Results of the First Destination Survey
(FDS) Report 2001/02
Prepared by Karyn Ball, 18 Feb, 2003
Page 1 of 17
Contents Page
Introduction 3
1.0 – First Destination Survey Results 3
2.0 – Graduates working by course studied 4
3.0 – Broadcasting 5
3.1 First Destination 5
3.2 Graduates working by job description 6
3.3 Gender Analysis 7
3.4 Age Analysis 7
3.5 Ethnic Analysis 7
4.0 – 3D Dimensional Design 7
4.1 First Destination 7
4.2 Graduates working by job description 8
4.3 Gender Analysis 9
4.4 Age Analysis 9
4.5 Ethnic Analysis 9
5.0 – Visual Information Design 10
5.1 First Destination 10
5.2 Graduates working by job description 11
5.3 Gender Analysis 11
5.4 Age Analysis 11
5.5 Ethnic Analysis 11
6.0 – Fashion 12
6.1 First Destination 12
6.2 Graduates working by job description 12
6.3 Gender Analysis 13
6.4 Age Analysis 13
6.5 Ethnic Analysis 13
7.0 – Moving Image Design 13
7.1 First Destination 13
7.2 Graduates working by job description 14
7.3 Gender Analysis 14
7.4 Age Analysis 14
7.5 Ethnic Analysis 14
8.0 – Interaction Design 15
8.1First Destination 15
8.2 Graduates working by job description 15
8.3 Gender Analysis 15
8.4 Age Analysis 15
8.5 Ethnic Analysis 16
9.0 – Communication and Technology 16
9.1 First Destination 16
9.2 Graduates working by job description 16
9.3 Gender Analysis 16
9.4 Age Analysis 16
9.5 Ethnic Analysis 16
10.0 – Interactive Digital Media 17
10.1 First Destination 17
10.2 Graduates working by job description 17
10.3 Gender Analysis 17
10.4 Age Analysis 17
10.5 Ethnic Analysis 17
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INTRODUCTION
Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication is required by law to return
data each year to the Higher Education Statistical Agency (HESA) on the destination
of every student achieving a higher education qualification within six months of
graduation. Once collected the information is forwarded to HESA where it is
compiled and analysed along with data collected in the same way from other higher
education institutions.
This process is referred to as the ‘First Destination Survey’ (FDS) and is sent to all
home and other EU students who graduated during the academic year 2001-2002.
The graphs and tables provided below represent information collected on the first
destinations of Ravensbourne graduates who successfully completed their
qualification and graduated from the College in 2002. The information relates to the
graduates circumstances on the 3rd January 2003.
In November 2002 each Ravensbourne graduate (home and other EU) received a
postal FDS questionnaire asking what he or she is doing in terms of a career or further
education. Those that did not respond by post were contacted by telephone during
January 2003 and the survey was conducted over the phone. The total response was
82% (the minimum return required by HESA is 80%). This represents 187 graduates
of known destination. This report is based on the graduates of known destination.
1.0 - FIRST DESTINATION SURVEY RESULTS
Of the 187 graduates of known destination 130 (70%) are employed/self employed,
14 (7%) have undertaken further study, 13 (7%) are unavailable for work and 30
(16%) are unemployed and seeking work. (See Graph 1 and Table 1).
Graph 1: First Destination Survey Results
Unemployed and
seeking work
16%
Not available for work
7%
Further Study
7%
Working
61%
Self-employed
9%
Page 3 of 17
Table 1: First Destination Survey Results
Number of Percentage of
Destination
graduates graduates
Working 114 61%
Self Employed 16 9%
Further Study 14 7%
Not available for work 13 7%
Unemployed 30 16%
Total 187 100%
2.0 - GRADUATES WORKING BY COURSE STUDIED
Of the Ravensbourne graduates that are working 51% studied Broadcasting, 18%
Three Dimensional Design, 12% Visual Information Design, 11% Fashion, 2%
Communication & Technology, 2% Moving Image Design, 2% Interactive Digital
Media and 2% Interactive Design. (See Graph 2).
