In a battle between Oxford's two universities it has been revealed which Oxford university has the most employable students.

Figures suggest that Oxford Brookes University students were the most likely in Oxford to be employed five years after graduating.

Data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency shows 87.1 per cent of Oxford Brookes University graduates from class of 2013 were working or still studying five years later.

This was the highest of both universities in Oxford, with data from 2,575 of the institution's graduates recorded living in the UK.

thisisoxfordshire: Oxford Brookes

Meanwhile, 85.2 per cent of alumni from The University of Oxford were still in education or employment in the 2018-19 tax year.

The average rate for all graduates was down slightly on previous years.

The Institute of Student Employers (ISE) explained that it takes longer for a graduate in recession to catch up with those who leave university at a more economically prosperous time.

It also highlighted that the coronavirus pandemic has made the jobs market tougher for students, and means any job they do get might not be one they had set their sights on.

Stephen Isherwood, chief executive of the organisation, said: "If a student starts on the career ladder a couple of rungs lower than they would under normal circumstances, then it will take them longer to get to the stage where they want to be.

"Even though it’s difficult, it’s important to keep developing skills and be prepared to work harder to get a job.

"We need to make sure universities and employers continue to support this year’s graduates so they’re not forgotten in a year’s time when the new cohort enters the labour market.”

thisisoxfordshire:

Though those who studied at Oxford Brookes University were the most employable in Oxford, the highest salaries were being earned by those from The University of Oxford.

The University of Oxford students were earning a median salary of £42,100 in the 2018-19 tax year, which was higher than the average of £27,300 across all institutions from that year.

At Oxford Brookes University​, the average salary was £29,000.

The Office for Students said that despite the varying success of different courses and institutions, higher education still has huge importance for young people's careers.

Chris Millward, director for fair access and participation at the OfS, added: "We know that the opportunities available to graduates are significantly impacted by where they live and study.

"By forging links with local employers, universities and colleges are well placed to support economic recovery across the country – helping people of all ages to up-skill and supplying businesses and public services with the creative and adaptable people they will need to succeed."

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