THE Royal Agricultural University (RAU) has been ranked third of the UK’s 160 universities and colleges in the UK for graduate employability, according to an annual national survey.

Recent surveys by the Higher Education Statistics Agency ( HESA) of 2014 graduates have shown that 98.2% of undergraduates are in employment or further study within six months of leaving the University.

Information from the 2014 full-time UK undergraduates also revealed that the majority (73%) had secured more senior positions – classed as ‘professional or managerial roles’.

RAU graduate Jess Sloss, said: “The intimacy the RAU offered was amazing. I knew all of my lecturers and the standards of teaching and support were excellent. Thanks to the stature of the University and the qualification I earned, I was able to find a fantastic job working as Industry Communications Manager at Red Tractor after graduating.”

Postgraduate employability rates at the RAU also remain encouragingly high. The most recent statistics reveal 92.9% are in employment or further study within six months after graduating.

RAU Vice-Principal, Professor Paul Davies said: “We are very encouraged by this latest survey. The Royal Agricultural University is known, nationally and internationally, for good student employability – and this reputation justly continues. The applied nature of our courses, their relevance to the world of work, and the University’s continuing close links and connectivity to employers remain the key. Student employment has been high for very many years at the RAU – but the figures this year are particularly pleasing. Employers clearly find RAU graduates attractive and long may this jobs record for Cirencester continue.”