Graph 2 : Graduates working
by Course Studied
Interactive Digital
Moving Image Design
Media
2% Interactive Design
2%
Communication & 2%
Technology
2% Three Dimensional
Design
Fashion
18%
11%
Visual Information
Design
12%
Broadcasting
51%
Page 4 of 17
Table 2: Graduates Working by Course Studied
Number of Percentage of
Course Studied
graduates graduates
Broadcasting 67 51%
Three Dimensional
24 18%
Design
Visual Information
16 12%
Design
Fashion 14 11%
Moving Image Design 3 2%
Communication &
2 2%
Technology
MA Interactive Media 2 2%
Interactive Design 2 2%
Total 130 100%
3.0 BROADCASTING
3.1 First Destination of Broadcasting Graduates
Of the 96 Broadcasting graduates required to complete the survey; 10 were
unobtainable, 67 were working (60 working/7 self-employed), 8 were in further study,
4 were unavailable for work and only 7 were unemployed and still looking for work.
Graph 3.1 illustrates this.
Graph 3.1 : First Destination of Broadcasting Graduates
Unemployed and
seeking work
Unobtainable
7%
10%
Not available for work
4%
Self-employed
7%
Further study
8%
Working
64%
Page 5 of 17
3.2 Broadcasting Graduates in work
Of the Broadcasting graduates working: 78% are in work related to their studies and
22% are in work unrelated to their studies, this is illustrated in Graph 3.1 and Table
3.1.
Graph 3.2 : Broadcasting Graduates in Work
- breakdown by job description
21% Other 22% Work unrelated
to broadcasting
7% Production
Assistant
16% Camera
operator
6% Edit assistant
9% Technical
Operator 9% Runner
10% Engineer
Table 3.2 : Broadcasting Graduates in Work - breakdown by job description
Number of Percentage of
Job Description
graduates graduates
Camera Operator 11 16%
Runner 6 9%
Engineer 7 10%
Technical Operator 6 9%
Edit Assistant 4 6%
Production Assistant 5 7%
Other related work 14 21%
Total number in work
related to their studies
53 78%
Total number in work
unrelated to their studies
14 22%
Total number working 67 100%
Page 6 of 17
3.3 Gender analysis
Of the 96 Broadcasting graduates 59 were male and 37 were female.
3.4 Age analysis
The average age of Broadcasting graduates was 25 years old. Table 3.4 shows a more
detailed breakdown.
Table 3.4 : Graduate breakdown by Age
Age Group Number of Graduates
20 – 25 61
26 – 30 18
31 – 35 10
36 – 40 6
Over 41 1
Total 96
3.5 Ethnic analysis
Table 3.5 below shows a breakdown of Broadcasting graduates by Ethnic Group.
Table 3.5 : Graduate breakdown by Ethnic Group
Ethnic Group Number of Graduates
White 60
White British 12
White Other 2
Black African 2
Black Caribbean 1
Black Other 1
Indian 2
Not known 12
Other 4
Total 96
4.0 THREE DIMENSIONAL DESIGN
4.1 First Destination of Three Dimensional Design Graduates
Of the 58 Three Dimensional Design graduates required to complete the survey; 18
were unobtainable, 24 were working (20 working/4 self-employed), 5 were in further
study, 5 were unavailable for work and only 6 were unemployed and still looking for
work. Graph 4.1 illustrates this.
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Graph 4.1 : First Destination of
Three Dimensional Design Graduates
Unemployed
10%
Working
34%
Unobtainable
31%
Self-employed
7%
Unavailable for work
Further Study
9%
9%
4.2 Three Dimensional Design graduates in work
Of the Three Dimensional Design graduates that are working; 56% went into work
related to their studies with the majority (43%) becoming designers and 44% went
into work unrelated to their course, this is illustrated in Graph 4.2 and Table 4.2.
Graph 4.2 : Three Dimensional Design Graduates in
work - breakdown by job description
44% Work unrelated
43% Designers to course
4% Archtect 9% Teacher
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Table 4.2: Three Dimensional Design Graduates
- breakdown by job description
Number of Percentage of
Job Description
graduates graduates
Architect 1 4%
Teacher 2 9%
Designers 10 43%
Total number in work
related to their studies 13 56%
Work unrelated to 3D
10 44%
Dimensional Design
Total number working 23 100%
4.3 Gender analysis
Of the Three Dimensional Design graduates 31 were male and 27 were female.
4.4 Age analysis
The average age of Three Dimensional Design graduates was 24, Table 4.4 shows a
more detailed breakdown.
Table 4.4 : Graduate breakdown by Age
Age Group Number of Graduates
20 – 25 48
26 – 30 7
31 – 35 3
36 – 40 0
Over 41 0
Total 58
4.5 Ethnic analysis
Table 4.5 details a breakdown of Three Dimensional Design graduates by Ethnic
Group.
