SOUTHAMPTON Solent University graduates are some of the most employable in the country, according the latest data from Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).

The university recorded its best ever result with 95 per cent of graduates from full-time degrees in employment or further study six months after leaving.

The statistics came out as the university embarked on its annual graduation ceremonies which began yesterday and will run until Friday at the city’s O2 Guildhall.

Solent climbed the table to 42nd place this year, an increase of 70 places, ranking them higher than Russell Group universities Oxford and Durham.

Meanwhile, the university’s part-time first degree leavers, recorded a 100 per cent employability rate in joint first position with seven other universities.

The figures are based on the Employment Performance Indicator (EPI) data which shows the percentage of leavers in employment or further study six months after graduation.

Vice chancellor Professor Graham Baldwin said: “This is great news for us as a University and particularly for our students who will be graduating from Solent next week. “We’re extremely proud of our ongoing commitment to producing work-ready graduates who leave us with the skills and experience they need to excel in their chosen careers.”

The university already has a number of initiatives to support students and graduates getting into work and progressing into their chosen careers including Solent Futures and Solent Creatives, which offers freelance opportunities for students with world leading clients.

One hundred and twenty professionals also gave up their time to mentor students at the university and help them to establish their dream careers.