Getting a Masters degree does not necessarily put you ahead in the jobs market, says the latest Graduate Market Trends from the Higher Education Careers Services Unit (HECSU).

It finds that there is no end in sight for this group of university leavers, who have an overall unemployment rate slightly higher than that for full-time undergraduates.

HECSU deputy director of research Charlie Ball says: "What is not currently clear is whether this is a response to recession and consequent increased enrolment on Masters courses or indicates a deeper weakness in the labour market for Masters graduates. 

“However, these findings underline that, far from the popular misconception that 'you need a Masters to get a job these days', a Masters qualification comes with no guarantee of employment at the end of your course.”