91% of University of Bradford graduates in work or study – par for the course, says incoming VC

The fact University of Bradford notched up one of its best ever results on the most recent Graduate Outcomes survey did not come as a surprise for its new interim vice-chancellor, Professor Nick Braisby. 

According to the latest Higher Education Statistics Agency report, 91% of University of Bradford graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating (80% in work and 11% in further education).

Of those entering employment, 82% of UK-domiciled, full-time first-degree graduates entered high-skilled roles in the UK – up five percentage points from last year and significantly above the sector average of 70%.  

Bradford also climbed 30 places to 16th nationally for graduates entering high-skilled employment, marking a major step towards its strategic ambition of being in the UK top 10 for graduate outcomes. 

Professor Braisby, who joined Bradford on January 5 having previously been Vice-Chancellor and CEO of Buckinghamshire New University for seven years, retiring in January 2025, said: “Part of the reason I applied for this position – and came out of retirement – was Bradford’s outstanding track record on inclusion and delivering outcomes that benefit students. 

“There is a real commitment at the University to ensuring our students obtain the right blend of skills to succeed in their careers, and these results show Bradford punching above its weight. Its strategic commitment to putting students first, inclusion and widening access is exemplary and evidenced by these exceptional results.” 

Rankings climb 

The success is mirrored in recent league table rankings, with Bradford moving up 12 places (to 69 out of 123) in the Guardian league table, rising 25 places in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide (to 86 out of 130), and climbing 20 places in the latest QS World Rankings to 511. 

The University is also bucking the national trend when it comes to its business graduates.  

University-business collaboration has dipped for the second year in a row across the UK, hinting at growing pressure on the UK’s talent pipeline, according to the National Centre for Universities and Business. 

However, University of Bradford has recorded moderate growth for rising numbers of business graduates, up by 15.7% year on year. 

 

In demand 

Provost Paul Watson says the results bear out the University’s longstanding commitment to putting students first and widening access, twin pillars of its recently published 10-year strategy. 

He said: “The most recent HESA results were exceptional for Bradford and a clear indicator that our graduates are in demand for, and thriving in highly-skilled roles. It reflects the strength of our learning and teaching, the relevance of our courses and the support and access to opportnities and networks we provide to students as they prepare for their careers.” 

Zailie Barratt, Head of Career & Employability Service, added: “We are proud to see such strong outcomes, particularly in high-skilled employment. These results demonstrate the impact of our targeted employability initiatives and partnerships with employers, which ensure our graduates are ready for the future.” 

 

USPs 

University of Bradford prides itself on its student-centred approach and its ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. 

It is currently Daily Mail University of the Year for Social Inclusion 2026 and in 2024 was named University of the Year at the Social Mobility Awards. 

It has also been ranked top of the Higher Education Policy Institute’s Social Mobility Index in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. 

In 2025, the University unveiled an ambitious long-term strategy, part of which includes recruiting 10,000 new online learners by 2035, offering higher education courses when and where students want it.