Humanities students in demand
Humanities graduates are increasingly successful in finding work after their studies at the University of Southampton.
Dr James Minney, Associate Dean (Education and Student Experience), Dr Eleanor Quince who leads on Employability for the Faculty and colleagues have been examining statistics from the annual DLHE (Destination of Leavers of Higher Education) survey of former students six months after graduation.
The latest survey (which surveyed more than 2,000 graduates) showed a decrease in unemployment figures across the Faculty and revealed the vast majority of former students have found work or are involved in further study shortly after leaving Southampton.
- Archaeology, 6.3 per cent unemployed compared to the 2011 rate of 22 per cent
- English, 3.4 per cent out of work compared to 12 per cent in 2011
- Film, 6.5 per cent unemployed compared to 11 per cent in 2011
- History, 2.2 per cent seeking work compared to the 2011 rate of 14 per cent
- Modern Languages, 2.2 per cent unemployed, compared with 11 per cent in 2011
- Music, 3.8 per cent unemployment, compared with 11 per cent in 2011
- Philosophy 4.5 per cent unemployment, compared with 11 per cent in 2011
“Of course there has been an upturn in the economy between 2011 and 2012,” explains James. “But we believe our established programme of employability activities, including in-class sessions, alumni panels and one-on-one drop-ins, have played a big part in this increase of students in employment or further study after leaving us.”
Staff in Humanities work with colleagues in Careers Destinations to provide a wide range of events to encourage students to think about their future careers and take steps to enhance their employability from an early stage during their time at University.