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History

In 2010/11 the number of History graduates was small. Findings should be treated with some caution as one or two graduates in any one category may disproportionately affect the total numbers. History graduates enter a broad range of careers including accountancy and finance, media and journalism, civil service, education and research, IT and business. With around 60% of graduate positions open to graduates from all disciplines, History graduates are well placed to enter a range of private and public sector careers.

In 2010/11, six months after graduating:

61.9% of graduates with a first degree were in employment

9.5% were in full-time further study

4.8% were combining work and study

In 2010/11 History graduates were employed in the following positions:

• Business Analyst Executive
• IT Intern
• Mortgage Case Owner
• Teaching Assistant

In 2010/11 History graduates entered further study courses such as:

• MA History
• PGCE Primary Education

The positive impact of a sandwich placement on graduate employment outcomes across Brunel is considerable. Those who have done placements are also much more likely to be in employment for which they their degree was a formal requirement or where they believe their degree gave them a competitive advantage in recruitment.

100% of placement leavers from History progressed into employment or further study.

The graduate labour market remains competitive and relevant experience is increasingly required for graduate level jobs. For those without related experience job search strategy is often about getting a ‘foot in the door’ in order to compete for graduate positions later.

A growing national trend is for many students to delay their job applications until completing their studies, preferring to focus on achieving the highest grade possible. This can result in some graduates initially continuing with their part-time job while they explore their options after graduating. As a result there are some History graduates working in sales, customer service and administrative occupations.

The DLHE survey provides a snapshot of a very short amount of time (six months) after graduating and while many have progressed into relevant graduate jobs others are taking time out, travelling, waiting to start a course or continuing with their part-time job while they explore their options after graduating. Many graduates have moved on in their careers since completing the questionnaire