Table 4.5 : Graduate breakdown by Ethnic Group
Ethnic Group Number of Graduates
White 46
White British 5
Bangladeshi 1
Asian Other 2
Black Caribbean 1
Black Other 1
Other 2
Total 58
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5.0 VISUAL INFORMATION DESIGN
5.1 First Destination of Graduates
Of the 24 Visual Information Design graduates required to complete the survey; 1was
unobtainable, 16 were working (13 working/3 self-employed) and 7 were unemployed
and still looking for work. None of the graduates went on to do further studies or
were unavailable for work Graph 5.1 illustrates this.
5.1 : First Destination of Visual Design Graduates
Unemployed and
seeking work
29%
Working
54%
Unobtainable
4%
Self-employed
13%
5.2 Visual Information Design Graduates in work
Of the Visual Information Design graduates 75% went into work related to their
course with the majority becoming Designers (43%). 25% went into unrelated work
this is illustrated in Graph 5.2 and Table 5.2.
Graph 5.2 : Visual Information Design Graduates -
breakdown by job description
19% Other work
related 25% Work unrelated
to course
13% Technical
Operators
43% Designers
Page 10 of 17
Table 5.2 : Visual Information Design Graduates
- breakdown by job description
Number of Percentage of
Job Description
graduates graduates
Technical Operators 2 13%
Designers 7 43%
Other related 3 19%
Total number in work
related to their studies 12 75%
Work unrelated to Visual
4 25%
Information Design
Total number working 16 100%
5.3 Gender analysis
Of the Visual Information Design graduates 11 were male and 13 were female.
5.4 Age analysis
The average age of Visual Information Design graduates was 24, Table 5.4 shows a
more detailed breakdown.
Table 5.4 : Graduate breakdown by Age
Age Group Number of Graduates
20 – 25 18
26 – 30 4
31 – 35 2
36 – 40 0
Over 41 0
Total 24
5.5 Ethnic analysis
Table 5.5 shows a breakdown of Visual Information Design graduates by Ethnic
Group.
Table 5.5 : Graduate breakdown by Ethnic Group
Ethnic Group Number of Graduates
White 46
White British 5
Bangladeshi 1
Asian Other 2
Black Caribbean 1
Black Other 1
Other 2
Total 58
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6.0 FASHION
6.1 First Destination of Graduates
Of the 22 Fashion graduates required to complete the survey; 3 were unobtainable, 14
were working, 1 went on to do further studies, 2 were unavailable for work, 2 were
unemployed and still looking for work. No graduates were self-employed. Graph 6.1
below illustrates this.
Graph 6.1 : First Destination of Fashion Graduates
Unemployed and
seeking work
9%
Unobtainable
14%
Working
Unavailable for work 63%
9%
Further Study
5%
6.2 Fashion Graduates in work
Graph 6.2 and Table 6.2 illustrate that 57% of the Fashion graduates went into work
related to their course with the majority becoming Design Assistants (29%) and 43%
in work unrelated to their studies.
Graph 6: Fashion Graduates
- breakdown by job description
14% Other
14% Assistant 43% Work unrelated
buyers to course
29% Design
assistants
Page 12 of 17
Table 6.2: Fashion Graduates - breakdown by job description
Number of Percentage of
Job Description
students students
Design assistants 4 29%
Assistant Buyers 2 14%
Other related work 2 14%
Total number in work
related to their studies 8 57%
Work unrelated to
6 43%
Fashion
Total number working 14 100%
6.3 Gender analysis
2 graduates were male and 20 were female.
6.4 Age analysis
The average age of Fashion graduates was 24, Table 6.4 shows a more detailed
breakdown.
Table 6.4 : Student breakdown by Age
Age Group Number of Students
20 – 25 19
26 – 30 2
31 – 35 0
36 – 40 1
Over 41 0
Total 22
6.5 Ethnic analysis
Table 6.5 shows a breakdown of Fashion graduates by Ethnic Group.
Table 6.5 : Student breakdown by Ethnic Group
Ethnic Group Number of Students
White 21
White Other 2
Total 22
7.0 MOVING IMAGE DESIGN
7.1 First Destination of Graduates
Of the 11 Moving Image Design graduates that were required to complete the survey:
3 were unobtainable, 3 were working (2 working/1 self-employed), 2 were
unavailable for work and 3 were unemployed and still looking for work. None of the
graduates were furthering their studies. Graph 7.1 illustrates this.
