Top 10 universities for getting a job (Oxbridge doesn't make the grade)

University is a fun ride, but eventually all students have to come crashing back down to earth and venture out into the working world. Our top 10 takes you through the universities which had the highest proportion of 2013/14 graduates entering employment and/or further study within six months. It's worth noting that many have a strong specialism and/or industry connections, meaning places such as Oxford and Cambridge do not feature.
Of course, all factors should be taken into consideration when choosing a university, and what you get out entirely depends upon what you put in, but these universities could give your employment prospects a significant boost.
10. University of Aberdeen
Percentage of graduates in employment and/or further study within six months: 95.8 per cent
Also achieving 95.8 per cent: Keele University, De Montfort University

Located on the East coast of Scotland, the University of Aberdeen offers students access to stunning coastline and opportunities for outdoor pursuits, in addition to performing well in terms of employment prospects. The university draws on over 500 years of academic history and places in the top third of the Complete University Guide tables for most subjects, with a particularly impressive sixth for geology.
9. University of West London
Percentage of graduates entering employment and/or further study within six months: 95.9 per cent

The University of West London tag-line is 'The Career University', and with over 95 per cent of 2013/14 graduates entering employment or further study within six months, the data certainly seems to back that up. Located just out of central London, the university offers students a great location, and their 'Future Campus' project aims to continually improve student experience.
8. St Mary's University, Twickenham
Percentage of graduates entering employment and/or further study within six months: 95.9 per cent

Founded in 1850 and regarded as the oldest Catholic university in the United Kingdom, St Mary's University is currently celebrating 165 years in education. The university's particular strengths lie in education, sport and theology, and there is a £6 million new library development opening later this year. The university is regarded as one of the highest performing sports institutions, and offers state-of-the-art sports facilities as well as regularly attracting top athletes. 7. University of Stirling
Percentage of graduates entering employment and/or further study within six months: 96 per cent

The University of Stirling has climbed five places and two percentage points from our employment prospects ranking last year, and the campus remains equally impressive. Set over 310 acres, incorporating a nine-hole golf course and 18th century castle, the campus has been described by police as one of the safest in Britain. Academically, the university's specialisms include patient centred cancer care, sports science and management. 6. University of Northampton
Percentage of graduates entering employment and/or further study within six months: 96.1 per cent

The University of Northampton gained university status in 2005, and maintains high levels of student satisfaction across a variety of departments. The university is planning a £330 million development to relocate to a new 55-acre campus by 2018, in addition to an array of other multi-million pound investments. Northampton has performed consistently over recent years in terms of graduate prospects, having maintained its original vocational focus. 5. University of Derby
Percentage of graduates entering employment and/or further study within six months: 96.9 per cent

The University of Derby place a heavy emphasis on producing work-ready graduates through real world learning, and their class of 2013/14 reflect this. The institution gained university status in 1992, but have a history dating back to 1851 when they first opened as a teacher training college. Set in the Peak District and home to companies such as Rolls-Royce and Bombardier, Derby certainly has a lot to offer students.
4. University of Surrey
Percentage of graduates entering employment and/or further study within six months: 96.9 per cent

Ranking in the top 10 for subjects such as civil engineering, linguistics and medical technology (according to the Complete University Guide), the University of Surrey match a strong academic offering with top graduate employment prospects. With free language lessons on offer for all students, and most undertaking professional training or study abroad as part of their degree, Surrey do all they can to prepare graduates for the post-university world. 3. Lancaster University
Percentage of graduates entering employment and/or further study within six months: 97 per cent

Lancaster University frequently places in the overall top 10 UK universities according to the Complete University Guide, with particular strength in subjects such as accounting & finance, general engineering and marketing. Lancaster has an on-campus recruitment agency, and has been investing heavily, with £450 million put into the campus over the last 10 years and a further £135 million planned. 2. Robert Gordon University
Percentage of graduates entering employment and/or further study within six months: 97.2 per cent

The second Aberdeen based university to feature on this list, Robert Gordon University has been consistently placed amongst the top scoring UK universities for employment in recent years. The Careers and Employability Centre extend their services to recent graduates in addition to current students, to ensure support doesn't end when students walk out of the door. Academically speaking, the university has a particular strength in medical technology, which it ranks third for according to the Complete University Guide. 1. Arts University Bournemouth
Percentage of graduates entering employment and/or further study within six months: 97.4 per cent

Sitting in the top spot is the Arts University Bournemouth (AUB), with a total of 97.4 per cent of the class of 2013/14 progressing to employment and/or further study within six months. The university specialises in art, design, media and performance across the creative industries, and became a full university in December 2012, although it was founded over 125 years ago. Notable alumni include Oscar winning screenwriter Simon Beaufoy and director Edgar Wright.

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