Where Could Your Oxford Degree Take You? Insights from the Graduate Outcomes

Each year, we look at what Oxford students go on to do after they graduate. The latest results from the Graduate Outcomes Survey (GOS) of 2022-2023 leavers paint a clear and reassuring picture: most students move quickly into work, further study, or other meaningful next steps, and they do so at rates that compare very strongly with other leading universities.

For undergraduates, around 9 in 10 are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. For taught postgraduates, it’s even higher at 94%. These outcomes have remained consistently strong over the past several years and are typically around 6 percentage points higher than the Russell Group average, placing Oxford among the top-performing universities in the UK.

What do these pathways look like in practice?

Graduates in high-skilled employment

A majority of graduates go directly into employment. Around 62% of undergraduates and 79% of postgraduates are working, and most of these roles are high-skilled positions that make use of the knowledge and skills developed during their degree. These roles span a wide range of sectors, from finance, consulting, and law, to technology, research, public service, and the creative industries.

Graduates in further study

Further study is also a popular choice, particularly for undergraduates. Around 25% of undergraduates go on to postgraduate study, which is one of the highest rates in the Russell Group. For postgraduates, around 15% continue studying, often to specialise further or move into research.

Self-employed and freelancing graduates

Not everyone follows a traditional path. Oxford also has relatively high levels of self-employment and freelance work, with 7% of undergraduates and 11% of postgraduates choosing this route. This includes graduates building creative portfolios, working independently, or starting their own businesses.

Unemployed graduates

At the same time, unemployment levels remain low, at around 5% for undergraduates and 2% for postgraduates, both below sector averages.

Outcomes across the student body

Importantly, outcomes are strong across the student body. Differences by gender, ethnicity, or background are small, with only marginal variation in overall outcomes. This suggests that students from a wide range of backgrounds are able to progress successfully after Oxford.

How do Oxford graduates compare nationally?

In terms of earnings, Oxford graduates compare well with their peers nationally. Median salaries are around £33,000 for undergraduates and £40,000 for postgraduates, both above the Russell Group averages. While salaries vary by sector and career path, this provides a useful indication of early career outcomes.

Graduate interests 

Students’ career interests are also evolving over time. Some areas remain consistently popular, including academia and higher education, government and public services, and scientific research. However, there has been particularly strong growth in interest in technology, AI, and data-related careers, alongside a rapid rise in the creative industries. At the same time, interest in starting a business has gradually declined over the past decade.

There are also some differences in how students approach career planning. Undergraduates often explore a wider range of options and show more variation in their interests year to year, while postgraduates tend to have more focused career goals, reflecting their shorter courses and more specialised study.

Experience or satisfaction

It’s also worth looking beyond destinations to how graduates feel about where they are. The data show that outcomes are not just positive on paper, but meaningful in practice. Over 80% of graduates say their current activity feels meaningful, and a similar proportion say it fits with their future plans.

Meanwhile, 65% of undergraduates report that they are using what they learned during their degree, a noticeable increase on previous years.

Overall, the picture is a positive and balanced one. Oxford students go on to a wide range of destinations, but the common thread is strong outcomes, access to high-skilled opportunities, and a clear sense of direction. Whether you are aiming for a specific profession, exploring different options, or considering further study, you can expect to be well supported in taking your next step.