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7.1 : First Destination of
Moving Image Design Students
Unemployed and
Unobtainabe seeking working
27% 28%
Not available for
Working work
18% 18%
Self-employed
9%
7.2 Working Students
All three of the Moving Image Design graduates went into work related to their
studies, 2 went into graphic design and the other worked as part of a design team in
television.
7.3 Gender analysis
9 of the graduates were male and 2 were female.
7.4 Age analysis
The average age of Moving Image Design graduates was 25. Table 7.4 below shows a
more detailed breakdown of student age.
Table 7.4 : Student breakdown by Age
Age Group Number of Students
20 – 25 8
26 – 30 2
31 – 35 1
36 – 40 0
Over 41 0
Total 11
7.5 Ethnic analysis
Table 7.5 below shows a breakdown of 2002 Moving Image Design graduates by
Ethnic Group.
Table 7.5 : Student breakdown by Ethnic Group
Ethnic Group Number of Students
White 10
Black African 1
Total 11
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8.0 INTERACTION DESIGN
8.1 First Destination of Graduates
Of the 9 Interaction Design graduates that were required to complete the survey: 4
were unobtainable, 2 were working and 3 were unemployed and still looking for
work. None of the graduates were: unavailable for work, furthering their studies or
self-employed. Graph 8.1 below illustrates this.
8.1 : First Destination of Interaction Design Students
Unemployed and
seeking work
33%
Unobtainable
45%
Working
22%
8.2 Working Graduates
Both the working Interaction Design graduates went into retail work unrelated to their
studies.
8.3 Gender analysis
7 of the Interaction Design graduates were male and 2 were female.
8.4 Age analysis
The average age of Interaction Design graduates was 27. Table 8.4 shows a more
detailed breakdown of student age.
Table 8.4 : Student breakdown by Age
Age Group Number of Students
20 – 25 6
26 – 30 1
31 – 35 1
36 – 40 0
Over 41 1
Total 9
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8.5 Ethnic analysis
Table 8.5 shows a breakdown of Interaction Design graduates by Ethnic Group.
Table 8.5 : Student breakdown by Ethnic Group
Ethnic Group Number of Students
White 5
Black Other 1
Black Caribbean 2
Black African 1
Total 9
9.0 COMMUNICATION & TECHNOLOGY
9.1 First Destination of Students
Of the 5 Communication and Technology graduates required to complete the survey:
1 was unobtainable, 2 were working and 2 were unemployed and still looking for
work. No graduates were: unavailable for work, furthering their studies or self-
employed.
9.2 Working Students
One Communication & Technology graduate found work related to their studies as a
camera operator the other went into retail work unrelated to their studies.
9.3 Gender analysis
4 of the Communication & Technology graduates were male and 1 was female.
9.4 Age analysis
The average age of Communication & Technology graduates was 26. Table 9.4
shows a more detailed breakdown of student age.
Table 9.4 : Student breakdown by Age
Age Group Number of Students
20 – 25 3
26 – 30 1
31 – 35 1
36 – 40 0
Over 41 0
Total 5
9.5 Ethnic analysis
Table 9.5 shows a breakdown of Communication & Technology graduates by Ethnic
Group.
Table 9.5 : Student breakdown by Ethnic Group
Ethnic Group Number of Students
White 1
Black Caribbean 2
Black African 1
Not known 1
Total 5
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10.0 INTERACTIVE DIGITAL MEDIA
10.1 First Destination of Students
Of the 2 students that graduated in Interactive Digital Media and required to complete
the survey: 1 was working and 1 was self-employed.
10.2 Working Students
Both students found work related to their studies one as a camera operator the other
designing software.
10.3 Gender analysis
One of the graduates is male, the other is female.
10.4 Age analysis
One student was 33 years old the other was 29, making an average age 31.
10.5 Ethnic analysis
One student was white British the other Chinese.
Note
The FDS provides a 'snapshot' of what Ravensbourne graduates were doing on the 3rd
January 2003; previous or future achievements cannot be included.
The survey showed that 94 of the 130 students working found work related to their
studies but this figure is likely to change as many graduates take the opportunity after
they graduate to travel or take time out before starting out on their career paths.
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