What is the Destinations Survey?

The Destinations Survey, officially known as the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey, is an annual survey that the government requires all higher education institutions in the UK to conduct. All UK and other EU graduates are contacted approximately 6 months after they have graduated to find out what they are doing in terms of work and study.

How is the data collected?

Strict guidelines and timetables for the collection of the data, that all higher education institutions must adhere to, are issued by the Higher Education Statistical Agency (HESA).

A questionnaire is sent to graduates at their home address, and/or a link to an on-line version emailed, in April or November depending on when they completed their course. Graduates who do not return the postal questionnaire or complete the survey on-line are telephoned for a response.

• Example of a postal questionnaire
• Example of a telephone survey script

What happens to the data?

The data is sent to HESA who publish a reference volume (combined book and CD-ROM) for each survey. HESA also pass the data, or parts of it, to other organisations that need the information to carry out their statutory functions connected with funding higher education.

At Leicester the data is used to inform current students about the type of opportunities that might be available to them; to produce reports that illustrate patterns in graduate employment; in departmental reviews and planning activities; in promoting and developing the Careers Service; in promoting the University as a whole to prospective students and other administrative functions.

All the information is handled in accordance with the Data Protection Act (1998) and the University’s Data Protection Code of Practice.

Where can I find the data for Leicester?

• Destinations data for Leicester first degree graduates
• Destinations data for Leicester postgraduates

Where can I find the data for other higher education institutions?

The HESA website provides information about the Destinations Survey, links to the Destinations Survey Publications and selected, downloadable national Destinations statistics.

The Prospects website provides an overview of the national data including destinations for specific subjects.