Manchester University has held on to the top spot for the second year running as the most targeted uni by the top 100 recruiters in the UK, according to a report published by High Fliers Research. The University of Manchester was applauded for attracting the highest number of top grad employers due to its employer presentations on-campus, university careers fairs, careers services promotions and virtual events over the past year. The report undertaken by High Fliers Research is now in its 18th year, independently reviewing the graduate job market. Over this time, the University of Manchester has been at the top of the rankings more than any other institution and ranked more consistently within the top three. According to Professor April McMahon, vice-president for teaching, learning and students: “This is fabulous news, and shows that our graduates and our university have an enviable reputation with top employers.” She went on to say: “Employability is right at the heart of what we do. Well done to our careers team and to everyone working to support students in getting work ready,” she stated. 

The report 

This Graduate Market in 2023 report is the largest annual careers survey of final-year students at Britain’s top 30 universities. The other top universities employers targeted the most in 2022/23 were Nottingham, Birmingham, Bristol, Warwick, Leeds, London (University College), Cambridge, Durham and Southampton. According to High Fliers Research: “The survey gives participating employers an exclusive insight into the career expectations and aspirations of final year students - just weeks before they leave university - and identifies the recruitment promotions, events and resources that students use during their search for a graduate job.” In addition, the latest findings show graduate recruitment at the top employers within the UK enjoyed a considerable boost last year, with a 14.5% rise in the number of grads recruited, compared to the previous year. Furthermore, the number of available graduate jobs in the UK is forecast to rise by an additional 6.3% this year. The largest recruiters of new grads are predicted to be accounting and professional services companies.