Futuretrack in 2011/12

The 2011/12 Stage 4 survey is now open. At this stage, most of the 2005/06 UCAS applicants who entered higher education will have completed their 3 and 4 year degrees. This survey looks at what happened next. Currently, the survey is open to existing participants, who have been sent an invitation and link to the survey. Everyone who completes the survey has the chance to win a cash prize. See the Futuretrack website for more information.

This longitudinal study will help to give an accurate indication of the participants’ opinions and experiences of both higher education and their future plans. The research is funded by the Higher Education Careers Service Unit (HECSU) in collaboration with the University and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS) and is part of a wider programme of research into career-making and the careers information and advice required by those entering the labour market in the early 21st century.

The Futuretrack 2006 Stage 1 survey drew responses from 130,000 2006 UCAS applicants. These were contacted again in 2007 and 2009 to complete the Stage 2 and 3 questionnaires. The Stage 1 survey asked participants about their financial and career plans and about the careers advice and information that guided their decision making; the results can be found in the reports on the right. The Stage 2 report has now been published and can be downloaded from the link on this page. The respondents replied to a range of questions concerning their experience of university life, whether they undertook paid or voluntary work in addition to their studies and the careers guidance information that was available. The results from the Stage 3 2009 survey are being published by HECSU as thematic papers. Those available discussed the themes of skills development, the impact of work and debt on the higher education experience, and the search and motivations for employment after graduation. They can be accessed here, along with a summary of findings so far.

Updated November 2011

Working Papers

'A New Classification of Higher Education Institutions'

'Job Search and Motivations'

'Paid Work and Debt'

'Skills Development and Perceptions of Skills Required'

Summary Reports

Findings from the Second Futuretrack survey 'Plans, aspirations and realities' 2009

Findings from the First Futuretrack survey 'Applying for Higher Education' 2008

HECSU policy consultation presentation June 2008

Futuretrack 2006 Stage 1 summary report

Futuretrack 2005 report

Futuretrack Main Site