More than half of those who graduated with primary degrees in science were working on the date of the HEA survey. A further 2.6 per cent were looking for work while 40 per cent were engaged in research, training or further study. Only 1.8 per cent went on to teacher training, compared to some 10 per cent of arts/social science graduates.

Of the graduates employed in Ireland, some 40 per cent were working for manufacturing and other non-service industries with 44 per cent in private services and 13 in public service. In general, salaries exceeded those of their arts/social science counterparts, with 48 per cent earning in the region of £13,000 to £18,999 and 15.5 per cent earning more than £19,000.

Other interesting HEA survey findings: More than four out of five 1998 architecture graduates were working full-time in Ireland last April. And 100 per cent of veterinary grads were in employment, though nearly two-thirds of them declined to reveal their income. Most of the rest topped £19,000.

All analysis by Anne Byrne