ABERYSTWYTH students earn less following graduation than those who studied at any other university in the UK, shock figures have revealed.

The latest edition of The Sunday Times Good University Guide shows huge variations in graduate salary levels, with Aberystwyth graduates earning a median average salary of just £16,000 a year six months after graduating - the lowest of any university in the UK.

Aberystwyth graduates earn £5,000 less than the £21,000 UK average for graduates after six months - with nearby rivals Bangor (£17,800) and Trinity Saint David (£17,500) both seeing their graduates earn over 10 per cent more than the average Aberystwyth graduate.

At the top, Imperial College London graduates earn an average £30,000 six months after graduating, with the London School of Economics and Cambridge graduates both earning over £27,000 on average.

The next worse to Aberystwyth are Plymouth Marjon (£16,500), Falmouth (£16,800), Norwich Arts and Bath Spa (both £17,000).

“Salary is important but it isn’t the sole measure of success,” an Aberystwyth University spokesperson said.

“We are graduating scientists, political analysts, environmental researchers and others who make a valuable contribution to society but who may not always be among the highest earners, especially during their early careers.

“We have focused in recent years on further embedding employability skills into our curriculum, with a wide range of new degree schemes offering a year in industry or a year abroad as well as structured work experience and other opportunities. This work continues and is reflected in our high employability rates."

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