Who studies languages, linguistics and area studies?
The experiences of students in languages, linguistics and area studies before entering higher education are an important part of their employability on graduation. • In 80-83% of LLAS (UCAS groups QRT) students are white compared to 73% of all HE students. • 63% of students in European languages (R) have 300 UCAS points or more compared to just 37% of all students. • 64% of European language (R) students are from SEG 1 and 2 compared to 55.7% in all subjects. • 70% of LLAS students are female compared to 53% of all students. Although negative for widening participation, this suggests that graduates in LLAS subjects strongly match the profiles of students with the highest levels of employability: • Graduates from the middle classes are more likely to get graduate jobs, perhaps due to higher self-confidence (Tricky 2003). Even Oxbridge graduates from lower socio-economic groups have lower earning potential than middle class graduates (University of East London 2002). • White students are
