麻豆约拍

John, Mohsin, Caroline and Fiona are four graduates from Leeds University and Leeds Metropolitan University who completed their degrees in June last year.

Six months in, programme two catches up with the group to see whether or not they have been able to find work, and introduces us to two new graduates, Samantha Del Core and Lauren Hughes.

Samantha graduated from Leeds Metropolitan University with a degree in Interior Architecture and had planned to set up her own business. But as Sam faces competition on the horizon from 2010's cohort of eager young graduates, will her entrepreneurial spirit carry her through?

And Lauren, an aspiring journalist, questions whether the seemingly endless round of work experience placements she has been doing will get her any where.

2010 was the previous Government's benchmark for getting 50% of all school leavers into Higher Education. By widening participation and increasing access to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, universities were seen as way of increasing social mobility.

But as entry to the top professions, such as law and medicine, continues to be dominated by those from the most affluent families, Sarfraz Manzoor asks whether a degree alone can enable someone to realize their aspirations.

Combining first-hand testimony with wider analysis, Sarfraz Manzoor explores the genuine experience of today's graduate, the impact they have on the economy and society, and what their futures may hold.

Producer: Katie Burningham
A Falling Tree production for 麻豆约拍 Radio 4.