97% Hartpury University graduates are in employment, further study or other purposeful activity, placing the Gloucestershire institution first in the South West and in the top 10% of UK universities for graduate employability (Graduate Outcomes 2023, reflects graduates from 2021).
Hartpury’s graduate employability rate is considerably higher than the national average of 82%.Its employability figure remains high, despite the 2020/21 cohort finishing their qualifications in the second academic year affected by the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Graduate Outcomes results are compiled by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), experts in UK higher education data and the designated data body for England. This is the biggest UK annual social survey and is designed to capture the perspectives and current work status of recent graduates. All graduates who completed a course were asked to take part in the survey 15 months after they finish their studies.
Hartpury’s commitment to student and graduate employability has no doubt contributed to excellent result. Nine campus businesses including a commercial farm, canine hydrotherapy centre (Cotswold Dog Spa) and Equine Therapy Centre provide opportunities for students to gain work experience as part of or alongside their studies, benefiting from Hartpury’s connections with over 3,000 local, national, and international organisations as part of guest lectures, work placements and graduate employment. Students benefit from lifelong career support ranging from CV preparation to interview practice.
Initiatives such as the Hartpury Sports Business Hub help students to connect with business to work on a real-world consultancy or research project, while the annual Enterprise Finals see students pitch their business ideas to a local panel of corporate leaders. Students are able to get involved with event management and volunteering at the annual equestrian events held on site, or benefit from the Digital Innovation Farm’s close relationships with agri-tech businesses and start-ups. Taken together, these opportunities help to transform inquisitive students into diligent graduates, employees, and entrepreneurs.
Significant campus investment will also see a new £12.75m University Learning Hub open its doors during the 2023/24 academic year, the first building on campus to be solely for higher education students. With access to library resources, support services, group and study spaces, and classrooms, all under one roof in this state-of-the-art building, Hartpury students’ will have further opportunities to learn and develop in their specialist subject.
Prof Andy Collop, Vice-Chancellor of Hartpury University said: “We’re delighted that our graduates continue to demonstrate the Hartpury attributes that make them such a huge asset in the workplace. During their studies, we work hard to help them become independent, professional and adaptable individuals that are well-rounded and ready for their future careers. This is clearly being recognised and valued by employers who are seeking out the very best graduates in a challenging recruitment environment.
“It’s a huge honour for us to be named in the top 10% of UK universities and best in the South West for graduate employability, and I know that our team of academic, support, and wellbeing staff will continue to ensure each and every one of our students is ready to take advantage of every opportunity that comes their way.”
Hartpury University also ranks 1st in the South West and 6th in the UK for Teaching Quality, according to The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.
This year, Hartpury marks its 75th anniversary since first opening its doors as the Gloucestershire Farm Institute and later Hartpury College. Hartpury College students benefit from a university on the same campus with many progressing directly on to undergraduate study.
