Graduate progression

There is increasing interest in progression beyond undergraduate study – into postgraduate education and/or the labour market. Graduates from diverse backgrounds and equity groups have poorer progression outcomes than other graduates. It is anticipated that the situation will become more challenging in the context of higher tuition fees.

We take an integrated approach to improving progression for graduates. Analysis suggests that such an approach should consider:

i. Linking together a range of interventions or approaches to ensure that all students are engaged to improve their progression.
ii. Addressing progression across the student lifecycle, including pre-entry work.
iii. Creating mechanisms to ensure that all faculties and programmes enhance the progression of their students.
iv. Integrating progression into the core curriculum through direct and partnership approaches.
v. Providing complimentary co-curricular and extra-curricular activities to enhance progression and success.
vi. Underpinning interventions with analysis of data.

We can support you to review your approaches to improving graduate progression, develop a progression strategy, equip staff to embed progression into the curriculum and work in partnership with others across the university or college.

Relevant publications

Thomas, L. (2011) ‘Engaging students to enhance progression beyond the first degree’, in

Thomas, L. and Tight, M. (eds) Institutional transformation to engage a diverse student body. Bingley: Emerald Books

Thomas, L. and Jones, R. (2007) Embedding employability in the context of widening participation. York: Higher Education Academy

2011 ‘Widening Participation to Doctoral Study and Research Degrees: Towards a Research Agenda for an Emergent Policy Issue’, Higher Education Research and Development (with Alistair McCulloch)