Bis research paper number 128 The wider benefits of international higher education in the uk

5.2.2 Other characteristics 
Perhaps the key finding from our analysis of alumni’s experiences and perceptions of 
impact against personal characteristics was the absence of clear trends, subject to the 
rider of the modest sample size. For example, we saw very little difference in experiences 
or reflections between those who attended high-prestige, research-intensive universities 
and those who attended other institutions such as Post-92 universities. While some did 
recognise a number of unique attributes and benefits of their study in, say, Cambridge, the 
majority of the benefits perceived appeared to be independent of the broad type or mission 
group of the HE institution. Some of the most powerful stories of impact were from 
graduates who studied at relatively less well-known institutions. 
In much the same way, the geographical location of the HE institution seemed to matter 
little, as there were wide ranges of stories from all UK nations and English regions. One 
exception to this was some of those who studied arts and fashion, who had very 
deliberately chosen London due to its cultural importance, and benefited greatly from 
being there specifically. 
Almost two thirds of the alumni interviewed had studied Masters courses but the remainder 
had studied for longer periods in the UK for a first degree course or a postgraduate 
research degree. While there was some evidence for greater integration and socially-
derived benefit from those who had been in the UK for several years, many of the most 
‘positive’ stories were actually from graduates on Masters courses who had been in the UK 
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The Wider Benefits of International Higher Education in the UK 
year for a year or less. The length of stay, at least beyond that single year, did not appear 
to be a major driving factor in terms of extent of perceived impact. For some graduates 
who had remained in the UK for post-study employment, that additional experience could 
be very valuable – but due to the nature of the experience rather than its duration. 
Brief analysis by subject of study did not reveal distinct differences in terms of alumni’s 
experiences or perceived benefits, although many who studied business and finance 
courses had done so rather directly for career-related motivations, as might be expected. 
However, their perceptions of impact were much wider than this. Another notable grouping 
of graduates was those who had studied international development-related Masters 
courses and were now working in capacity-building and societal development roles in 
developing nations. There was also a small but quite prominent group of alumni who had 
studied art and design courses in London, several of whom were now pursuing successful 
arts careers in self-employment. However, again, the overall picture was much more of 
great diversity within any single subject grouping, suggesting that subject of study was not 
greatly influential in the experiences and benefits gained.