Nine in 10 (89%) graduates expect to land a graduate role following graduation, according to a survey from Sanctuary Search.

The research also shows while 74% of respondents acknowledge that the job market is more competitive since the recession, 60% expect to be on at least a £25,000 starting salary, which compares against an average starting salary of £19,677.

Tom Freeman, managing director of Sanctuary Search, says: “Our survey shows that despite the increasingly challenging economic conditions, the expectations of students from top universities are similar to pre-recession expectations.

“What does this mean for graduate recruiters? I think that despite the current employers’ market, firms must be aware that the top end of the graduate market is still bullish about their employment expectations, and that they therefore need to maintain a strong, competitive graduate attraction strategy, as well as offer an attractive package.”