ATL

Graduates 'require 2:1 degrees for most jobs'

06 July 2010

Graduates with poor degrees will find it increasingly hard to get work in the future, it has been suggested.

Research carried out by the Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR) revealed that 78 per cent of employers will only consider applicants with a 2:1 degree or higher.

Furthermore, the study found that an average of 69 university leavers apply for each vacant position.

"Recruiters are under intense pressure this year dealing with a huge number of applications from graduates for a diminishing pool of jobs," said AGR chief executive Carl Gilleard.

However, he warned that dismissing candidates with poorer grades could see employers ruling out promising people who have skills in other areas.

According to the UK Graduate Careers Survey 2010, just a third of university leavers expect to find full-time employment this year.

Engineering and business studies students are most optimistic about finding work, with 57 per cent confident that they will secure a position.