts and humanities graduates.

“It’s time to banish any lingering myths about the value of a social science degree,” said Professor James Wilsdon, Campaign Chair.

“Our report shows that employers in the public and private sectors are queuing up to hire social science graduates. They have the skills of analysis, interpretation and communication that our economy and society needs.

“The UK is a world leader in social science, and it’s vital that we maintain this capacity. Teaching and training the next generation of social scientists is an investment that will repay itself many times over.”