STUDENTS from the University of Sussex are the most likely in Brighton to be employed in their first few years after graduating, figures suggest.

The latest figures from the Higher Education Statistics Agency show 87.7 per cent of University of Sussex graduates from class of 2013 were working or still studying five years later.

This was the highest of both universities in Brighton and Hove, with data from 1,935 of the institution's graduates recorded living in the UK.

Meanwhile, 87.4 per cent of alumni from The University of Brighton were still in education or employment in the 2018-19 tax year.

Across Britain, languages graduates had the lowest average rate of employment or further study five years after finishing their course, of 79 per cent.

And at 93 per cent, those studying nursing and midwifery had the highest average rate.

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

The Institute of Student Employers (ISE) said there is no denying that it takes longer for those who graduate in a recession to catch up with those who leave university at a more economically prosperous time.

And it warned 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.”

The HESA figures show that those who studied at The University of Sussex were also earning the highest salaries in Brighton and Hove.

The University of Sussex students were earning a median salary of £29,600 in the 2018-19 tax year, which was higher than the average of £27,300 across all institutions from that year.

At The University of Brighton, the average salary was £28,500.

Imperial College London alumni had the highest salaries after five years – earning an average of £47,800 each – while those from the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama, in London, were making just £16,900.

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."