According to the 2023–2024 High Fliers Research, the top universities most targeted by graduate employers are the University of Birmingham, University of Manchester, University of Nottingham, University of Leeds, and University of Bristol — with Birmingham ranked first.

While Oxford and Cambridge are prestigious and top-ranked academically, they aren’t always the most targeted for direct recruitment. In the latest employer engagement rankings, Oxford placed 15th and Cambridge 13th, behind universities like Birmingham and Manchester.

Globally, the University of Cambridge and University of Oxford lead for graduate employability, ranking 5th and 7th in the world respectively. Other UK institutions like Imperial College London, LSE, and London Business School also perform strongly in global rankings.

Graduate employers use a range of channels including careers fairs, on-campus presentations, skills workshops, sponsored modules, and online job boards. They focus on universities with a strong reputation for employability and large student cohorts in sought-after subjects.

Not always. While high-ranking universities often have better resources and employer links, job prospects also depend on your degree subject, grades, experience, and networking. Some lower-ranked universities are highly valued in niche industries.