Careers
Hard-working, ambitious Manchester graduates from the School of Environment & Development have risen to high-ranking positions within various career sectors, within the UK and across the globe.
On graduation all our students are highly employable, having developed a broad range of subject specific and transferable skills. Over the years a number of eminent individuals, alumni, and organisations have recognised the quality of our programmes by establishing prizes and awards for which undergraduate students are eligible.
In 2009/10, the average salary for graduates from The University of Manchester was £21,000 - with eleven graduates walking straight into jobs commanding a six-figure salary, and a further 75 graduates picking up more than £50,000 as a starting salary. Read the full article on the University website.
We work closely with The University of Manchester's Careers Service, voted best in the UK for the past four years. In Geography, for example, the Careers Service is directly involved in developing work-related skills in Communication Skills. The Careers Services' high quality resources and support can help you take charge of your career development from day one, from exploring your options, to securing your ideal job.
Your career options
Architecture
Most BA Architecture and BArch graduates have undertaken the further training required to become qualified architects. You can find out more about architect training on the Manchester School of Architecture website .
Others have chosen to move into other areas, such as interior design and education.
Geography
Typically, around a quarter of our Geography graduates progress onto postgraduate study or other professional training to become quantity surveyors, teachers, lawyers, town planners, environmental practitioners, and more.
Others join graduate training schemes in retail, finance and utility companies, or the public sector.
Planning
Planning graduates may find work in both multidisciplinary and specialist consultancies (e.g. planning / transport planning); in chartered surveying practices; with estate agents, and in commercial property management.
Some undertake further study to specialise in planning and related areas, such as urban design, environmental impact assessment and regeneration. Others have moved into different fields, such as retail and sales management.
Most of our programmes in this area provide you with accreditation by professional bodies such as the Royal Institute of Town Planning and the Landscape Institute.
Skills and knowledge to boost your prospects
Whether you wish to progress in a career related to your subject, or extend your talents in other directions, your Careers Service can advise you on options open to you.
As well as help with career choice and job-hunting, the Service can help you to develop the skills and experience that employers look for.
Resources include:
- Opportunities for part-time jobs, work experience, internships, graduate positions, postgraduate study and voluntary work, in the UK and overseas
- Comprehensive careers information online and in campus-based resource centres, including dedicated information on environment-related careers
- Wide range of careers fairs, covering a variety of industries
- Experienced careers consultants, including specialists in specific career areas
- Tailored support for international students
- Skills development programmes and workshops
Hundreds of employers participate in on-campus presentations, talks and workshops – and in mentoring schemes, where you can learn about your ideal job from an expert currently working in your target career area.
The Manchester Leadership Programme also gives you the chance to gain an award while learning skills and gaining insight into what it takes to become a successful and socially responsible leader in the 21st century.
Get support to make that next step, from help with job applications, to guidance on postgraduate study options, including specialist vocational training and research.