Employability at Durham

Durham graduates are among the best in the world and sought after by global employers. They bring intellectual rigour, leadership and adaptability to the workplace, enabling them to add value from day one.

49th in the world

for Employer Reputation, QS World University Rankings 2027

88% of graduates

in work or further study 15 months post-graduation (Graduate Outcomes Data 2026)

8th in the UK

for graduate prospects in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2027

Giving graduates the employability edge

Durham graduates are some of the most sought after, offering a range of knowledge, skills and experience developed by excellent teaching, internationally rated research and a wealth of opportunities outside the traditional curriculum.

Not only is Durham University world-leading in academic fields, but we also pride ourselves on challenging our students to participate above and beyond their academic commitments. The breadth and depth of opportunities for wider student experience – from sports and music to membership of Common Rooms, mentoring or student enterprise – helps our students develop as people. This rounded package of experience gives Durham graduates the employability edge with employers on their career journey.

Work with our students

Two students walking past a Careers & Enterprise pop-up banner

Durham graduates bring intellectual rigour, leadership and adaptability to the workplace, enabling them to add value from day one. Our global outlook, academic excellence and distinctive wider student experience ensure our graduates stand out to employers and make a lasting impact in organisations around the world. Our university supports students as individuals while delivering outstanding outcomes.

Professor Karen O’Brien

Vice-Chancellor and Warden

Why employers choose Durham graduates

Innovation, drive and a global outlook - find out what sets Durham graduates apart from the crowd in the eyes of employers.

Information for employers

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What employers think of Durham graduates

We inspire our students and graduates to think like leaders, spark new ideas and deliver global impact, so as well as going on to employment, we are proud of the entrepreneurship of many of our graduates.

Anthony Atilola

Talent Acquisition Team, Levin

A man smiling and sitting to be interviewed

Sarah Besford

Training Centre Administrator, Carmel Teacher Training Partnership

A woman smiling while sitting to be interviewed

Edward Twiddy, Atom Bank

"Durham offers students a range of opportunities, helping them to develop purpose, leadership skills, balance and a sense of team – all invaluable attributes to an employer."

Graham Odds, Scott Logic Ltd. Newcastle

Durham graduates are not only confident and academically talented, but they have also developed a keen sense of their own responsibility to tackle some of the most complex challenges, for example, sustainable software development and managing waste.

Eddie Cui, MSc in Business Analytics, 2023

The dissertation project allowed me to engage with real businesses and tackle practical challenges, which greatly boosted my confidence. I also developed essential soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which have been crucial in my transition to the workplace.

A student in a dark grey suit posing for a photo against an off-white background

How we work with employers

We actively partner with regional, national and international organisations, making connections to our academic expertise, student talent, and equipment and facilities.

By forming strong partnerships with employers around the world, we provide exciting opportunities for our students and graduates whilst helping our partner organisations to grow and succeed with world-class talent.

Find out more