2023 QILT Longitudinal Graduate Outcomes Survey results released 

Humanities, arts and social sciences students continue to have outstanding outcomes post-graduation according to the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey. 

The 2023 longitudinal together with other Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) surveys shows employers are highly satisfied, that students have had positive experiences at university followed by great employment outcomes and enjoy very good salaries after graduation. 

Employers rate humanities, arts and social sciences graduates’ foundational, adaptive, collaborative, employment and technical skills as consistently above average,” said Australasian Council of Deans of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities President Professor Nick Bisley.

“These include literacy, numeracy, communication skills and the ability to investigate and integrate knowledge, to adapt, apply skills and knowledge and to work independently,” he said.

“Meanwhile students continue to enjoy high levels of satisfaction, consistently significantly above the average.” 

Humanities, culture and social sciences students reported 79.1 per cent were satisfied with the overall education experience compared with the average of 75.9 per cent. 

“The vast majority of humanities, arts and social sciences graduates are in full-time employment three years after graduating. Around 90 per cent of graduates are in jobs by then and employment outcomes across the creative arts, communications, and humanities, culture and social sciences are up around 30 per cent from 2020,” he said. 

Earnings for humanities, culture and social sciences graduates remain steady at around $82,000 three years after graduating. This is on par with the wider university average of $83,500. 

“More graduates of the arts, social sciences and humanities go into management roles than the average graduate. Around 11 per cent of communications and creative arts graduates go into management roles compared with the national average of 7.8 per cent,” Professor Bisley said. 

“The results paint a picture of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences students who are highly satisfied with their studies moving into well paid and rewarding careers where their employers appreciate their independence, critical thinking, adaptability and ability to communicate. 

“This is wonderful news for the cohort of students that is commencing their studies in Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences across the country.”