A study published yesterday on 24 June demonstrates that doctoral graduates continue
to be highly employable across the economy in a wide range of occupations. What
do researchers do? First destinations of doctoral graduates by subject shows
that employers value the specialist and high level generic skills which doctoral
graduates possess. A third of doctoral graduates went into research as their first
destination, with the education sector being the most popular destination for all
disciplines, absorbing half of all doctoral graduates.
The study was carried out by Vitae, a national organisation committed to enhancing
the quality and output of the research base in the United Kingdom, through supporting
the training and development of researchers. Vitae is supported by Research Councils
UK (RCUK), managed by CRAC: The Career Development Organisation and delivered in
partnership with regional Hub host universities.
Professor Ian Diamond, Chair of RCUK, said: "The UK has a world-class research
base and to ensure we maintain our excellent position it is critical that we support
our doctoral graduates in making good career decisions. I welcome this publication
as an essential tool for helping to support and understand the needs of their highly-skilled
people who develop the innovative, cutting-edge research which keeps the UK at the
top of the global game."
Vitae is also launching a companion publication called What do researchers
do? Career profiles of doctoral graduates, a collection of 40 career profiles.
These career stories provide insights into the paths that doctoral graduates take
beyond their first destination.
For more information and to download a copy of the publications please
visit the Vitae website.
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Notes
Vitae builds on previous work by the UK GRAD Programme and UKHERD. Vitae is supported
by Research Councils UK (RCUK), managed by CRAC: The Career Development Organisation
and delivered in partnership with regional Hub host universities.
The seven UK Research Councils are:
- Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC);
- Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC);
- Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC);
- Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC);
- Medical Research Council (MRC);
- Natural Environment Research Council (NERC);
- Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC).
Contact
Chloë Somers
RCUK Press Officer
Tel: 01793 444592