NEARLY 90 per cent of graduates from Arts University Bournemouth were working or studying five years later.

Figures suggests students from Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) were more likely to be employed five years after graduating than Bournemouth University, however BU students were earning more money on average.

The latest figures from the Higher Education Statistics Agency show 89.4 per cent of AUB graduates from class of 2013 were working or still studying five years later.

This was the highest of both universities in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, with data from 695 of the institution's graduates recorded living in the UK.

Meanwhile, 86.6 per cent of alumni from Bournemouth University were still in education or employment in the 2018-19 tax year.

Across Britain, languages graduates had the lowest average rate of employment or further study five years after finishing their course, of 79 per cent.

And at 93 per cent, those studying nursing and midwifery had the highest average rate.

The average rate for all graduates was down slightly on previous years.

The ISE said there is no denying that it takes longer for those who graduate in a recession to catch up with those who leave university at a more economically prosperous time.

And it warned that the coronavirus pandemic has made the jobs market tougher for students.

Stephen Isherwood, chief executive of the organisation, said: "If a student starts on the career ladder a couple of rungs lower than they would under normal circumstances, then it will take them longer to get to the stage where they want to be.

"Even though it’s difficult, it’s important to keep developing skills and be prepared to work harder to get a job.

"We need to make sure universities and employers continue to support this year’s graduates so they’re not forgotten in a year’s time when the new cohort enters the labour market.”

Though those who studied at AUB were the most employable in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, the highest salaries were being earned by those from Bournemouth University.

Bournemouth University students were earning a median salary of £30,300 in the 2018-19 tax year, which was higher than the average of £27,300 across all institutions from that year.

At AUB, the average salary was £23,400.